Calypso vs FinchBlox
Calypso
calypso.softwareFinchBlox
learn.birdbraintechnologies.comSide by side
| Figure | Calypso | FinchBlox |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.3 (#8) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Curriculum | The site offers free curriculum activities covering computer vision, speech recognition, and artificial intelligence. | BirdBrain provides more than 30 classroom activities, teacher courses, tutorials, and printable resources for Finch. |
| Headquarters | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, United States | Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States |
| Privacy | The Help Center says the Calypso software does not collect personal information and that the store collects purchase information for billing and software update notices. | BirdBrain says its software is designed for children under 13 and that personal information is never transmitted to BirdBrain. |
| Support | The site links to a Help Center, curriculum, forum, and contact page. | The FinchBlox course directs users with questions to [email protected]. |
Plans
In their own words
FinchBlox
FinchBlox is BirdBrain Technologies’ block-based coding app for programming the Finch Robot 2.0. Its three levels build from sequencing the robot’s motors, lights, and buzzer to using parameters, sensors, loops, and concurrent sequences. Students can change code while it runs and remain connected to the robot. The app is free, but connecting the Finch requires a micro:bit with a specific Bluetooth .hex file, placed there using a computer with a USB port. FinchBlox is listed for Windows, Mac, Chrome/Chromebook, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire. BirdBrain provides tutorials, block descriptions, classroom activities, and a teacher video course; activities include math, mazes, drawing, dance, and stories. The maker says its software is designed for children under 13, requests only permissions needed to function, and does not transmit personal information to BirdBrain. Bluetooth permission is required, and Android also requires location permission for Bluetooth.