One Laptop Per Child Project Developing New Laptop Tablet Device

One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), a non-profit organization that aims to provide every child in the world with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop, is currently developing a new version of its XO device.

The new XO-4 Touch device will be part laptop, part tablet, combining the XO device's existing laptop functionality with a full-fledged tablet mode.

"There is constant debate over laptops versus tablets in educational programs," said Rodrigo Arboleda, CEO of OLPC, in a prepared statement. "But the truth is both have their merits. While maintaining our XO's award-winning design from Yves Behar's FuseProject, we have combined features of both devices to deliver dual benefits. The new XO-4 Touch is more than just a device, it’s a new way of facilitating learning."

The XO-4 Touch will feature an energy-efficient, optical multi-touch-capable screen from Neonode, a developer of multisensing touch technologies, including fast scanning capabilities, low-latency pen and brush sensors, and the ability to detect pressure.

OLPC is also developing more strategic partnerships with educational content developers, such as Sesame Street Workshop, UNESCO, and Little Pim, which will provide content for the XO devices.

OLPC is expected to release the XO-4 Touch device in the first quarter of next year, although the launch date and price are unconfirmed.

OLPC's XO laptops use flash storage rather than a hard disk drive and feature thick plastic walls and a sunlight-usable display that is cushioned by internal bumpers. They also have two wireless 802.11 b/g antennas that can connect to both ad-hoc networks and wireless access points, and a dustproof, waterproof rubber keyboard. The devices run an open-source Linux-based operating system and graphical user interface called Sugar.

Further information about the One Laptop Per Child devices is available at one.laptop.org.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • laptop displaying a glowing digital brain and data charts sits on a metal shelf in a well-lit server room with organized network cables and active servers

    Cisco Unveils AI-First Approach to IT Operations

    At its recent Cisco Live 2025 event, Cisco introduced AgenticOps, a transformative approach to IT operations that integrates advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and collaboration across network, security, and application domains.

  • educators seated at a table with a laptop and tablet, against a backdrop of muted geometric shapes

    HMH Forms Educator Council to Inform AI Tool Development

    Adaptive learning company HMH has established an AI Educator Council that brings together teachers, instructional coaches and leaders from school district across the country to help shape its AI solutions.