Skip to main content

Microsoft to make big changes to Windows 10 IoT, announces Core Starter Kit

windows 10 iot for raspberry pi starter kit release
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Microsoft has made no secret of its plans to bring Windows 10 to every corner of the globe, releasing desktop versions, smartphone-compatible systems, and even the ability to broadcast your phone’s Windows OS to your TV if you want to. However one other aspect of the tech world it’s targeting are small form factor, screen-less IoT devices, with its Core system. To help people continue to innovate with that specialized version of the operating system, it’s now teamed up with Adafruit to release a starter kit for home-brew device-makers.

The IoT Core Starter Kit is designed to get developers up to speed and creating functional devices within in no time. It’s entirely compatible with the Raspberry Pi 2 and can in fact be ordered with one if you don’t already possess the credit card-sized computer system — although all versions are sold out at the time of writing.

When it does come back in stock, prospective buyers can expect a full-size breadboard, some male/male jumper wires, female/male extension wires, a miniature Wi-Fi module, temperature and humidity sensors, a color sensor, a 5-foot-long Ethernet cable, a switching power supply, and perhaps most importantly, an SD card preloaded with Windows 10 IoT Core.

All of this costs just $40 for the version that doesn’t come with a complete Raspberry Pi 2, though those buying the entire bundle together can expect to pay $115 when it’s all available once again.

Of course perhaps you just want the hardware in the pack and don’t really like the idea of a cut down Windows 10. That’s not a problem either, as all of the bundled hardware is entirely compatible with Raspbian Linux and Python, so there’s plenty of scope for interesting products with the new kit.

Other improvements to the software include improved security, added support for pulse-width modulation and analog-digital converters, as well as a much more impressive API. Microsoft has also fixed problems with the USB HID-class driver and a number of other meddling bugs.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
9 best processors for PC gaming: tested and reviewed
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D installed in a motherboard.

It's tough to find the right gaming CPU for your next PC. We've benchmarked dozens of processors to find the best CPU for gaming, and there's a clear winner right now: AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Although the latest chip from Team Red claims the crown, there are still several other great options on the market.

Whatever your needs and budgets, though, we have options from AMD and Intel that will be great performers. We're focused on gaming here, but if you want a processor that can game and get work done, make sure to check out our list of the best processors.

Read more
The best 5K monitors you can buy for max resolution
A person using the Dell UltraSharp 40 U4025QW 40-inch curved Thunderbolt hub monitor with a Dell laptop on a desk.

Despite their relatively steep price tags, 5K monitors have gained substantial popularity among various creative professionals, including photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and graphic designers. These displays not only deliver exceptionally sharp and detailed imagery but also come with high-end, factory-calibrated panels to ensure precise color reproduction.

A true 5K resolution is defined as 5120 x 2880 pixels, with the emphasis often placed on the horizontal pixel count by many manufacturers. It's important to note that only a few monitors offer this exact resolution. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top monitors that provide a 5K2K resolution (5120 x 2160 pixels) as well. Here are the best 5K monitors currently available for purchase in 2024.

Read more
The 5 best laptops for accountants in 2024
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 top down tablet view with pen.

Accountants tend to have a lot on their shoulders, especially as a lot of folks can rely on them for financial health, which is very important in today's world where the economy isn't at its best. As such, it's important to have the right tools for the job, and while there are a ton of great laptops out there that might work well for accounting, some will excel at it more than others. As such, we've gone out and picked our favorite laptops that can easily handle everything from large and heavy-duty spreadsheets to accounting software. Also, if you haven't quite found what you're looking for here, be sure to check out some of or other favorite laptop deals as well.
The Best Laptops for Accountants in 2024

Buy the  if you want the best overall laptop for accountants
Buy the if you want the best MacBook laptop for accountants
Buy the  if you want the best portable laptop for accountants
Buy the if you want the best 14-inch laptop for accountants
Buy the  if you want the best budget laptop for accountants

Read more