From DailyTech: Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) promised up a version of Windows 10 for the Raspberry Pi minicomputer and other "internet of things" (IoT) devices. The outstanding question is what shape Windows might take on such barebones devices. This week we finally found out as Microsoft has launched the "Windows 10 IoT Core" for this class of devices.
Catering to the embedded market is a challenging chore. When it comes to Windows on tiny computers, the recently debuted "Mini PC" and "micro-PC" form factors (using mini-ITX class motherboards), come to mind. These devices retail from anywhere from $100 to $1,000 USD. But even on the low end they typically pack a modest punch thanks to an onboard Intel Corp. (INTC) multi-core processor.
By contrast, Windows is targeting even thinner clients -- including hobby boards (like the Raspberry Pi) and embedded processing circuits in appliances, toys, etc. The circuits in this class tend to cost less than $50 USD.
The Raspberry Pi is perhaps the most iconic entrant in the class. In development since 2011, the DIY device first debuted in 2013, priced at $25 USD. It saw a modest revision last year (and a bump to $35 USD, with it). And most recently, in Feb. it saw a major hardware upgrade. Inside the Raspberry Pi 2 B is a 900 MHz quad-core BCM2835 chip by Broadcom Corp. (BRCM) with ARM Holdings plc's (LON:ARM) classic Cortex-A7 core design (long a staple of the smartphone space) inside. by system-on-a-chip, along with a doubled allotment of RAM (1 GB).
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