That Raspberry Pi computer-in-a-keyboard looks great, and more tech news today

Your tech news digest, by way of the DGiT Daily tech newsletter, for Monday, 2 November 2020.

1. New faster Raspberry Pi, in a keyboard, for $70

Ok this is cool. If you’ve ever thought the Raspberry Pi mini-computer looks intriguing but a little complicated as a raw bit of silicon, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has a new idea.

Meet the new Raspberry Pi 400, an upgraded Raspberry Pi 4 with 4GB of RAM, and now in a keyboard. Our post here has all tech specs and details but it’s similar to the Pi 4.

What matters is the new form:

• “We’ve never been shy about borrowing a good idea,” write the Raspberry Pi foundation, noting the throwback to the likes of the Commodore 64-era, which embedded a motherboard in the keyboard.
• The keyboard holds all the ports at the back, including USB-C charging, 2x HDMI mini, three USB-A ports, and it has Bluetooth and WiFi, and more.
• Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton said that the device attempts to solve “challenges for less-technical users in configuring a device with lots of parts, often without hands-on support because COVID-related restrictions on home visits.” (via Engadget).

Not bad:

• The Raspberry Pi 400 keyboard setup will retail for $70 and is available in the US, UK, and France right now, with Italian, Spanish, and German versions rolling out next week. Expect other global markets like Australia and India, by late this year, and other global markets in early 2021.
• There’s also a “Christmas Morning ready” package for $100: it includes the official USB-C power supply, mouse, cables, official beginner’s guide, and a 16GB SD card preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS. It’s a good deal.
• If you have a bunch of these things already, you’re good to go with just the $70 version.
• And the older Pi 4 is still being sold as a module for around $56 or so still, with the tiny form-factor more appealing for some.

This makes sense for families under lockdown that want to introduce a little IT skill, from early programming and projects, or even just playing Minecraft.

• Or, much more complex stuff — there are some great Raspberry Pi projects to tackle, learn from, and adapt to your own needs.

2. Looks like there’s likely a new DJI drone out this week, to be called the DJI Mini 2. A big leak, courtesy of the drone already being sold from a Best Buy, shows what looks like an upgrade from the DJI Mavic Mini, now without Mavic branding but with 4K camera, more flying time, and better connectivity (Slashgear).

3. Pixel 5 teardown shows how a metal phone supports wireless charging (Engadget).

4. Report: HUAWEI is readying its own chipset plant in Shanghai, aiming to produce 28nm chips by the end of 2021 (Android Authority).

5. WhatsApp is about to release a Disappearing Messages feature, but it’s weirdly limited, and messages can even be forwarded so caution is advised if nothing changes at the release (Android Authority).

6. OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 edition goes official with themed design, UI, and even ringtones. Remember them? (Android Authority).

7. 120W charging tested: How hot does your phone get? Well, hot enough for real-world tests to show you shouldn’t really bother with it if you want your battery lifetime over the longer term to last (Android Authority).

8. “It’s 2020. Why do printers still suck?” Amusing read! The only solution is to get a laser printer, or …suffer (Wired).

9. What to wear when you’re battling giant, venomous hornets (Ars Technica).

10. California’s hills are haunted by the ghosts of wind energy’s past (Gizmodo).

11. Humans have been living in space for 20 years straight, today, Nov 2nd (NatGeo).

12. “In English we have “like” and “umm”. What are some filler words in other languages?” (r/askreddit).

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