The blog post explores the potential of the newly released S1 processor as a competitor to the Apple R1, particularly in the realm of ultra-low-power embedded applications. The author highlights the S1's remarkably low $6 price point and its impressive power efficiency, consuming just microwatts of power. While acknowledging the S1's limitations in terms of processing power and memory compared to the R1, the post emphasizes its suitability for specific use cases like wearables and IoT devices where cost and power consumption are paramount. The author ultimately concludes that while not a direct replacement, the S1 offers a compelling alternative for applications where the R1's capabilities are overkill and its higher cost prohibitive.
The blog post, titled "S1: A $6 R1 Competitor?", delves into the intriguing possibility of the newly announced S1 development board posing a viable challenge to the widely-used Raspberry Pi R1, particularly considering its remarkably low price point of $6. The author initiates the discussion by acknowledging the initial skepticism that often accompanies such low-cost hardware announcements, yet expresses a cautious optimism grounded in the S1's specifications and the reputation of its manufacturer, Allwinner.
The post proceeds to meticulously dissect the S1's technical capabilities, comparing them directly with the R1. A central focus of this comparison revolves around the processing power, where the S1, equipped with a single-core C906 RISC-V processor clocked at 1 GHz, stands against the R1's single-core ARM1176JZF-S processor running at 700 MHz. While acknowledging the architectural differences and the potential performance variations stemming from them, the author postulates that the S1's higher clock speed might offer a performance advantage in certain scenarios. Further comparison points encompass memory capacity, with the S1 boasting a seemingly superior 64MB of RAM compared to the R1's 256MB, although the author speculates on the potential for different memory configurations of the S1 to emerge.
Connectivity options also undergo scrutiny, highlighting the S1's inclusion of Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5, contrasted with the R1's lack of integrated wireless capabilities. The blog post underscores the significant advantage this grants the S1 in terms of out-of-the-box connectivity for internet-enabled applications. Furthermore, the presence of a video output capable of supporting up to 1080p resolution on the S1 is juxtaposed with the R1's composite video output, suggesting a potential advantage for the S1 in applications requiring higher resolution displays.
The author also explores the implications of the S1's utilization of the open-source RISC-V architecture, contrasting it with the ARM architecture found in the R1. This discussion touches upon the potential benefits of the RISC-V ecosystem, including increased flexibility and potential cost reductions for manufacturers.
Concluding the analysis, the author reiterates the impressive nature of the S1's specifications, especially considering its exceptionally low cost. While acknowledging the need for further testing and real-world benchmarks to definitively assess the S1's performance against the R1, the initial assessment suggests that the S1 could indeed present a compelling alternative, particularly for price-sensitive applications and projects within the maker and hobbyist communities. The open-ended nature of the title reflects the author's cautiously optimistic perspective, leaving room for future evaluation and comparisons once the S1 becomes more readily available.
Summary of Comments ( 341 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42946854
Hacker News users discussed the potential of the S1 chip as a viable competitor to the Apple R1, focusing primarily on price and functionality. Some expressed skepticism about the S1's claimed capabilities, particularly its ultra-wideband (UWB) performance, given the lower price point. Others questioned the practicality of its open-source nature for the average consumer, highlighting potential security concerns and the need for technical expertise to implement it. Several commenters were interested in the potential applications of a cheaper UWB chip, citing potential uses in precise indoor location tracking and device interaction. A few pointed out the limited information available and the need for further testing and real-world benchmarks to validate the S1's performance claims. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious optimism, with many acknowledging the potential disruptive impact of a low-cost UWB chip but reserving judgment until more concrete evidence is available.
The Hacker News post titled "S1: A $6 R1 competitor?" with the ID 42946854 generated a moderate amount of discussion, primarily focused on the feasibility and potential market impact of the S1 chip discussed in the linked blog post.
Several commenters expressed skepticism about the S1's ability to genuinely compete with the Raspberry Pi R1, particularly at the stated price point. They questioned the inclusion of essential components like the power supply and WiFi module in the $6 cost, suggesting that the final price would likely be higher. Some pointed out the potential for hidden costs associated with manufacturing and distribution, particularly given the current global economic climate.
Others discussed the limited information provided about the S1's specifications, highlighting the need for more detailed benchmarks and comparisons to other low-cost microcontrollers. The lack of readily available documentation was also mentioned as a barrier to adoption. One commenter questioned the chip's suitability for real-world applications, suggesting that its performance might be insufficient for anything beyond basic tasks.
A few commenters were more optimistic about the S1's potential, particularly for educational purposes and simple embedded systems. They acknowledged the limitations of the chip but argued that its low price could make it an attractive option for specific use cases. The possibility of using the S1 for small, battery-powered projects was also mentioned.
One commenter raised concerns about the environmental impact of disposable electronics, arguing that the S1's low price could encourage wasteful practices. They suggested that a focus on repairability and longevity would be more sustainable in the long run.
Some users diverted from the main topic, discussing alternative low-cost microcontrollers and their experiences with similar projects. This tangential discussion touched upon the broader trends in the embedded systems market and the increasing demand for affordable computing solutions.
Overall, the comments reflect a cautious interest in the S1 chip, with many commenters waiting for more concrete information before forming a definitive opinion. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency and realistic expectations when introducing a new product to a discerning audience like the Hacker News community.