Linux on a Microcontroller – Arduino Nano ESP32 is now an Ultra-Low-Powered Linux PC

In an effort to optimize the Linux kernel developer and tinkerer Naveen Kumar, has successfully run a lightweight Linux-based operating system on an Arduino NanoESP32.

In the past few years, we have seen many unimaginable projects with ESP devices and the pocket-sized Linux PC is not an exception. Powered by an ESP32 microcontroller this project showcases how the line between microcontrollers and traditional PCs is becoming increasingly blurred, and we’re on the cusp of a new age in computing.

In a Hackday article, Kumar mentions that the project is based on the work of Max Filippov (jcmvbkbc), who has ported Linux to various Xtensa platforms. But the most interesting part of this project is the ability to transform the Arduino Nano ESP32 – a device traditionally used for simpler applications – into a functional Linux computer.

The hardware of this project consists of an Arduino Nano ESP32, but Kumar cleverly used an ArduinoEZ ONE breadboard shield to connect the Nano ESP32 to the UNO R4 WiFi. He also added a CardKB mini keyboard and a 2.8″ Adafruit TFT touchscreen to improve the user experience.

In a hackster post, Kumar explains the hardware setup process, and he goes on and explain how he compiles the kernel and flashes it to the Arduino Nano ESP32 as well as the UNO R4 WiFi.  You won’t be able to use this to run the latest triple-A games, but you will be able to work with a real Linux OS through the terminal.

Kumar’s invention is not just a novelty but holds significant potential for the future of embedded Linux applications. With a Linux port that supports WiFi, this device could become a game-changer in the IoT landscape, with capabilities like the ‘wget’ and ‘ping’ commands at its disposal.

Forlinx Embedded Partners with StarFive to Unveil RISC-V Powered FET7110-C SoM

Forlinx Embedded recently unveiled its newest System-on-Module (SOM) featuring the StarFive JH7110 RISC-V processor. Built on the innovative Jinghong 7110 architecture from StarFive, this versatile SOM, along with its compatible carrier board, is tailored for a wide range of applications, from commercial and medical to industrial automation.

In a strategic partnership with StarFive, Forlinx Embedded has launched its cutting-edge product, the JH7110 SOM, and a compatible carrier board. At the heart of the SOM lies the Jinghong 7110, a 64-bit RISC-V quad-core processor fabricated with a 28nm process, with clock speeds of up to 1.5 GHz. Complementing this powerhouse is the GPU, the IMG BXE-4-32 MC1 (up to 600MHz), which integrates with mainstream APIs such as OpenCL 3.0, OpenGL ES 3.2, and Vulkan 1.2.

The block diagram of Jinghong 7110 shows us the inner workings of the RISC-V Quad-core CV-U74 chipset. At its core, it runs at 1.5 GHz and uses L1 and L2 caches for fast data access. The chipset has two main paths: one for the core and another for added features. It features a dedicated Audio DSP and for video processing, it has a GPU with an encoder and decoder. For connecting to other devices, it uses ports like PCIe, Ethernet, and HDMI. Essentially, this chipset combines technical specifics with broad functionality.

Forlinx says the JH7110 has eight separate power areas that can be switched on or off for better power management, which interns improves efficiency. Plus, you can change the CPU speed with software to match different needs and save power.

The JH7110 lets you connect cameras using MIPI-CSI and DVP. It can play 4K videos at 60 FPS and record in 1080p at 30 FPS. Also, it can show videos on HDMI (4K quality) and RGB (1080p quality) screens, as well as MIPI-DSI screens (2K quality).

