New Software Update Enables Bluetooth for Pico W

In a recent announcement, Raspberry Pi has released 1.5.1 of the C SDK along with the latest MicroPython build. This update enables Bluetooth on the Raspberry Pi Pico W.

Launched last year, the Raspberry Pi Pico W is a small, $6 computer module that can be used for various electronics projects. While releasing the board last year, the board already came with the Infineon CYW43439 module that supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality but lacked the necessary drivers required to enable that. But with the new update, you can now use Bluetooth Classic and BLE on this device.

Technical Details:

• The Pico W’s new Bluetooth functionality is available through an update in the C SDK  version 1.5.1 and the latest MicroPython build.
• It supports Bluetooth Classic (except ACL/SCO) and BLE, in both Central and Peripheral roles.
• Users have the flexibility to use Bluetooth Classic, BLE, or both.

For those eager to explore this new feature, the Raspberry Pi team has updated their documentation and written a book titled ‘Connecting to the Internet with Raspberry Pi Pico W‘. These resources guide you through using Bluetooth LE with both the C SDK and MicroPython. You can also get the latest version of Micropython on their GitHub Rep0.

According to Raspberry Pi Integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the Pico W was a complex task. and Raspberry Pi extends its gratitude to Infineon. The Bluetooth functionality is powered by the BTstack library from BlueKitchen, with this Pico W users will also benefit from a commercial license for BTstack, allowing them to use it in their products.

If you are trying to get your hand on a Raspberry Pi Pio W you can get it from their official website.

Please follow and like us: