$69 Pocket Chip DIY computer has 3D acceleration to run Quake III

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The $69 Pocket C.H.I.P. computer has gotten a software update that enables 3D acceleration on the ARM-based device. Now it can run games like Quake III.

The updated software and device are now available for holiday gift purchases. The Pocket Chip (spelled Pocket C.H.I.P. by the company) and its sister product Chip are targeted at the maker community — or do-it-yourself hardware enthusiasts who like to tinker.

Next Thing Co. has released an alpha image for the Pocket Chip that features a new Mali-400 3D acceleration driver.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vPpA5DI94I

A year ago, Next Thing Co. launched a $9 computer dubbed Chip. It has a 1-gigahertz ARM processor, 512 megabytes of main memory, built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a battery. That device has sold more than 100,000 units.

“There’s pretty cool stuff happening in the community,” said Dave Rauchwerk, CEO of Next Thing Co., in an interview with GamesBeat. “I have seen the craziest things you’ve [ever] seen — like a $25 VR haptic glove.”

Dave Rauchwerk, CEO of Next Thing Co., holds a $9 CHIP computer.
Dave Rauchwerk, CEO of Next Thing Co., holds a $9 Chip computer.