FET7110-C SoM Specifications:

  • Memory: 2/4GB LPDDR4 RAM; Storage: 32GB eMMC 5.0, 100 Mbps QSPI, SD 3.0/MMC 5.0
  • Connectivity: 2x GMAC (10/100/1000 Mbps)
  • Display: HDMI 2.0 (4K@30fps), 1x 4-lane MIPI DSI (2K@30fps)
  • Audio: 8-lane I2S PCM/TDM
  • Camera: 1x 4-lane MIPI-CSI
  • Expansion: PCIe2.0 (1x lane, 2 integrated controllers)
  • USB: 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0
  • I/O: 6x UART, 7x I2C, 7x SPI, 1x SDIO, 8x PWM, 64x GPIOs, 2x CAN 2.0B
  • Power: 5V DC; OS: Linux 5.15.0
  • Size: 60 x 38mm; Connectors: 3x 80-pin B2B

OK7110-C Development Board Specifications:

  • Memory: 2/4GB LPDDR4 RAM; Storage: 32GB eMMC 5.0, 100 Mbps QSPI, SD 3.0/MMC 5.0
  • Connectivity: 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Display: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x MIPI DSI; Audio: 2x Speakers, 1x Mic
  • Camera: 1x MIPI-CSI
  • Expansion: 2x PCIE 2.0, 1x Micro SIM
  • USB: 1x USB Type-C, 3x USB 3.0
  • I/O: 2x CAN, 2x RS485
  • Extras: Power button, Reset Key, RTC battery
  • Power: 12V DC (barrel connector)
  • Connectors: 3x 80-pin B2B

At the time of writing this article, Forlinx has confirmed that these products are now available for ordering. If you are interested, you can check the product page of FET7110-C SoM for more information.

ESP32-C3 Now Controls, Monitors, and Debug USB PD Thanks to Spark Analyzer

Cambridge, UK-based startup ElektroThing announced a new tool to simplify USB Power Delivery (PD) projects. This compact tool harnesses the power of the ESP32-C3 for precise power monitoring and control.

This tool uses a USB Type-C input and will be able to wirelessly monitor and adjust voltage levels with the help of an App, that is still in development. The device can output 5V, 9V, 15V, or 20V and can hold up to 100 Watts of power thanks to the FUSB302MPX Power Delivery control chip. The board also has a CC6904SO-10A current sensor and Diodes Incorporated DMP3017SFG-7 field-effect transistor (FET). which all together takes care of the major functionality of the board. and the whole system runs on a power supply delivering 500mA at 3.3V.

Key Features

  • USB-C Power Delivery Compatibility: Fully compatible with USB-C Power Delivery, making it versatile for various devices and applications.
  • Wireless Control and Logging: With built-in Wi-Fi and BLE, you can control and log data wirelessly using your smartphone, eliminating the need for physical buttons and allowing remote operation.
  • Adjustable Voltage Output: Precisely control voltage levels with options for 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, and 20 V, catering to your project’s specific needs.
  • Compact and Sleek Design: Designed for inline integration, Spark Analyzer seamlessly attaches to UCPD compatible power sources without the need for additional equipment.
  • IO Breakout: Incorporate higher voltage into your projects with ease, thanks to Spark Analyzer’s separate 3.3V power domain.
  • Power Analyzer Capability: Measure your project’s current draw with precision, enabling you to understand your power requirements better and optimize accordingly.
  • Software Safety Cut-off: Ensures protection against excessive current draw by switching off the output FET during high current scenarios.
  • Output FET: Provides control over the high voltage output, giving you more command over your power delivery.
  • Open Source Development: Spark Analyzer is open source, allowing for customization and expansion of its capabilities. Dive into the GitHub repo for detailed documentation.

The YJ of electrothings says:

The sleek design of Spark Analyzer ensures easy attachment to any existing UCPD compatible wall wart or power source, without the necessity of additional stands or tables. Its compact form factor guarantees flexibility and convenience, making voltage control and data logging accessible and trouble-free.

Key Features of the Spark Analyzer

  • USB-C PD Compatibility: Versatile for a range of devices and applications.
  • Wireless Control: Built-in Wi-Fi and BLE for remote smartphone operation.
  • Adjustable Voltage: Options of 5V, 9V, 15V, and 20V for project needs.
  • Sleek Design: Inline integration with UCPD power sources.
  • IO Breakout: Easy high-voltage incorporation with 3.3V domain.
  • Power Analysis: Precise current draw measurement for optimization.
  • Safety Cut-off: Automatic shutdown during high current events.
  • Output Control: Mastery over high voltage delivery.
  • Open Source: Customizable with detailed GitHub documentation.

