In a move aimed at enhancing the mobility and usability of computing devices in areas where connectivity is an issue and electricity supply limited, innovators Motsholane Sebola from Haenertsburg and Luyanda Vappie from the Eastern Cape reportedly built the world’s smallest personal computer (PC), named ‘Prism’, that does not require a physical keyboard, mouse or monitor.
The two Information Technology pioneers have their sights set on disrupting modern day computing with a PC equipped with virtual input and output peripheral. Prism is reportedly the world’s first PC that has a virtual keyboard and mouse and aims to enhance digital skills by improving the accessibility of digital literacy tools. The PC is a small compact unit that produces around 2 gigahertz of processing power, has Bluetooth, wireless, local area network and a battery that lasts about two hours.
The onboard memory capacity is 64 gigabytes extendible by a secure digital card to 200+GB. Sebola was quoted to have said Prism represents the future of computing, adding that the fourth industrial revolution presents the opportunity for young people to be innovative. “What we have essentially done is create virtualised components for input and output devices and in a compact unit that can be used anywhere.
“It’s all in one solution that incorporates virtual input peripherals and display in a single convenient package. It is highly interactive and usable in both urban and rural environments,” Sebola explained.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
