Pine64 is a project focused primarily on open hardware and centered around the open-source community; it is known for the PinePhone, Pinecil soldering iron, and PineTime. The project is collecting ideas and feature suggestions through an online form for its next MCU-based device. While a new Pine64 Linux SBC is not expected due to RAM and storage shortages, the capabilities of modern microcontrollers enable different types of devices. Examples include:
- MP3 player
- Alarm clock
- Electronic multi-tool
- MCU-based PinePhone-like device
- Digital camera
The announcement on Discord and affiliated platforms contains details. Suggestions will be evaluated by Pine Store, which will make the production decision; no guarantees are being made. Pine64, which has been growing for 10 years, continues to develop hardware and participate in hacker events.
Why it matters
This initiative shows that microcontroller-centered products are coming into consideration as alternatives to the Linux-based single-board computers expected to be affected by hardware shortages. This means the role of the Pine64 community is no longer limited to using existing devices, but extends to setting priorities for product design in different areas of use. The broad range of suggested categories, from playing music to taking photos, indicates that microcontrollers are being considered within Pine64 as a platform not tied to a single type of product. However, it has not been confirmed that online feedback will turn into production; which idea will be selected and how suggestions from the community will be turned into a concrete product remain open questions, dependent on Pine Store’s evaluation.