New Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Launched

Just over a year ago the Raspberry Pi Foundation launched the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, a significant upgrade over the previous Raspberry Pi models (see my 10 Reasons why the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B is a killer product). That model has been a resounding success with over 5 million units shipped and had resulted in a huge wave of projects and products that use Raspberry Pi technology as well as a remarkable number of operating systems that support the board (see my Ultimate guide to Raspberry Pi operating systems, Part 1 and Ultimate guide to Raspberry Pi operating systems, part 2).

Not content to rest on their laurels, the Raspberry Pi Foundation today announced their latest model, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, which is, as of today, available in the US from element 14.

So as not to make you wait, without further delay, here are the specs of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B:

• Broadcom BCM2837 64Bit ARMv8 Quad Core Processor powered Single Board Computer running at 1.20GHz
• 2GB RAM 1GB RAM*
• Upgraded switched power source up to 2.5 Amps 
• Wi-Fi built in
• Bluetooth LE built in
• 40 pin extended GPIO
• CSI camera port for connecting the Raspberry Pi camera
• DSI display port for connecting the Raspberry Pi touch screen display
• ethernet port
• 4  USB 2 ports
• Stereo audio and composite video port
• Full size HDMI port
• Micro SD port

The higher clock speed as well as moving from a 32-bit to a 64-bit architecture will be a huge performance increase as will doubling the memory to 2GB. The upgraded power source is also a great improvement because it means you can attach more power-hungry USB devices.The other really big thing about this new board is having Wi-Fi and BLE built-in which makes the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B effectively IoT-ready out of the box and, not surprisingly, Windows 10 IoT Core is available for the new board..

Finally, there are two more killer features of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B: For all of the improvements and additions the board has the same form factor as its older brother, the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, and the same pricing, $35!

Along with the availability of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, element14 is launching three new accessories:

• A 16GB NOOBS Micro SD card so you can get started quickly and easily
• A 2.5A Raspberry Pi power supply  
• A new Raspberry Pi 3 case

And if you’re considering the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B for custom and embedded applications, element 14 offers an OEM design service.

So, let’s compare the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B with its predecessor: 

For many projects the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B will be a painless, drop-in replacement with a lot more power. It will also open up new opportunities for developers and trigger even more innovation in the Internet of Things world. For a small single board computer, it’s sure becoming a big deal.

* The amount of RAM stated by element14’s representative prior to the launch was 2GB. The RPi 3 has, like its predecessor, 1GB of RAM. Apologies to anyone who was mislead.

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