Raspberry Pi B+ Hits the Market

July 14, 2014
Enhanced credit-card sized single-board computer offers more sensors and accessories, allows for increased design complexity

The new Raspberry Pi B+ board is available today from top distributors element14 and RS Components. The enhanced credit-card sized, single-board computer offers more sensors and accessories than ever before and allows users to build bigger and better projects, suppliers say.

Both element14 and RS Components announced the availability of the new model, which includes advanced power management and enhanced connectivity and features a 40-pin extended GPIO, which means more sensors, connectors, and expansion boards can be added to the board, allowing for increased complexity of design. Suppliers also note that the first 26 pins remain identical to the original Raspberry Pi Model B for “100% backward compatibility,” according to element14.

“The new Raspberry Pi B+ marks the first major re-design of what has been one of the stand-out tech products in the last few years,” Claire Doyle, global head of Raspberry Pi at element14, said in a statement announcing the new product. “We’ve already seen the board drive some amazing designs, but the B+ model opens up the opportunity to push the boundaries of complexity and innovation to make even bigger and better projects. It is also the board that can open up a whole new area of learning for young people.”

Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi Trading, added: “We’ve been blown away by the projects that have been made possible through the original B boards and, with its new features, the B+ has massive potential to push the boundaries and drive further innovation.”

On July 31, Upton will join an element14 webinar to introduce the new Raspberry Pi B+.

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