There is a new Raspberry Pi model on the scene — what is being called a “final evolution” of the original micro-computer that has become a cult hit for hobbyists and kids who are interested in coding and the intricacies of computer hardware.
The Raspberry Pi foundation announced today that the Raspberry Pi Model B+ is available now for $35 from many of the usual stockists, including main manufacturing partners element14 and RS/Allied Components .
The Model B+ uses the same BCM2835 application processor as the Model B, runs the same software and still has 512MB Ram, but the key improvements include reduced power consumption and more GPIO pins.
Model B will, however, still be in production as long as there is demand for it, so as to “ensure continuity of supply for our industrial customers,” the foundation says. In October last year, Raspberry Pi chalked up a new record after selling two million units .
We’ve seen some very cool uses of the UK-built device — for example one guy used it to control his garage door, alarm, thermostat, lights, and even TV.
However, the Raspberry Pi has seen more competitors entering the scene as the maker community grows. For example, we recently wrote about a new challenger, the tiny Hummingboard micro-computer from SolidRun , which like the Raspberry Pi, is an ARM-based naked board — and has a 1GHz ARMv7 processor while the Raspberry Pi only has a 700MHz ARMv6 processor.
Headline image via Ian Barbour/Flickr
Roku’s Streaming Stick is now shipping from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and others in the US
Google recently launched its Chromecast streaming dongle in almost a dozen new markets, but now Roku is offering an alternative. The company’s new Streaming Stick , which plugs into the back of your TV through the HDMI port, is now shipping from Rokuom, Amazonom, BestBuom, Targeom and Walmarom.
If you want to pick one up in store though, the company is sticking to its “early April” release date for now. We expect it’ll land in the next couple of weeks – Roku is also planning a launch in Europe next month, although we’re none the wiser for exactly when that will happen either.
If you need a reminder, the Roku Streaming Stick will sell for $49.99/£49.99 and offers 1080p video quality, the usual Roku interface, over 1,200 channels and a pint-sized remote.
➤ The Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI Version): Shipping Now!
Y-Combinator’s Bellabeat brings the quantified self to mums-to-be with 3 new devices
Bellabeat first rose to prominence via its participation in Y-Combinator earlier this year. Its core raison d’être ? To become the “Fitbit for pregnancy.”
In short, Bellabeat is developing smartphone-connected devices that monitor your baby’s heartbeat throughout pregnancy, with functionality also extending into post-birth. The initial device that went to market is no more though, and Bellabeat is today announcing a new trio of tracking devices for expectant mothers.
All the devices are made from wood, as Bellabeat strives to “bridge the gap between sterile medical devices and the natural journey of pregnancy and motherhood.” Pre-orders kick-off today, with shipping expected in early 2015.
The Bellabeat Leaf can be worn as a bracelet, necklace or pendent – it will be launching in early 2015 in the US, and later in the year around the rest of the world. It’s an activity tracker, in essence that lets women track their “sleep and stress level,” giving immediate feedback and advice if necessary.
It’ll ship for $119, though you can pick it up from today for $89 on pre-order.
The Bellabeat Balance is a wooden smart scale that helps women track their weight before, during and after pregnancy – this data is transmitted directly to the Bellabeat app. It also claims to measure the weight of mummy and baby separately.
The device will be launching in early 2015 in the US, and later in the year around the rest of the world. It’ll ship for $129, though you can pick it up from today for $99 on pre-order.
With the initial Bellabeat fetal heart monitor, users were able to detect a baby’s heartbeat and listen to it through the smartphone app. While the Shell provides similar functionality, it can also track the baby’s movements and opens up two-way communications – a mother could, for example, play music to the fetus. This in turn lets them track the baby’s reaction to the music as it plays in real-time.
The Bellabeat Shell will be launching in spring 2015 in the US, and later in the year around the rest of the world. It’ll ship for $149, though you can pick it up from today for $119 on pre-order.
https://www.youtubeom/watch?v=kfdCaUr_7II&feature=youtu.be
Bellabeat is also looking to ‘future proof’ the product for the post-pregnancy realm, as it can also be used as a baby monitor that doubles as a ‘help me sleep’ device that plays soothing sounds.
All three products are open for pre-order now directly through the Bellabeat website.
➤ Bellabeat