The Spark Analyzer will soon start its crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply. Meanwhile, its design files and source code are available on GitHub under the MIT license.

AAEON’s Small and Mighty GENE-ADN6, the Wide-Temperature Board Built for AMR, Machine Vision, and More

A rugged design, expansive interface, and three simultaneous displays, the AAEON’s new 3.5” SubCompact Board packs a punch.

AAEON, a global leader in embedded computing, has introduced the GENE-ADN6, a 3.5″ SubCompact Board powered by Intel Atom® x7000E Series, Intel® Processor N Series, and Intel® Core™ i3-N305 Processors. The GENE-ADN6 is available in SKUs featuring a variety of CPUs from the platform, ranging from the efficient 6W Intel® Processor N50 to the more powerful 15W Intel® Core™ i3-N305, along with a plethora of features tailored for the machine vision, drone, and AMR markets.

Designed to thrive in harsh industrial environments, the GENE-ADN6 operates reliably within a wide temperature range of -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C) and accepts power inputs from 9V to 36V. Additionally, the board can accommodate multiple expansion modules via M.2 2230 E-Key and M.2 3052 B-Key slots, while offering additional storage options, including a full-size mSATA slot and a SATA HDD bay.

AAEON has highlighted the board’s suitability for multi-camera machine vision setups. This is due to its three LAN ports supporting Intel® I226 Ethernet at 2.5GbE, which are conducive to peripheral camera integration. Additionally, the GENE-ADN6 can host up to three simultaneous displays thanks to an internal LVDS connector paired with physical HDMI 1.4 and VGA ports.

The GENE-ADN6’s external I/O includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, while its internal connectors exhibit excellent potential for AMR applications. These internal connectors comprise four COM pin headers, with two supporting RS-232/422/485 interfaces, as well as an 8-bit GPIO, SMBus, and an additional four USB 2.0 connectors.

The board’s interfaces are bolstered by high-bandwidth DDR5 system memory, for expedited data processing, and optional TPM 2.0, for added data security.

Although its compact size, robust design, and diverse interfaces make the board an excellent choice for AMR and machine vision applications, the majority of these features also indicate its suitability for industrial automation. This is particularly noteworthy due to the rarity of such a small single-board that can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C.

With the launch of the GENE-ADN6, AAEON continues to showcase its dedication to providing versatile, market-ready solutions equipped with the newest Intel® processing technology. This commitment ensures that AAEON customers can easily find the most suitable platform for their specific project requirements.

The GENE-ADN6 is now in mass production and available on the eShop in a variety of SKUs, and further pricing information is available through AAEON’s contact form.

For more information about the GENE-ADN6, please visit its product page.

Rohde & Schwarz adds eight-channel R&S MXO 5 to next-generation oscilloscopes

With the all-new R&S MXO 5, Rohde & Schwarz continues to evolve its series of next-generation oscilloscopes, started with the successful R&S MXO 4 in 2022. The R&S MXO 5 is the company’s first eight-channel oscilloscope. It expands upon the industry-firsts pioneered by the R&S MXO 4 and will empower engineers to tackle even more demanding design challenges.

Rohde & Schwarz presents its new R&S MXO 5 oscilloscopes, available with four or eight channels. Building on next-generation MXO-EP processing ASIC technology developed by Rohde & Schwarz and introduced with the R&S MXO 4, the new eight-channel R&S MXO 5 oscilloscopes take measurement performance to the next level.

