With the introduction of Lockdown we will not be meeting in person or running face-to-face training until further notice. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this difficult period.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term that has been bandied about for some time now, but lots of people still have no idea what it means or, at best, think it has something to do with fridges re-ordering food you're running low on. Actually, this was the answer I got from my girlfriend when I asked her about IoT. She was also rather sceptical about the whole concept, since the fridge wouldn't know her plans for the week (in/out, entertaining, etc.) nor whether she actually wanted any more of that product.

“It could send me a list by text, I suppose,” she suggested doubtfully, “but I wouldn't want it re-ordering stuff I didn't like or buying more milk just before I go on holiday.”

And therein lies part of the problem. People struggle to see how IoT would really work in their lives and many IoT “solutions” seem to be solving problems that don't actually exist. All of which has sadly made it hard for the public (and the press) to take the topic seriously. Furthermore, people think that it must all be very difficult and so they shy away from trying to create IoT solutions themselves or in the classroom.

However, the Internet of Things is so much more than smart fridges (and even they are rather cleverer than their press would suggest). In essence, IoT is when any everyday object has Internet connectivity, which allows it to send and receive data. So, a plant pot that sends you a text when your plant needs watering, or a house alarm that sends you an email when someone enters your home. It's about building useful, connected devices that make everyday life easier.

IoT is expected to just keep growing, with an estimated 25 billion IoT devices to be in use by 2020. So the big question is: where will we find the expertise to design and create all of these new tools, when we don't have enough computer science and engineering graduates to meet existing demand for their skills?

When trying to predict the future, I think it's useful to look at history. If we go back 20 years, only experts created websites. Nowadays, most people create their own, thanks to platforms, such as Wordpress, which allow users to customise their websites to fit their needs perfectly. These platforms were a success, because they made the process much simpler by removing the need to install tools or configure a server; users could simply be guided step by step in their web browser.

If we really want to achieve the IoT vision of smart, connected cities and homes, we need to encourage and empower young people to realise that they can similarly contribute to the Internet of Things today and help shape their digital future. Designing the products for tomorrow doesn't need lots of fancy equipment; you can get started with a CodeBug!

Indeed, at a CodeBug workshop last year, one attendee created a prototype IoT application that warned if a child safety gate was left open - a problem familiar to his family. This powerful example shows how CodeBug brings innovation into the hands of everyone; inspiring a complete beginner to create a device to solve his own need, which could even be commercialised into a new product (with the help of a professional embedded engineer or two).

As with web-developers, there will still be a need for professional engineers and technologists to turn ideas into robust, reliable, well-engineered products. That's why we've created the more powerful, Internet-connected CodeBug Colour - to give secondary school pupils (and others) an easy-to-use device that helps them learn more about coding and electronics and can be used as a basis for developing IoT products. And hopefully, inspire some of the people who will be making 25 billion IoT devices a reality.

Just to finish...shortly after our discussion on IoT, my girlfriend let out an exasperated sigh in the kitchen...she'd run out of washing powder.

“I doubt you can design a 'clever cupboard', which knows what I need, though,” she challenged sweetly, “but maybe you can make a device that I can yell 'need washing powder' at and then when it detects me entering a supermarket, it can yell my reminders back at me, so that I don't forget things.”

Although I probably wouldn't go about designing it quite like that, it seems that there is perhaps room in her life for an IoT solution after all!

If you're interested in learning to create your own IoT devices, why not back our latest kickstarter campaign to get an ESP32-powered CodeBug Colour (with built-in wifi and bluetooth) at a special kickstarter offer price?

PyCon UK 2016 - A conference, cat-flaps and education

Wow, what an amazing conference! I've been to countless conferences over the years and none has been anywhere near as enjoyable as PyCon UK 2016. It stands out for a number of reasons that other conferences could learn from. Not only was it fun, but it was tremendously useful and, in all honesty, inspirational. There was definitely an overwhelming vibe of friendliness throughout the weekend; people were eager to chat and share ideas, opening up thoughts of collaborations and unexpected 'have you thought about?' opportunities. Here’s a summary of what went on.

