Raspberry Pi has taken a significant step forward in the world of microcontrollers with the announcement of the Pico 2 W, an updated version of its popular Pico 2 board. The new board features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it an even more attractive option for DIY enthusiasts and developers working on IoT projects. Best of all, the Pico 2 W is priced at just $7, a mere $2 increase from its predecessor.

The Pico 2 W's onboard Wi-Fi chip supports the Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) standard, which may seem outdated compared to newer Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 standards, but is still widely used in many smart home devices, including sensors, security cameras, and smart speakers like the HomePod Mini. Additionally, the board features Bluetooth 5.2, further expanding its connectivity options. The single USB 1.1 port on the board also supports standard Raspberry Pi Pico accessories, allowing users to expand its capabilities with sensors, displays, and robotics kits.

The Pico 2 W is powered by the RP2350 microcontroller, a dual-core chip that utilizes both Arm and RISC-V architectures. This marks a significant upgrade from the original Pico's RP2040 chip, which was Raspberry Pi's first self-designed chip. The RP2350's capabilities will undoubtedly open up new possibilities for developers and makers working on IoT projects.

The Raspberry Pi Pico line has already proven popular among DIY enthusiasts, with users creating custom IoT sensors and controllers, as well as more unusual projects like custom smartwatches, IoT weather stations, and even cat toys. The addition of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the Pico 2 W is likely to further accelerate innovation in this space.

As of publication, the Pico 2 W is available for preorder at one of Raspberry Pi's preferred retailers, with availability expected to expand to three other retailers in the near future. With its low price point and expanded capabilities, the Pico 2 W is poised to become a go-to option for developers and makers working on IoT projects.

The implications of the Pico 2 W's release are significant, as it further democratizes access to IoT development and enables a wider range of projects and innovations. As the IoT landscape continues to evolve, the Pico 2 W is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping its future.

In conclusion, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W represents a major step forward in the world of microcontrollers, offering a powerful and affordable solution for IoT development. With its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the Pico 2 W is set to unlock new possibilities for developers and makers, and its low price point makes it an attractive option for a wide range of projects.