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The Raspberry Pi 2 has been revealed, adding more processing power and memory to a familiar DIY computer package.
The first Raspberry Pi was launched two years ago, in February 2012. While we've seen subtle improvements and modifications since then, this marks the second major iteration since that point.
Despite that, the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B is broadly similar to the current Raspberry Pi Model B+.
The key improvement this time around is the inclusion of a new Broadcom BCM2836 900MHz quad-core processor, which replaces the old and slightly creaky Broadcom BCM2835 700MHz single-core chip. RAM has also been doubled over the B+ to 1GB of RAM.
The result of this is that the Raspberry Pi 2 can boast an estimated six times more power than the Raspberry Pi B+.
Speaking with The Register, foundation boss Eben Upton outlined what this power increase would mean in practical terms. "I think it's a usable PC now," he said. "It was always the case that you could use a Raspberry Pi 1 as a PC but you had to say 'this is a great PC in so far as it cost me 35 bucks'. We've removed the caveat that you had to be a bit forgiving with it. Now it's just good."
Read More: Creator CI20 vs Raspberry Pi: Battle of the DIY microcomputers
The Raspberry Pi 2 will retail for the exact same price as the Raspberry Pi B, which is just £22.85. Interestingly, however, the B+ will continue to be sold for the same price.
This is simply because not all industrial customers want to move on from the familiar set-up of the first generation Raspberry Pi.
Upton has promised that there will be an initial batch of 100,000 units for the Raspberry Pi 2. He doesn't anticipate the sort of six month waiting list that greeted the launch of the first Raspberry Pi model, but it should still be a strong seller.