Python Cat Flaps

My talk, "Python Cat Flaps", gave a light hearted introduction to creating Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets with Python and showcased The Things Network, which is bringing low cost, low power, community-owned networks for data gathering and remote control.

The Things Network is a project close to my heart at the moment (I'm in the process of getting Things Network Oldham up and running), so it was especially gratifying to discover that, by the time I got home on Saturday, one of my audience had already set up the Things Network Cardiff, as a direct result of my talk!

Fancy a PyCon talks binge?

Attendees at Pycon UK 2016 were definitely spoilt for choice when it came to the talks on offer. Happily, the generous volunteer organisers have now made all of the sessions available online, so you can catch up on any that you missed. My personal recommendations would definitely include:

• Kirk Northrop’s entertaining "Micro Python, the Internet of Things and the £3 device"
• Why do kids need to learn to code and how to help by Cat Lamin
• Daniele Marco Procida sharing his experiences creating websites with Django in "10 years, 7 deployments and a lesson"

The last one struck a chord with me personally, as it brought back memories of similar issues (and solutions) faced when creating and deploying the CodeBug website.

PyCon UK & Education

Computing education was a hot topic at this year's PyCon UK and one key theme was how people (both learners and teachers) need encouragement and need to see progress. This concept is something we're familiar with at OpenLX SP Ltd, as it was the inspiration behind our CodeBug device (for teaching coding to beginners) and our other education resources. Just like Python, it’s easy for beginners to see positive results from their initial effort.

Regarding how to shape the future we want to see through PyCon UK and the Python community, Nicholas Tollervey summed up the challenge well last year:

"Asking what sort of education and learning our community supports is how we decide what sort of community we become. For it is through education and learning that we engage with our future colleagues, friends and supporters."

So what sort of community do we want to become and what are the key things that we need to do achieve it?

• Firstly, if we want to encourage and inspire the developers of the future, we need to see more developers collaborating with teachers and learning from each other's strengths. Working with the youngsters, witnessing their progress and seeing their potential, should encourage developers to get more involved in education and truly make a difference to individuals and the community as a whole.
• We need to remove barriers to delivering quality education. Broadly, this means creating two environments: (1) An unintimidating, safe space for teachers to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to deliver computing lessons with confidence; and (2) a suitably planned and equipped classroom to allow those lessons to take place free from the frustrations of poor timetabling, unresponsive technology or restrictive IT policies.

As one of the volunteers helping the Raspberry Pi education team at the conference, I was reminded how rewarding education is; seeing youngsters start the day having never coded and ending it going on stage showing what they've made, what they'd learned to code themselves and buzzing with more things they wanted to make. It almost made me miss teaching Computer Science to undergrads at the University of Manchester!

Education is the key to creating the snowball effect the community is looking for. Better education of teachers leads to better education of learners, which creates more developers and new ideas… which all creates a bigger and higher performing community. Win-wins all round.

For more thoughts on PyCon UK, why not check out Laura Sach’s "Code? Boom!" Blog?

Nightclubs and good night’s sleep don't mix

The only fly in the ointment all weekend was a poor choice of hotel on my part. Unbeknown to me, Travelodge Cardiff Queen Street is sadly situated opposite one of the city's most popular (and noisiest) clubs… with a 4am licence (even on a Wednesday) and virtually no sound insulation. Following complaints, Travelodge's website now states "some external noise can be heard", but that doesn't really do full justice to the pounding bass that made its way through 5 layers of glazing and earplugs into my head. Not exactly the best preparation for my talk at midday on Thursday!

