ARDUINO COMPATIBILE

We love Arduino, and we love writing Arduino code. In fact, we love it so much that we couldn't imagine the Spark Core without it. That's why we've designed the Core to run Wiring, the same simple code as the entire Arduino platform. If you're like us, the last thing you want to do is learn a new programming language or change your existing sketches.

EASY WI-FI SET-UP PROCESS

Set-up steps: 

1. Enter your network name and password into the Spark App and press OK.

That was it. Seriously. You’re connected.

The Spark Core makes first-time configuration of your devices a breeze for both creators and users. The Core includes a brand spankin' new Wi-Fi module: the CC3000 from Texas Instruments. It features their unique setup process called Smart Config that allows makers and developers to bring their creations online in seconds.

REPROGRAM THE CORE OVER WI-FI

The Core is already Wi-Fi connected, so we've decided to do away with wires altogether.* You can program your new software in our web development environment or in your favorite text editor, and with a single click, Spark Flash delivers updated firmware to your project over the web.

OPEN SOURCE AND THE SPARK COMMUNITY

We've benefitted tremendously from the open source community, and we're dedicated to giving back. The Core is a totally open source hardware product. All of our hardware design files (schematic, board design, and bill of materials) and firmware will be open source. The components we're using are available from any major distributor. We're also sticking with open standards (HTTP, TCP, TLS/SSL, Protocol Buffers) for all of our communications. We want to make it as easy as possible to extend and improve upon the foundation we've built.

MAKE COOL THINGS

We made the Spark Core because we love building things — especially connected things. So while the Core is fun enough on its own, it’s the projects you can build with Spark that really excite us. Here are just a few examples of what you could build:

These are just a few of the projects that we've imagined and built in the last few weeks. We'll be sharing these ideas, and any others we dream up in the future, through Kickstarter updates and on our community site. We hope you'll do the same!

POWERED BY THE SPARK CLOUD

HARDWARE, MEET THE CLOUD.

Imagine if you could create hardware that could be changed and improved with the simplicity and speed of software.  That's the idea behind the Spark Cloud, our network of servers that supercharges every Spark Core with a suite of cool software-enabled features:

• Write code on your phone in your Grandma's house, and update projects sitting at home in your garage.
• Program your lights to flutter when your high-school crush changes his/her relationship status on Facebook.
• Send camera and video feeds securely through the web to share with your friends and family

The Spark Cloud makes your projects accessible from anywhere in the world, creates a secure environment, and allows for our simple but powerful REST API. We built the Spark Cloud to make your lives easier, and to eliminate the complexity and limitations of locally connected products. But don't worry — the Spark Cloud is and always will be free to anyone using the Spark Core.

And in case you're worried about privacy or lock-in, we'll be releasing an open source version of the Spark Cloud designed for easy deployment on local machines or your own Heroku dyno, AWS instance, or private server.

REST API

Our REST API lets you write software for a smartphone, tablet, computer, or web application that can interact with your hardware projects in the physical world. This makes it possible for your devices for you or any other authorized users to access and control your device in any way you'd like from anywhere in the world.

The API has been designed around great REST APIs like Twilio, Stripe, and Twitter (and in fact pairs well with any of those other great APIs!) We've also made it easy to set up permissions so you control who and what can access your stuff.

For those interested, documentation for our API can be found here. Our API will be constantly growing and improving, so be sure to check back often for updates.

128-BIT ENCRYPTION

The Core, the Cloud, and the entire Spark development platform is secured with industry-standard AES (on the hardware side) and SSL (on the API side) encryption to keep all your wireless communications in the right hands. This means that only the set of authorized users that you control (and not your neighborhood or its local hacker club) can communicate with your stuff.

SHIELDS AND ACCESSORIES

Sometimes you want to start a little further along than a blank breadboard. To help, we've designed a few Shields for the Core - complete circuits that can quickly extend the Core into complex projects. Plus, through the Spark Shield Shield, the Spark Core is compatible with Arduino shields, so you can get started with the projects you've already built!

These Shields and accessories can help you kickstart your own connected projects.  We're making them available to you to fiddle with yourself, to expand on and improve, or cast aside altogether.  These little add-ons have helped us build the first projects with the Spark Core, and we can't wait to see the ones you come up with yourself.

Current Shields:

• Shield Shield - Converts the footprint and pins of your Spark Core into that of an Arduino, making it compatible with all of your existing Arduino shields and accessories.

• Relay Shield - Control any normal outlet or high voltage electronics product to switch your existing electronics on and off from anywhere! Turn your AC on when your close to home.  Switch off the lamp in your living room from your couch.  Be really mobile and/or really lazy.

• JTAG Shield - For the deeply technical, use the JTAG Shield to flash code directly to the microcontroller on the Spark Core.  If you're an embedded software expert, you want this.

• Battery Shield - Wireless projects need mobile power.  A simple 3.7V battery connects to this shield for solder-free integration with the Spark Core.

Have an idea for another cool Spark Shield or accessory?  Post it in the comments! We'd love to hear from you.