When UK Prime Minister David Cameron gave a speech at CeBIT this year, what examples did he use to highlight tech innovation in Britain? Yes, ARM and Imagination were on his list, but he also referred to the tiny, Linux-based computer called Raspberry Pi, which has now sold over 2.5 million units. In a timely fashion, the Pi's makers, element 14, have just announced a new $33,Wolfson-powered audio card that should give the device a broader range of functions.
The add-on board fits right onto the Pi's P5 pins and carries a Wolfson audio processor that supports high-res audio up to 24-bit / 192KHz, which can be played via a direct connection to an amp over 3.5mm line-out or alternatively via a digital S/PDIF output. Audio recording, meanwhile, comes courtesy of two onboard MEMS mics (useful for things like voice control), a 3.5mm mic jack and a digital S/PDIF input. It's true that some of these audio capabilities have already been possible on the Pi through USB peripherals such as DACs, but the Wolfson Audio Card gets into the DIY spirit of things with a $33 price tag and an emphasis on experimentation and community support. Speaking of which, some Pi owners have already gotten their hands on the board prior to today's global release
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