MakeCode for the micro:bit – Buzz, Beep, Bing, Hello 2022 Update!
Posted on June 17, 2022 by Jaqster
As always at this time of year we have a new MakeCode release for the micro:bit that is jam-packed full of improvements, bug fixes, and new stuff.
Here’s a rundown of the new features in the 2022 release:
Play Sound editor
With more micro:bit v2 devices in classrooms, we’ve seen how students absolutely love using the speaker and microphone to create and detect sounds. So, as another way to support increased creativity in coding, we’ve expanded the capabilities of the Play Sound block so now students can create their own custom sound effects for the micro:bit!
New blocks
Sound editor
Watch this short video to see how to use this cool new block:
Finding and Using Extensions
With over 300 different extensions for the micro:bit supporting all sorts of amazing kits and accessories, it was getting harder to find the right extension and the extension gallery was a bit hidden. So, we’ve moved the Extensions category out of the Advanced part of the Toolbox, and we’ve made it easier to find extensions through tags and search.
Data Logger Extension
We first introduced this last year, but we’ve made some significant improvements. The data logger blocks allow you to collect and store data on a micro:bit v2. This is helpful if you are running an experiment over a longer period of time or disconnected from a computer.
Data Logging Example
To learn more about how to use these blocks, see the documentation here: https://makecode.microbit.org/reference/datalogger
Jacdac for micro:bit v2
We are delighted to announce the public debut of Microsoft’s Jacdac platform for plug-and-play creation and programming of physical computing systems. Jacdac integrates with MakeCode and the micro:bit V2: see the Jacdac blog for more details.
Workspace Search
If you have a large program, it can be time consuming scrolling around, looking for that function or variable on your workspace. We’ve added the ability to search for blocks on your workspace by pressing Ctrl+f or right-clicking to open the context menu and selecting Find.
Toolbox Polish
We added some cosmetic improvements to the Toolbox including updated icons and more subcategories in menus to make finding blocks a bit easier.
Sharing
We also made some small improvements to sharing projects. These allow you to include a description for your project and share your projects to more places.
Utilities
These aren’t specific updates to the editor, but we’ve added some cool new utilities to help teachers.
1) Screenshot Tool
Sometimes you would like to take a screenshot of a single code block, but it’s disabled on the workspace unless you connect it to other blocks. This tool allows you to paste in the JavaScript code for a single block, click Run and then copy the resulting .svg image
Screenshot Tool - https://makecode.com/screenshot-tool
2) Domain Firewall Detection
The number one question we receive from schools and teachers is what websites to unblock in order to use MakeCode. We’ve added a tool to make this easy to test! Clicking on the Test Domains button will automatically test whether you can reach all the required sites from your location.
Check the FAQ for testing domains - https://makecode.microbit.org/faq#unblock
Enjoy the New Release!
Thank you to everyone who has logged bugs, translated and suggested new features throughout the year! Any new bugs you find in this release, please log them in GitHub.
Any other comments, suggestions, and feedback, please participate in the micro:bit community on Slack. And please let us know what you think of this year’s updates on Twitter @MSMakeCode.
Happy Making and Coding!
The MakeCode Team