Raspberry Pi 3 vs Raspberry Pi 2 vs Raspberry Pi B+: Compatibility
As with the Raspberry Pi 2, the Raspberry Pi 3 runs on the same systems that the Model B+ runs on. This means that everything you have for older Pi boards will work without issue on the Pi 3. However, to really make the most of the added power that the Pi 2 and Pi 3 bring, older software will need to be rejigged to maximise efficiency across the four cores.
You’ll also have to download and install the ARM v7 version of Raspbian, as the Pi 2 doesn’t support older builds. The Pi 3 should run on the ARM v7 version of Raspbian too, but you’re better off downloading the latest version. The v7 version works across all Raspberry Pi devices, so there’s no reason not to update to it on older devices.
The Pi 2 and Pi 3 are also compatible with a IoT build of Windows 10 and the Linux-based Snappy Ubuntu Core.
Full Windows 10 compatibility isn’t currently supported – and there’s no word on whether it will ever arrive – but thanks to a special Windows Developer Program for IoT, you can tinker around with a Windows 10 build that supports the Raspberry Pi 2 and Pi 3. Windows 10 IoT will be available free of charge to makers, which is attractive prospect for developers wanting to create apps and learning experiences for a larger audience.
Raspberry Pi 3 vs Raspberry Pi 2 vs Raspberry Pi B+: Price
[gallery:10]Currently, the Raspberry Pi 3 is priced just a couple of pounds more than the Raspberry Pi 2, selling for £32 inc VAT. You can pick up a Pi 2 for £30 and a Model B+ for around £23.
Raspberry Pi 3 vs Raspberry Pi 2 vs Raspberry Pi B+: Potential problems
As with the Pi 2 and the Model B+, potential problems with the Pi 3 all stem from software compatibility, as we wait for developers to update their software.
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