Industry firsts in an eight-channel oscilloscope

The new R&S MXO 5 shows more of a signal’s activity in both the time and the frequency domains than any other oscilloscope. The R&S MXO 5 is the world’s first eight-channel oscilloscope with 4.5 million acquisitions per second and 18 million waveforms per second across multiple channels. Engineers can capture intricate signal details and infrequent events with exceptional precision. The R&S MXO 5 has digital triggering on all eight channels to surpass its competitors in the accurate isolation of small signal anomalies. The groundbreaking capability of 45,000 FFTs per second provides engineers with unparalleled spectrum signal viewing, particularly for EMI and harmonic testing.

By capturing up to 99% of real-time signal activity with the fastest acquisition capture rate in the world, the R&S MXO 5 speeds up signal analysis while detecting rare and random events missed by most other oscilloscopes. The features let engineers debug designs more efficiently across multiple applications – from power conversion to automotive analysis – making power and signal integrity measurements as well as logic and bus protocol debugging a breeze.

Philip Diegmann, Vice President of Oscilloscopes at Rohde & Schwarz, says:

“Launching the R&S MXO 4 in 2022 introduced the next generation of oscilloscopes with unmatched performance and value. At Rohde & Schwarz, we continue to evolve the usability of our oscilloscopes to new levels. Today, we are excited to introduce the R&S MXO 5, continuing our legacy of oscilloscope excellence. Building on the same engineering breakthroughs, this oscilloscope series was meticulously designed by our dedicated development team to capture both the big picture and smallest details of electrical signals with unparalleled accuracy and speed. Evolved for more challenges, the scopes will speed up our customers’ understanding and testing of their electronic systems.”

Deepest-in-class standard memory

The R&S MXO 5 series offers standard simultaneous acquisition memory of 500 Mpoints across all eight channels or double the standard memory of the competition. The ample storage can be used for extensive data capture. Furthermore, a memory extension option can double the recording length to 1 Gpoints for the most demanding applications. The exceptional memory depth in the R&S MXO 5 oscilloscope is critical for a wide range of troubleshooting tasks, enabling the capture of extended periods of time and retaining accurate bandwidth information even with slower time base settings.

First digital trigger for eight channels

As the first eight-channel oscilloscope with digital triggering, the R&S MXO 5 sets a new standard in signal analysis. The digital trigger outperforms all other oscilloscope triggers with a remarkable sensitivity of 0.0001 div. The sensitivity helps precisely isolate small physical layer anomalies, even when large signals are present. No other instrument on the market can match this trigger sensitivity. Other instruments often require signal processing corrections to align analog path trigger events, resulting in a slower and noisier trigger performance. The digital trigger seamlessly complements the 18-bit vertical architecture in the oscilloscopes, so that engineers can fully leverage the precision of the R&S MXO 5.

Superior RF measurement

The R&S MXO 5 excels in RF measurements, both in the time and frequency domains. It is the first oscilloscope with 45 000 FFTs (Fast Fourier Transforms) per second. The exceptional speed, combined with the ability to display four different time-independent spectra simultaneously provides engineers with outstanding RF signal visibility unmatched in its class. The advanced capabilities are standard R&S MXO 5 features.

Evolved user experience

An unparalleled large 15.6″ full-HD capacitive touchscreen and an intuitive user interface optimize the learning curve and give R&S MXO 5 oscilloscopes a seamless and engaging visual experience. The small footprint and first-in-class VESA mounting make the oscilloscopes ideal for any engineering workspace. The R&S MXO 5 has industry’s lowest audible noise level that is quieter than a whisper for a focused lab environment where engineers can perform their tasks precisely.

Low starting price

The R&S MXO 5 oscilloscopes are available in four and eight-channel models, in bandwidth ranges with 100 MHz, 200 MHz, 350 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz, and 2 GHz models. The eight-channel models start as low as EUR 19 500, the industry’s lowest entry price in this instrument class. Various upgrade options are available to users with demanding application needs, such as 16 digital channels with a mixed-signal oscilloscope (MSO) option, an integrated dual-channel 100 MHz arbitrary generator, protocol decode and triggering options for industry-standard buses and a frequency response analyzer to enhance the capabilities of the instrument.

