Unfortunately, the world of technology has been frequently beset with problems and limitations more than most people may realise.
For instance, the global shortage of computer chips meant that prices for all types of technology would rise consequently. Expensive from the outset, the fact that prices of computers and gaming consoles would climb even higher is astounding. Ultimately, the technology sector frequently hits a succession of roadblocks, despite all the marketing furore about breaking boundaries and championing the future. Things aren’t as rosy as they always seem on the surface.
Perhaps other inventions need to take the reins and right some of these wrongs? Raspberry Pi technologies can be the answer to many of these issues. More people share this sentiment, sparking a long-overdue revolution in utilising these devices to their fullest potential.
What is Raspberry Pi? Why is it garnering the attention of so many? Find out why Raspberry Pi is the answer to many of the technological problems of today down below.
What is Raspberry Pi?
Before delving deeper into the various functions of Raspberry Pi, it’s important first to have a basic understanding of what this technology achieves.
First introduced in 2012, Raspberry Pi began as an affordable method of teaching coding to kids in schools, or to other people from developing countries. It’s a small single-board computing device, with the latest iteration living inside a not much larger keyboard. After that, you simply connect both it and the mouse to a monitor, and you’re fully operational with Raspberry Pi.
Today, Raspberry Pi is the best-selling British computer ever made.
Some of these technologies have been sold in the past for as little as £22. Customers have bought today’s iterations for the humble figure of £95. The latest and greatest smartphones and video game consoles can charge exorbitant fees, but the best innovations often prioritise accessibility. A technological revolution can be formed out of all this, as Raspberry Pi caters to all instead of a privileged, elite few.
A Pandemic Lifeline?
Due to its humble origins, Raspberry Pi technologies have been able to fit within most people’s budgets comfortably. They’re certainly cheaper than most other computers available on the market today.
Revolutions are spurred on by genuine need. Interestingly, the usage of Raspberry Pi tech has increased throughout the pandemic, thanks to their Stay Connected with School programme. Raspberry Pi worked with voluntary organisations to equip kids with all the kits and software needed to facilitate their lockdown learning.
The demand is expected to persist post-pandemic too, due to large numbers of children not having access to a computer from home even at the best of times. Thanks to Raspberry Pi, no one in education will be left behind.
Therefore, many iterations of Raspberry Pi have been a significant resource for disadvantaged families lately. It’s capable of achieving many of the feats that computers do, such as browsing the internet, creating spreadsheets, playing high-definition video, and word processing. These devices can introduce kids to learning opportunities in coding and beyond, irrespective of their background.
Bringing Back the Past?
Video games can also be played on these credit card-sized machines, having staved off lockdown boredom for users. However, adults with a history of gaming have also gotten a nostalgic fix this way too.
Fans of retro gaming can browse this guide to raspberry pi emulators to revisit the gaming revolution of the 80s and 90s. You can learn about many things here, such as the most popular emulators to use on your device (RetroPie and Lakka) and how to use current-gen controllers if traditional joysticks don’t impress you. Tapping into the wisdom of many DIY hobbyists and builders, using this guide means that you can revisit gaming’s Golden Era quickly and affordably.
Of course, contemporary video games are often subject to controversy. After all, they’re frequently criticised for being too violent, repetitive, and expensive, especially regarding the dangerous implications of microtransactions and half-finished ‘live service’ titles. Instead, going back in time to when games were a complete, pure and straightforward method of fun could be appealing. Therefore, it’s easy to see why more people are gravitating to retro gaming, sparking a revolution for these experiences in their own right.
Framing the Future
Because Raspberry Pi is principally used to teach kids coding, these devices arguably have a core position in framing the future.
The technology is used for various coding-related purposes, nurturing the creativity and ingenuity of kids the world over. Some of the leftfield uses of Raspberry Pi programming have fed into creations like stop motion films, home security cameras, self-built robots, social media bots, web servers, and virtual jukeboxes.
In other words, Raspberry Pi has practical and entertaining applications, rather than simply presenting children with lines of letters and numbers on a screen. When they can see that their coding has real effects on their tangible world, it can spark their interest further. Raspberry Pi can also help to emphasise that idea of ‘revolution’, as some of these uses could help people build better opportunities and lives for themselves.