Is there something more to the kids being software prodigies? When I was young, there weren't that many. If there were, they didn't make the news. Today, it seems like they are more frequent and that many are in software. Has there maybe been a societal change that allows more to blossom?

Now they can write and publish apps to get noticed. Apple and co can run the story to encourage more developers to build for their platform etc etc.

Broader access to technology? There weren't many online courses or cheap computers 10 years ago

After I typed it, I thought about the price aspect. Prodigies that made the news, back when I was younger, often came from wealthier families. Today, prices are quite low for a bunch of things.

That does count as broader access, methinks. So, I suspect you're right. There are many, many sources of inexpensive education. I don't know if that would, statistically speaking, increase the actual numbers/percentages - but if it doesn't, it would almost certainly enable them to go further.

Ever wonder what it'd be like to have had access to this stuff when you were younger? Personal computers didn't arrive until I was an adult.

Anyhow, kudos on the kids. That is impressive and certainly better than I can do.

I can't really wonder what it'd be like to have access to this stuff - I'm 17 myself, and am from a moderately wealthy family in the Bay Area so have had exposure to technology basically my whole life. I definitely think the culture of the area and growing up with a computer in my room contributed to my passion for tech.