The new R&S MXO 5 series oscilloscopes are now available from Rohde & Schwarz and selected distribution channel partners. Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate the new R&S MXO 5 at Productronica 2023 in Munich in hall A1.375 from November 14 to 17, 2023. For more information on the instrument, go to: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/MXO5

Compact USB-Capable CH32V003 Development Board

LECTRONZ recently released details of one of their latest products called the CH32V003 USB development board. Designed only on development and evaluation purposes, the new board aims to provide hardware design engineers and developers a more robust platform for experimenting with RISC-V microcontrollers.

Let’s have a look at the hardware features first. The CH32V003 USB dev board features a cost-effective 48MHz CH32V003F4U6 microcontroller from WCH with 2KB of RAM and 16KB of Flash memory, a user LED, a reset button, an external pre-installed crystal, and 18 GPIOs (three of them are designated for USB functionality, with accessible USB data lines via two through-holes). The crystal is optional and can be readily removed and bypassed with a solder bridge, offering flexibility in clock configurations.

One distinguishing feature that comes with the board is the fact that it allows you to use a bit-bang USB connection with the rv003usb stack. This means the board can be used as a keyboard, a mouse, or any other USB LS peripheral device. Its size is also very small (16mm x 26mm) and there’s about a 0.5-inch distance between the headers, so it fits greatly on a breadboard.

 

Features:

  • 1x USB-C connector
  • Optional pre-installed Crystal
  • 1x User Button that can also be used as a Reset Button
  • 1x USB bit-bang connection

The compact CH32V003 USB-capable board is fully open-source. It maintains full compatibility with the open source ch32v003fun project and has PCB design and schematics available on GitHub and licensed under the open hardware the CERN-OHL. The ch32v003fun is an open source development environment containing tools, headers, and examples needed for the efficient use of the CH32V003. It includes the official WCH Link-E Programmer, an STM32F042 Programmer, an ESP32S2 programmer, an Arduino-based Ardulink interface, support for gdb server-style-debugging that can be used for use with Visual Studio, and several illustrations using the ch32v003fun.

Lectronz adds that the development board can be programmed either with an AVR-based ATMega328P device such as the Uno R3, Nano, etc or with a compatible SWIO programmer, for example, the WCH LinkE.

Pricing and Availability

The first batch of the CH32V003 board is out for sale now with one unit selling for $5.16, but huge discounts apply if you are buying more. For instance, two units go for $5.58 while three units sell for $6.42. Shipping is expected to be within two to three days after purchase. Other useful details are available on the LECTRONZ’s product page.

PalmOS can now run on a $4 Raspberry Pi Pico thanks to Dmitry Grinberg’s rePalm project

In an attempt to bring retro software to modern hardware! developer and tinkerer Dmitry Grinberg has skillfully ported the once-beloved Palm OS 5 to a Raspberry Pi Pico, though with a few compromises.

In an attempt to bring retro software to modern hardware, developer, and tinkerer Dmitry Grinberg has skillfully ported the once-beloved Palm OS 5 to a Raspberry Pi Pico, though with a few compromises.

To any hardware enthusiast, the Raspberry Pi is known for its versatility, reliability, and ability to run different operating systems. However, did you know that a $4 Raspberry Pi Pico can run an OS? Yes, this was made possible by Dmitry Grinberg, in an early demo he shared his rePalm project which was running PalmOS on a Raspberry Pi Pico. Kudos to Adafruit for highlighting this innovative endeavor.

Grinberg writes in a project update:

How little RAM/CPU does PalmOS 5 really require? Since rePalm had support (at least in theory) for Cortex-M0, I wanted to try on real hardware, as previously the support was tested on CortexEmu only.

In his blog post, Grinberg goes on and how he created a custom kernel that could run on a Cortex-M processor. With all mods, his system can stop task switching, and pause threads, and has timers, event groups, and other tools for smooth operation. Yet, he acknowledges that the project still needs additions like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and more debugging.

