Raspberry Pi competition launches
Electronics distributor CPC is issuing an invitation for individuals to compete in a competition to use the Raspberry Pi in innovative ways.
The CPC Raspberry Pi Hack, due to launch in December, will give entrants 24 hours to create, design and build something "which involves the Raspberry Pi".
The Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized Linux computer developed in the UK by the non-profit Raspberry Pi Foundation. Aimed at bringing affordable programming to the UK's educational system, it contains a ARM1176JZF-S 700 MHz processor, VideoCore IV GPU, and originally was shipped with 256MB of storage. After selling out within hours at its launch, the computer was later upgraded to 512MB.
The Linux computer has been used in a variety of developments by enthusiasts across the globe, including recent projects like Meztek's version of Google Glass, a simple game that teaches programming, and add-ons which give the Raspberry Pi a new board and camera.
Teaming up with the University of Central Lancashire, CPC will accept 100 competitors -- either individually or in teams of up to four people. The "hackathon" will give entrants a room, Internet access, soldering irons and food, where competitors will use the day deadline to create software or hardware based on the credit card-sized computer.
Although CPC prefers entrants to bring their own Raspberry Pi on the day, 100 are available for purchase.
After 24 hours, the competition projects will be scrutinized by judges. Categories include Best Hardware Hack, Best Software Hack, Best Game, Best Team and Best Individual.
Prizes include camcorders, Android tablets and a tour of Sony UK's Raspberry Pi manufacturing facility.
David Deventer, head of marketing at CPC said:
"Raspberry Pi is revolutionalizing the tech market and we wanted to host the UK's first dedicated hack-day to celebrate the most talked about gadget of 2012. We can't wait to bring Britain's best minds together for 24-hours of the most creative computing and watch the magic happen."
The Raspberry Pi Hack will be held at Munro House in Leeds on 1 and 2 December.