The future's bright

PyCon actively works to be inclusive. And this is absolutely genuine. Practical matters like a creche, a code of conduct and a varied program of talks ranging from teaching computing in education, to neurodiversity looking into autism and the human mind to how companies can deploy Python. While PyCon UK does already provide bursaries for teachers to cover the cost to attend, perhaps these could be extended for those able to demonstrate that they had financial challenges?, PyCon UK apparently distributed £4000 to help those with financial challenges attend the conference. Obviously I missed it (maybe because I wasn't looking to find it), but that's really good news.

All in all, PyCon UK was a fantastic experience and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone in the Python community. Many thanks to the organisers for inviting me to speak at the conference and for all the work that goes on behind the scenes. I'm already looking forward to attending future PyCon events. When's PyCon Europe again?

Have you decided what you're getting your Dad this Father's Day (Sunday, 19th June in UK, Ireland, US and many other countries)? If you'd like to find a memorable alternative to socks, then you've come to the right place.

Here at OpenLX, we're passionate about quality and simplicity by design and we have a range of fun and easy-to-use devices, which make ideal and inexpensive gifts for gadget-loving Dads this Father's Day. From CodeBug, which is aimed at beginners, to PiFace add-ons for Raspberry Pi, which allow makers to take their creativity further, there's something for every tech-loving Dad.

CodeBug

CodeBug is perfect for gadget-mad Dads who like to tinker with new devices or those who have always wanted to learn to code, but never found the time. A small, programmable and wearable device retailing for just £15, CodeBug is aimed at complete beginners and is so easy to use that anyone can complete their first program in just a few minutes. It's not just for beginners, though, as CodeBug can also be used as the “brain” in more complex computing projects.

You can also personalise your CodeBug gift with ease. Simply follow the tutorial on the CodeBug website to create a basic program with your own scrolling message for your Dad. Download the program to your Dad's CodeBug and it will appear the next time the CodeBug is powered up.

PiFace add-ons for Raspberry Pi

Is your Dad a Raspberry Pi enthusiast? Or does he have a Raspberry Pi languishing in a drawer, because he has run out of ideas on where to take it next? Fear not! The PiFace range makes creating with Raspberry Pi as easy as pie!

Are you spoilt for choice thanks to the many PiFace boards available? If so, we recommend PiFace Control and Display 2, as it will allow your Dad to work easily with inputs and outputs and connect things like motors, switches and lights and it is therefore perfect for a wide variety of fun and interesting projects.

I am very much a man of many hats: CEO, designer, maker, researcher, trainer…etc. The last two days, however, have revolved around my role as one of the volunteer co-organisers of the Manchester Raspberry Jams.

If you're not familiar with Raspberry Jams (except of the edible variety), they are community groups set up to help users get the most out of the Raspberry Pi – a low-cost, credit-card sized computer. Although small, it's very versatile and Jam members (who range in age from 7 to 70-odd) can build a seemingly endless variety of projects, e.g. using the Pi as the “brain” of a robot that can drive itself.

Over the last two days at Manchester Central, we've been showcasing the latest inventions by Manchester Jam members at Business Rocks: “The global stage for tech innovation”, with headline speaker Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple Inc.). The event provided ample opportunity to impress and entertain influential people from key industries with Jam members' creations and prove that digital innovation is alive and well in Manchester.

Highlights on show included racing robots and yet another of my hats: the CodeBug RPi3 Pano Hat, which takes 360° panoramic pictures in an instant using 8 Raspberry Pi3, 8 Pi cameras and, of course, our very own CodeBug.

It's always great fun to be part of the Jams and help people bring their ideas to life. At Manchester Jam, we are committed to helping people get involved in digital innovation — whether experienced makers or complete beginners. As President Obama recently said:

In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill — it’s a basic skill, right along with the three ‘Rs’.

As learning to code becomes increasingly important in our increasingly digital world, the Jams can provide both a useful hobby and a fantastic learning environment for both young and old — and they're open to anyone.

If you'd like to get involved, why not sign up for the next Manchester Jam session at “The Shed” at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) on Saturday, 11th June. Or find a Raspberry Jam near you here.