For anybody who employs the use of programs such as Python and Scratch, perhaps Raspberry Pi is one of the foremost things that comes to one’s mind. Now, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has moved on from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version of the Operating System that was once known as Raspbian.
This has happened after the beta version of Raspbian was announced around a year and nine months ago. The versatility and low-cost programs that make Raspberry Pi the best in the market has now come with a better and upgraded version. However, the new 64-bit version of the default OS, which is a Debian Linux-based OS, will not run on all models such as Pi 1, Pi 2, or Pi Zero. This upgrade is specially made for beta builds.
The new information came out through Raspberry Pi’s official blog post. In this new version of the updated Raspberry Pi OS, the compatibility will be maximized between devices. Now, applications and services will be able to access higher RAM on higher Raspberry Pi boards, like the Raspberry Pi 4 which has up to 8GB. The performance boost would be clearly visible in this new update.
There is one drawback of this update. The 64-bit update of Chromium does not support the Widevine DRM. Pis, which are usually attached to TV sets for media players and streamers will require the previous version. So, to stream Netflix or Disney+, it is important to install a 32-bit Chromium.
The new 64-bit OS has managed to iron out many of the details that had been previously worked on. From running App Executables on 64-bit Arm Targets to having booster performance instruction sets, the new version has all the information that one could possibly have. There is greater virtual space in the new version, with a maximum of potentially 4 GB. Since most models have 4GB of physical RAM space, the memory space would allow for a lot.
To use this 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, it is important to have a 64-bit Raspberry Pi board. Pi Xero 2 and Pi 3 onwards will be able to enjoy the use of this new board. The Pi 3 had a 64-bit processor as well, so running a 64-bit Operating System was available to use since 2016. Ever since the new Operating System has been worked on and been improved. The users who have been dependent on the previous version so far will not be able to employ the 64-bit version just yet. It is perhaps for the best too, because the incompatibility will be the very opposite of what this new upgrade is all about.
There is the “full” version of the 64-bit desktop operating system for some applications and a “lite” operating system version which is all available on Raspberry Pi Imager. The new 64-bit version is of course available to all, yet so far, the recommendation is to use the 32-bit version for now. Just in case you still want to use the 64-bit version, it is perhaps wise to create a bootable USB or SD card.
