Qualcomm has announced the Buying of Arduinothe historic open hardware platform that has trained millions of makers, students and teachers. The operation – by an unrelated amount – is accompanied by a new product: Arduino one qa plaque that combines microprocessor and microcontroller compatible with AI models. However, both companies ensure that Arduino will retain their brand, its tools and its mission.
Beyond the headline, the movement fits with the Qualcomm strategy to gain ground in computing on the edge (Edge Computing). The firm speaks of a community of more than 33 million users That, in theory, you will have more direct access to your technological battery. A candy for the ecosystem … whenever Arduino retains his neutrality when choosing integrated circuits and does not become an exclusive showcase of Qualcomm.
Arduino will continue to be Arduino (at least on paper)
In the communiqués it insists that Arduino will continue supporting microcontrollers and microprocessors from several manufacturers. It is a critical point: a good part of the success of the platform has been its opening and the variety of plates, from initiation models to professional proposals. The purchase is subject to regulatory approvalso there is still a procedure before it is definitive.
On the practical side, Qualcomm states that integration will facilitate scaling projects towards commercial products thanks to its network of partners. It sounds good, but it should not lose sight of balance: if the balance leans too much towards the House of the houseArduino could lose that independence that has made it so valuable in classrooms and laboratories.
Arduino one Q: SBC + Microcontroller with AI and demolition price
Next to the operation comes the One qa plaque with the classic format of the series one that integrates a Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 Able to execute Debian Linuxand a Real -time microcontroller For fine control tasks. The proposal allows you to use keyboard, mouse and screen by USB -C (with an adapter), and promises “Light” for vision and sound With real -time response. Comes with APP LAB pre -installed, an environment that unifies Sketches of Arduino, scripts In Python and AI models.
The one who can book for $ 44 (about 41 euros)with shipments planned by the end of October according to distributors. In addition to the base version, there will be configurations with more memory and storage (up to 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of EMMC), which positions Arduino closer to the scope of the Raspberry Pi, without abandoning its essence as a platform based on microcontrollers. A point to be monitored will be the availability: if the demand is triggered and the stocks are limited, we will return to the ghosts of 2020-2022.
What this purchase means: its risks and opportunities
On paper, the play makes sense: Qualcomm wins a direct route to the community, and Arduino obtains muscle to drive embedded projects. The key will be to verify whether the promise of independence translates into varied plaques and open documentation, or if we see a drift towards a catalog that is too centered on dragonwing.
The acquisition of Arduino by Qualcomm could facilitate the creation of new hardware carefully aligned with the needs of the artificial intelligence industry. It is a relevant step that will undoubtedly excite technology lovers.
For now, the One q It looks interesting for education, quick prototyped and even small industrial pilots. How do you see it? Does the new Arduino convince you under the umbrella of Qualcomm or do you fear a closure of options? We read you in the comments.
