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FinchBlox
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States
What it is
FinchBlox is BirdBrain Technologies’ free, icon-based coding app for use with the Finch Robot 2.0. Its beginner Level 1 is described as suitable for absolute beginners age 5 and up, and lets learners sequence actions for the robot’s motors, lights, and buzzer. Level 2 adds parameters for motor, light, and buzzer blocks; Level 3 adds sensor blocks, loops, and concurrent sequences. Students can change code while it runs and stay connected to the Finch. BirdBrain provides tutorials, block descriptions, activities, and a video course for teachers. Activities include number-line math, telling time, mazes, drawing shapes, dance, and Finch Tales. The app is listed for Windows, Mac, Chrome/Chromebook, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire. Connecting the Finch requires downloading the app and placing a specific Bluetooth .hex file on the micro:bit using a computer with a USB port. The app requires Bluetooth permission, which requires location permission on Android. BirdBrain says its software is designed for children under 13, requests only permissions needed to function, and does not transmit personal information to the company.
For and against
For
- Free to use
- Level 1 suits beginners age 5 and up
- Includes three coding skill levels
- Learners can edit code while it runs
- Offers tutorials, activities, and teacher video course
Against
- Requires a Finch Robot 2.0
- Setup requires a micro:bit and USB computer
- Android Bluetooth use requires location permission
The verdict
FinchBlox introduces block coding through actions on a connected Finch robot and provides resources for learners and teachers. Setup requires the specified micro:bit file and a computer with a USB port.
Who it suits
It suits young beginners learning block coding with a Finch Robot 2.0, as well as teachers using the listed activities and video course.
Plans and prices
FinchBlox
Requires Finch Robot 2.0 · Bluetooth-capable device · icon-based programming
Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
On the record
- Activities
- Listed activities include number-line math, telling time, mazes, drawing shapes, dance, and Finch Tales.learn.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Android permissions
- FinchBlox requires Bluetooth permission on Android, which also triggers location permission requirements.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The app is designed for children age five and older, including pre-readers.play.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Battery
- BirdBrain advertises more than seven hours of Finch Robot 2.0 battery life.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Bluetooth permission
- FinchBlox requires Bluetooth permission, which requires location permission on Android.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Bluetooth requirement
- The mobile app requires Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Low Energy on the phone or tablet.play.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company founding
- BirdBrain Technologies was founded in 2010 at Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters and size
- LinkedIn lists BirdBrain Technologies as headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with 11–50 employees.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company ownership
- BirdBrain Technologies says it is now part of the CreXo family of STEM brands.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Curriculum
- BirdBrain provides more than 30 classroom activities, teacher courses, tutorials, and printable resources for Finch.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer tooling
- BirdBrain publishes Java and Python libraries, MakeCode extensions, and Snap/Brython web applications for Finch and related robots.learn.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The official program page provides setup instructions and progressive learning modules for movement, lights, sound, and control.learn.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Funding
- Crunchbase lists National Science Foundation grants among BirdBrain Technologies' funding rounds.crunchbase.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Google Play listing
- Google Play lists FinchBlox with 1K+ downloads and an Everyone content rating.play.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Hardware features
- The Finch Robot 2.0 includes drawing support, line tracking, radio messaging, light, obstacle and sound sensing, full-color LEDs, a buzzer, compass, and a plastic-brick adapter.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Learning resources
- BirdBrain provides FinchBlox tutorials, block descriptions, activities, and a video course for teachers.learn.birdbraintechnologies.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Legal name
- Crunchbase lists the legal entity as BirdBrain Technologies LLC.crunchbase.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Level 1
- Level 1 teaches sequencing, such as making the robot move, beep, and turn.play.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