The demo Grinberg showcased features a 2.8-inch touchscreen with a Raspberry Pi Pico attached to its back. It connects to the Pico using SPI and displays at a resolution of 320 x 240px. No extra hardware is needed for rePalm.

Grinberg shared in-depth details and the project’s source code. If you’re curious about the code or want to try it, it’s available on Grinberg’s official website.

Onsemi’s Next-Gen Image Sensors can Extend Battery Life by up to 40%

Onsemi’s Hyperlux LP family of sensors offers optimal image quality, uses minimal power, and works well in challenging lighting conditions. The sensor lineup comes in three variants, 5-megapixel, 8-megapixel, and 20-megapixel. With all these features they’re perfect for things like smart doorbells, security cameras, VR headsets, and video calls.

So what makes this sensor special? Onsemi says these sensors capture sharp images, use less energy, and work great in low-light conditions. They’re also compact (The tiniest one being as small as a rice grain) and come with three different variants the 5-megapixel AR0544, 8-megapixel AR0830, and 20-megapixel AR2020.

This is definitely a move towards the future, given that the demand for security cameras might triple by 2030. and a recent study suggests that people want cameras that take good photos and have long battery life, especially in places that are hard to reach. That’s why Onsemi’s energy-saving sensors are useful.

Ross Jatou, senior vice president of Onsemi, shared:

By leveraging our superior analog design and pixel architecture, our sensors elevate the two most important elements people consider when buying a device, picture quality and battery life. Our new image sensor family delivers performance that matters with a significantly increased battery life and exquisite, highly detailed images.

Ashish Thanawala, Senior Director of Systems Engineering at Owl Labs, remarked:

Our video collaboration solutions require high-quality image sensors that bring together multiple factors for the best user experience. The superior optical performance, innovative features, and extremely low power consumption of the Hyperlux LP image sensors enable us to deliver a completely immersive virtual meeting experience in highly intelligent and optimized videoconferencing systems.

Key Features of the Hyperlux LP family of Sensors

  • Wake on Motion: The sensors use minimal energy until they sense movement. Then they quickly switch to high performance.
  • Smart ROI: The sensors can focus on multiple areas at once, giving a broad view of a scene and a detailed look at specific parts.
  • Near-Infrared Performance: With a unique design, these sensors take great photos even with little light.
  • Low Power: These sensors reduce unwanted image noise and cut down costs by removing the need for an additional cooling system.

If you’d like to know more about the AR2020, AR0830, and AR0544 sensors, please check out Onsemi’s website or their blog about the Hyperlux LP Image Sensors.

MIT’s Implantable Device Offers Needle-Free Diabetes Treatment

 Certainly! Here's the improved content with SEO keywords bolded: MIT engineers have developed an implantable device that treats Type 1 diabetes without an injection.

MIT engineers have developed an implantable device that treats Type 1 diabetes without an injection. The device contains islet cells that produce insulin and an oxygen generator that sustains and nourishes the cells. When tested with diabetic mice, the device effectively stabilized blood sugar levels for a month.

Dealing with Type 1 diabetes often means frequent insulin injections which many find burdensome and costly. MIT’s solution is a compact implant that can handle this condition without daily shots.

The device has pancreatic islet cells that produce insulin, but one of the significant problems with islet cells is they cease insulin production when oxygen-deprived. To address this, the MIT team added an onboard oxygen generator to the device, which uses the body’s water vapor to produce oxygen. The most exciting thing about this project is that it doesn’t have a battery inside; users can wear a patch, and the power can be wirelessly transmitted through the skin.

Professor Daniel Anderson from MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering comments on the device’s potential:

You can think of this as a living medical device that is made from human cells that secrete insulin, along with an electronic life support system. We’re excited by the progress so far, and we really are optimistic that this technology could end up helping a lot of patients around the world.

