The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W, only $7, includes wireless connectivity for IoT projects.
The new RP2350 microcontroller features faster cores and increased memory capacity.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has unveiled the Pico 2 W, a wireless microcontroller priced at $7, which positions itself as the successor to the Pico 2 model launched just a few months ago at a price of $5. This new device, which offers enhanced features, uses the RP2350 microcontroller and includes the same wireless modem as the previous Pico W model.
The RP2350 represents an evolution of the RP2040, introduced in 2021, and improves speed, increases memory, incorporates support for floating-point operations, optimizes power consumption, and enhances security with Arm's TrustZone technology for Cortex-M. In terms of connectivity, the Pico 2 W includes the CYW43439 modem, which enables 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 5.2 connections.
This microcontroller allows programming through C and MicroPython libraries, making it a versatile tool for both hobbyists and professionals. Eben Upton, co-founder of Raspberry Pi, noted that many projects developed on their platforms are aimed at the Internet of Things, integrating capabilities for local computing, storage, and cloud connectivity.
The Pico 2 W, with its attractive price and robust capabilities, is ideal for those working on IoT projects, such as smart home control centers, environmental monitoring systems, and wireless weather stations. Upton also indicated that this launch is just the beginning, as they anticipate more news for the Pico 2 series in the near future.
Currently, the Pico 2 W is available for purchase, and those wishing to start experimenting immediately can access an unofficial version of MicroPython for this new board, with the expectation that official support will arrive soon.
