The firm behind the much-vaunted Raspberry Pi, a credit card-sized computer programming learning aid, has announced that later this year they will launch a plug-in camera module for the pocked-sized PC.
The first edition of the device was launched earlier in 2012 and has already proven to be popular in schools, in large part due to its reasonable cost. It is hoped that the device will help to stimulate interest in computer engineering and, in the long-term, encourage young people to pursue computer-focussed careers.
And the developers have revealed the latest evolution of the device, which sees the installation of a 14-megapixel sensor. In its current guise, Raspberry Pi features two USB ports and an SD card slot. The latest announcement, however, is seen as a significant landmark as it opens new doors to school-age technology enthusiasts.
In a new post on the Raspberry Pi website, Liz Upton explained: "We may downgrade the super-duperness of the camera to something with fewer than its current 14 megapixels before release; we need to keep things affordable, and a sensor of that size will end up pricey.
"Before you ask (I know it'll be the first question most of you have), we don't have a price for the camera module yet; we'll need to finalise exactly what hardware is in it first, but we will, of course, be ensuring that it's very affordable."
From an educational viewpoint, the installation of the camera technology is seen as significant as it will make it possible for the creation of robotics. Additionally, Ms Upton explained that the installation of the sensor opens the door for the creation of home automation apps that "people have been wanting to build".