Having the programming interface for this device run through a simulator in a browser makes this an extraordinarily accessible device. You don't even need the hardware to see what your code will do.

However, with the BBC distributing then to every 11- and 12-year-old, there should be no shortage of devices for some time to come.

Looks like next summer's lemonade stands will be selling everything from home security to self-driving roller-skates.