PINE A64, First $15 64-Bit Single Board Super Computer

About this project

Update 12/14/15 (We're putting it here so it's easier to read) : To help minimize the flooding of our inbox so we can get everyone back to all the questions and concerns... please read our FAQs at the bottom of the page. Most commonly asked is buying more than 1 board and save on shipping. Please just pledge 1 and you can add additional boards after the campaign i over, along with any upgrades accessories you want to add.  Thank You. This will help us answer emails and questions a lot faster. Thank you for your support. 

PINE A64 is not only a computer, it is a super affordable 64-bit high performance expandable single board computer (SBC).  Whether you are an IT professional, electronics hobbyist, student, teacher, hacker, inventor, or just someone who wants to have more flexibility to increase their productivity at work, the PINE A64 is a computer board made for everyone.  Enjoy more fun and entertainment at home with endless possibilities.

PINE A64 is Small

PINE A64 boards next to iPhone 6S for size comparison

PINE A64 is Powerful

ARM A53 CPU

The PINE64 CPU is a quad-core ARM A53 64-bit processor that runs at 1.2GHz. 

The GPU on the PINE A64 is a dual-core MALI-400 MP2 and runs at 500MHz, capable of 1.1 Gpixel/s throughput. This means the graphics capabilities are slightly higher than the original X-Box's level of performance.  

PINE A64 board is powered by the latest 64-bit quad core ARM A53 CPU and delivers up to 20-30% better performance than other 32 bit open source counterparts.

PINE A64 compared with Raspberry Pi

PINE A64 compared with C.H.I.P and Arduino

PINE64 is Expandable

Add different hardware interfaces to your PINE A64 as you see fit. Depending on whether you pick the PINE A64 or PINE A64+, the PINE A64 ships defaults with two USB ports, HDMI output, 3.5mm Audio/Mic Output, ethernet port, and two I/O expansion buses. On the more advanced PINE A64+ model, you will receive three additional ports to add optional accessories such as: camera module, touch panel module, and the LCD Panel port.

PINE A64 is Versatile

Add a keyboard and mice and turn PINE A64 into a full Android 5.1 computer to run Chrome Browser, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, or even watch your favorite shows on YouTube.

Load special versions of Android 5.1 and launch media players to turn this into an advanced Apple TV-like Android product.  PINE A64 supports miracast.

Shown with Android media software

Install a touchscreen module and choose from hundreds of thousands of games from the Android store to build your own arcade. 

Play your favorite games on the big screen!

Play games with optional air-mouse (Nintendo Wii type remote)

 Fruit Ninja anyone? 

Testing Fruit Ninja with an optional Air Mouse!

Build a custom enclosure to use the PINE64 in your next innovative project.

3D Printing enclosures can be fun!

Lego Enclosure, Acrylic Enclosure, and more!

PINE A64 is not just a media player, Linux platform, learning tool, or gaming device. It's a full 64-bit, 4K capable, fully expandable, single board supercomputer. 

By being so affordable at $15, PINE A64 now opens up doors to new opportunities for everyone. Use it to build just almost anything. 

Operating System

Because PINE A64 is an open source platform, you can load anything you want but we suggest to pair PINE A64 with Ubuntu, Android or openHAB IoT. By aligning the PINE A64 to be compatible with these operating systems, you basically get access to over 1.7 Million apps* on the market today, from utilities, games, and media apps.
*Android Apps available today

Supported OSes

Data provided via Appbrain.com

(original article at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pine64/pine-a64-first-15-64-bit-single-board-super-comput?)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 - Recovery Mode

To get Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 into Recovery Mode.  There are 2 ways about it:

1. Power-OFF Redmi Note 2. Let the unit completely SHUTDOWN.
   Power-ON by pressing the Power and Volume Up button SIMULTANEOUSLY. 
2. Use the MIUI System software - UPDATER. After it checks for updates, follow the image and click on the ellipses pointed by the blue arrow. Then select "Reboot to recovery mode". 

• Once in RECOVERY MODE, use Volume Up and Down button to move up or down the menu.  Use Power button for confirm / selection of menu item. 

Happy try-out! Hope you enjoy your Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 experience!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 - How to install Google Play?

Recently purchased Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 from DirectD Gadget Mega Store in Petaling Jaya (along the Federal Highway).

The stock ROM (Version: V6.7.10.0.LHMCNCH MIUI6) update is the ***CNCH version, which is the China version.  The Global version is typically named ***MICH. In fact, many of the latest Xiaomi phones DO NOT have Global version ROMs! The last one with Global version ROM was the Xiaomi Mi 4!

However, fortunately the UI (User Interface) language was English.

After some browsing, I understood that Xiaomi DOES NOT install Google Apps to comply with China's government regulations (China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) bemoaned the “heavy reliance” on Google’s Android software among Chinese smartphone developers.).

There has been several solutions described in the MIUI Forum itself.  However, these turned out to be complex, false or perhaps outdated for the current MIUI6 ROMs.

The one which worked out for me and also the easiest was;

1. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT IF YOUR BATTERY IS LESS THAN 50%!
2. Use your Windows / Linux computer to download this software - "Google installer.apk". 
3. Connect your Redmi Note 2 via USB cable and TRANSFER Google Installer to phone storage or SD card. You may choose any location / directory. 
4. Google Installer is NOT IN the Google Play store. Please download from the link above. 
5. Google Installer is an Android Application Package (APK), less than 1MB size. 
6. After Google Installer is COPIED to phone storage or SD card, the USB cable is NOT needed anymore.  You may keep the USB cable plugged in if you need the power. 
7. Use File Explorer in the Redmi Note 2 to find and run Google Installer. 
8. If Google Play is ALREADY INSTALLED in Redmi Note 2, it'll PREVENT the installation of Google Play by Google Installer. PLEASE REMOVE / UNINSTALL Google Play first!


9. Launch Google Installer and install Google Framework. REBOOT the phone if necessary. 
10. Using Google Installer, install Google Account Manager.
    REBOOT the phone if necessary. 
11. Using Google Installer, install Google Play Services.
    REBOOT the phone if necessary. 
12. Using Google Installer, install Google Play Store.
    REBOOT the phone if necessary. 
13. CONGRATULATIONS!
    Google Play Store is INSTALLED in your Redmi Note 2.
14. REBOOT once again before continuing with Google Play updates and other software installation. 

Happy try-out! Hope you enjoy your Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 experience!