Raspberry Pi gets a serious competitor as Particle unveils its 5G-capable SBC

Particle has introduced the Tachyon, a new single-board computer (SBC) that competes directly with the Raspberry Pi by offering advanced features such as 5G connectivity and AI capabilities. Priced at $149, the Tachyon is designed to be accessible for engineers and innovators, aiming to democratize cutting-edge technology. The board is compact, roughly the size of a credit card, and includes an octa-core Qualcomm Kryo CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of flash storage. It also features an Adreno 643 GPU, 12 TOPS of AI processing power, and over 20 camera sensors, along with a USB-C 3.1 PD port and a PCIe Gen 3 slot.

Zach Supalla, CEO of Particle, emphasized the importance of making advanced technology available to a broader audience, stating that current access to 5G and AI accelerators is limited to a few large companies. The Tachyon aims to inspire innovation by providing essential tools for developing connected devices. Interested individuals can support the project through Kickstarter, where Particle has a history of successful campaigns. The Tachyon's introduction highlights the growing competition in the SBC market, showcasing the potential for new functionalities that go beyond what traditional boards like the Raspberry Pi offer.