New Raspberry Pi Model B+ uses up to 30 percent less power than Model B

Between 20 percent and 30 percent improvement in power consumption has been achieved on the Model B+ by using a more efficient switched mode power supply in place of the previous linear arrangement.

More extensive GPIO capability is provided by the replacement of the 26-pin socket with a 40-pin connector: the pin-out of the first 26 pins remains identical to the Model B.

The number of USB ports has been doubled to four, enabling users to avoid the use of a cascading hub when deploying multiple devices such as a wired keyboard, mouse, wireless dongle and external hard drive.

Audio output quality has also been improved with some DSP-related fixes.

Some small changes have also been made to the board form factor in order to provide better alignment of connectors on the side of the board. In addition, four mounting holes instead of two are now provided to facilitate improved board stability when mounted within an OEM application.

In keeping with current trends, the standard SD card form factor has been replaced by a microSD card format.

Raspberry Pi Model B+ is available to purchase direct from RS Components stock for immediate shipment priced at $35 in single unit quantities. Production of the Model B will continue and will be sold alongside the Model B+.