The Raspberry Pi Zero, a single-board computer introduced at the end of 2015, has now evolved with the launch of the Raspberry Pi Zero W, featuring Wi-Fi 802.11n connectivity at an affordable price of only $10.
The Raspberry Pi Zero, known for its budget-friendly variant, has allowed enthusiasts to explore the world of small computers easily, even in rapidly developing countries, with a starting price of $5.
Celebrating its fifth birthday, the Raspberry Foundation unveiled the Raspberry Pi Zero W, maintaining similar specifications with a Broadcom BCM2835 CPU overclocked to 1 GHz, 512 MB of RAM, and miniHDMI and microUSB ports.
Raspberry Pi Zero W Detailed Specifications
Notably, the Raspberry Pi Zero W incorporates the CYW43438 Cypress chip found in the Raspberry Pi 3 B. This chip enables Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11n) and Bluetooth 4.0 capability. Priced at only $10, the Raspberry Pi Zero W offers a wireless solution suitable for various applications, including constructing nodes for home automation.
To complement the Raspberry Pi Zero W, the Raspberry Foundation also introduces an official housing. A list of stores selling the device and accessories can be found on the Raspberry Foundation blog.
While the availability of the Raspberry Pi Zero W might be limited initially, global retailers, such as Adafruit, have already sold out parcels with housing valued at more than 20 pounds.
Some users may raise concerns about the use of the same Cypress chip, officially supporting 802.11n but with bandwidth parameters closer to 802.11g standards due to its lower capabilities.