On Kickstarter, the lead engineer of the $9 C.H.I.P. computer and team are introducing new single board computers under the name Popcorn:
We are building the next-generation of single board computers. They are simple enough that you can learn what every part and subsystem does. Powerful enough that you can apply it to real world applications while learning new concepts without significant difficulty or inherent limitations. We made it user-friendly by eliminating many of the hurdles that are most commonly encountered as a first time user. We designed it to be reliable by eliminating components prone to failure.
We have been developing web-based and offline cross-platform flashing, cloning, and backup tools. Our tools will provide up-to-date software distributions with full hardware support and the latest security patches.
Super Popcorn ($69) and Super 8 ($89)
Comes in two flavors, one with 4 CPUs, Super Popcorn, and another with 8 CPUs which we call ‘Super 8′ Popcorn.
Original Popcorn Computer ($49)
In addition to Super Popcorn, they are releasing a C.H.I.P derivative named Original Popcorn Computer. Original Popcorn is pin-to-pin compatible and 100% software compatible with C.H.I.P. using USB-C Technology.
Stovetop Companion Board ($39)
Original Popcorn also has a companion board: Stovetop. It takes its namesake from the idea that you can cook your Popcorn ideas on the Stovetop. It provides HDMI Video output with Audio, 100 Mbit Ethernet, USB-C Power Input and a USB-C Serial Debug connector. There is a tier of Popcorn + Stovetop for $88.
The original C.H.I.P. was $9 which was a great selling point. The $5 Raspberry Pi Zero provided competition which most likely lead to C.H.I.P.’s downfall.
The current pricing is quite a bit more expensive than the C.H.I.P. but the specifications are better. We’ll see if this effort becomes a success in the crowded SBC market.
See the Kickstarter for more information. The company is at https://popcorncomputer.com/.
Are you excited for these new releases? Let us know in the comments below.
There’s an error in your post, from the Kickstarter page:
“Jose was the lead electrical engineer behind PocketC.H.I.P. and the CHIP Pro Dev Kit.”
Those devices where way more expensive than $9.
The lead engineer on the $9 C.H.I.P. was Gus ??? a founder of NextThing Co.
As someone who got 7 v1 chips, and then dealt with the unprofessional business practices, and constant unanswered questions finally capped off with NTC’s silent disappearing act, I will absolutely never support these people again, regardless what they decide to call themselves next time, especially on a project that costs exponentially more than the first one that’s now defunct. I mean it was bad enough to be stuck with a handful of boards that became effectively useless once NTC quietly faded into the background and took their server based OS flashing system and any current and future support with them, but I would’ve been furious if I paid nearly $100 each and was left high and dry.
As they say; fool me once…