In early lab trials, diabetic mice were implanted with the device and observed for a month. The results were astonishing; the mice’s blood sugar levels were steady for a whole month. Scientists noted that this was a significant improvement compared to traditional methods!

The team at MIT is working on this device primarily for diabetes treatment. However, in the future, this device could also be tweaked to cure other health issues. For now, the team is preparing the device for human trials and says the finished product will be the size of chewing gum.

With MIT’s new implant, the future for diabetes patients looks promising. Soon, they might not need daily insulin injections anymore. To learn more, check out the  MIT website.

Bookworm – the new version of Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi has released a new version of their Raspberry Pi OS and it comes with an updated set of software, packages, and tooling available to their users. 

The new Raspberry Pi version 5 OS is based on the latest Debian Version 12 called “Bookworm”. The Debian 12 Bookworm is an upgrade from the Debian 11 “Bullseye” which was previously used as the base for the Raspberry Pi OS. The Debian 12 itself has the same incremental updates of the software as contained in the Debian 11, and there’s pretty not much difference when it comes to user perspective. The few small changes that came with the latest Debian version will mostly not affect Raspberry Pi users when switching between Debian 11 and Debian 12.

Interestingly, there are also some other specific changes that came with the new version of the Raspberry Pi OS apart from Debian itself. Yes, the OS is based on Debian but it has also got loads of other major things. The OS now uses Wayland by default on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 and the PulseAudio interface has been replaced with a PipeWire audio system. The NetworkManager is also now its default network controller, and if you are a Firefox user, you will be excited to know that the Raspberry Pi-optimized version of Firefox is now the second web browser of the new OS release.

Wayland

Wayland is a communication protocol that specifies the display server/client communication. Before now, most Linux desktop environments, including Raspberry Pi Desktop used the X11 as their display system. But, as expected from software several decades old, the X11 has become obsolete with various limitations when used on modern computers. Most Linux distributors are now adopting Wayland, taking advantage of its improved performance and features.

Wayland is known for its high-performance delivery and better security level. It has a different protocol and a different approach to many things. Contrary to the X11 which uses two separate servers in drawing a window, the Wayland only has to talk to one thing in order to get its windows drawn. It combines the functions of the display server and window manager into a single application called the compositor.

Earlier versions of the Raspberry Pi OS used the Mutter window manager compositor but then, it was discovered to be slow and cumbersome, and the need to change it arose. Wayfire happens to be a better Wayland compositor capable of delivering speed improvement.

Please note that for now, Wayland is the default mode of operation for the desktop — but only on Pi 4 and 5. This means that you’ll now get a Wayfire desktop if you boot the OS on a Pi 4 or 5, but not on older models. The performance of the Wayfire on the less powerful models is still in the works, so they will continue to run on the X11 display server and window manager.

PipeWire

The new version of the Raspberry Pi OS also transits from the PulseAudio/ALSA sound to the PipeWire audio sound system. The latter provides better support for audio accompanying video and intelligently interacts with Bluetooth audio devices. It can recall the devices that were in use at power down and reconnect them when power is back on.

NetworkManager

Bookworm has also now adopted the NetworkManager as its default means for managing network connections. NetworkManager comes with advanced features and has the rare ability to use the Pi as a wireless hotspot. With NetworkManager, you can do pretty much anything as regarding network configuration.

 

Raspberry Pi-optimized Version of Firefox

With an option to use Firefox as an alternative web browser in the Bookworm release, the company notably improved on some features to give a better user experience with the browser. Support for the V4L2 codec was enabled so that the browser could use the hardware H.264 decoder on the Raspberry Pi. They also optimized graphical performance and used libcameras to make sure CSI Cameras work well for video calls.

How to get the Bookworm…

Raspberry Pi has strongly advised against attempts to upgrade a Bullseye image to the Bookworm because it might result in data loss. “The only way to get Bookworm is either to create an SD card using Raspberry Pi Imager or to download and flash a Bookworm image from here with your tool of choice,” they said.

More useful details can be found on the announcement page.

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