Raspberry Pi Zero W News: Upgraded Single-Board Computer Brings in Wireless LAN, Bluetooth Connectivity
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Raspberry Pi single-board computers, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has released the newest addition to its continuously growing lineup at a very affordable price.
The Raspberry Pi Zero W is identical to its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi Zero, except that it comes with wireless LAN and Bluetooth capabilities. While the predecessor was priced at $5, the updated version now sells at an affordable price of $10, which is inclusive of a specially designed case that allows easy access to the single-board computer's functionalities.
The upgrade was necessitated by the demand for wireless connectivity and the need to eliminate the purchase a Pi Zero starter kit consisting of a USB hub, Wi-Fi dongle, and Bluetooth dongle, the price of which could quite easily surpass the cost of the Raspberry Pi Zero itself.
The Raspberry Pi Zero W uses the same wireless chip as the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, which is the Cypress CYW43438. This chip provides 802.11n wireless LAN as well as Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.
Aside from this, the Zero W pretty much remains the same in terms of such features as a 1 GHz single-core CPU, 512 MB RAM, and a HAT-compatible 40-pin header. The Zero W also still has ports for Mini-HDMI and Micro-USB On-The-Go, composite video and reset headers, and a CSI camera connector. All are made accessible through an official injection-molded case designed by Kinneir Dufort and T-Zero.
The case comes with three interchangeable lids: a blank one that serves as a protector for the single-board computer, a lid with an aperture that allows access to the board's GPIOs, and another one with an aperture and mounting point for a camera. The trailer for the Zero Pi W explains the affordable single-board computers features in more details.
The Raspberry Zero Pi W may be purchased from all Zero distributors listed on the Zero Pi W's introduction page.
