Compute Module 3 Launched

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has launched the highly anticipated Compute Module 3, which is based on the same 64-bit platform that powers the Raspberry Pi 3. It's a successor to CM1 board but the Raspberry Pi foundation supposedly skipped v2 and jumped to CM3 in order to clarify its compatibility with Raspberry Pi 3. Being a 64-bit board, it's capable of running SLES and openSUSE Leap, which have already been released for the Raspberry Pi 3.

There are two versions of the Module. According to the press release [3]: "The first is the 'standard' CM3 which has a BCM2837 processor at up to 1.2GHz with 1GByte RAM, the same as Pi3, and 4 Gbytes of on-module eMMC flash. The second version is what we are calling 'Compute Module 3 Lite' (CM3L) which still has the same BCM2837 and 1Gbyte of RAM, but brings the SD card interface to the Module pins so a user can wire this up to an eMMC or SD card of their choice."

The Foundation claims that the CM3 is for the most part backwards compatible with CM1 designs that match their guidelines. However, the new board is 1mm taller than the CM1 and draws more current. This might make it tricky to use in older enclosures.

CM3 and CM3L are priced at $30 and $25 respectively (excluding tax and shipping), and this price applies to any size order. The original Compute Module has also been reduced to $25. RS and Premier Farnell are also providing full development kits, which include all you need to get started designing with the Compute Module 3.

The Foundation has also released a new version of the breakout board called the Compute Module IO Board V3 (CMIO3). Users can plug the CM3 board into the breakout board to develop projects for it, or use it as an interface in their devices.

According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation Blog: "This board provides both a starting template for those who want to design with the Compute Module, and a quick way to start experimenting with the hardware, and building and testing a system, before going to the expense of fabricating a custom board. The CMIO3 can accept an original Compute Module, CM3, or CM3L."

The board is already being used by NCE in its commercial displays.

Dride, Raspberry Pi based smart car dashcam

Dride Inc, a new start-up, is running a Kickstarter campaign [4] to develop a smart dash cam for cars called Dride.

Dride uses the Raspberry Pi, which provides it with a platform to offer different applications and services. It also powered by Amazon Alexa, bringing artificial intelligence as well as a voice-controlled virtual assistant to the device.

The driver can have a fully hands free experience through ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Through Alexa, it offers audio navigation advice, and safety alerts. It also allows drivers to read and write messages. In addition to GPS, the device has onboard WiFi and Bluetooth to connect to a user's mobile phone.

The software components of Dride are open source. This allows users to create their own car apps and customize them to their liking. To quote their Kickstarter page, "Dride allows you to create an infinite amount of apps for anything you can think of. Want to make an app to report parents that forget their children in their car, put an end to reckless drivers on the road or alert yourself when you are passing your favorite coffee house, have Dride record your to-do list while driving or set-up reminders?"

The device cam records video footage in a compressed format to save space. The footage can then be uploaded to a cloud service. The device works with Google Maps and stores GPS locations. The Dride team claims that this data can prove valuable if the driver is involved in a traffic incident.