Raspberry Pi Zero's most important selling point is that it’s cheap, except it isn’t. Pi Zero has no way to access the internet without additional accessories as it does not have any networking capabilities built in.

You can use your WiFi dongle, but you will have to use an 'OTG' cable as Pi Zero does not have standard USB type A port. Also if you plan on using Bluetooth or other input devices like Keyboard and Mouse you will need a powered USB hub. This amount of hassle is discouraging to many users who are looking for speedier results.

RedBear has designed the perfect solution to this inconvenience. Pi Zero IoT HAT is an add-on board that provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for the Raspberry Pi. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4GHz) + Bluetooth 4.1 (Dual Mode - Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy).

Why use Pi Zero IoT HAT when you can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dongles?

IoT HAT is more affordable

 You get both functions for the price of one dongle. And if you are using Pi Zero, you may also need to purchase:

1. USB OTG cable ($3-$5) - connect a normal USB device to the Pi Zero's micro USB port.
2. USB hub with power adapter ($15-$30) - if you need to connect more than one USB device 

The setup is more orderly

Because you do not need the USB OTG Cable and the USB Hub etc, the setup is faster and looks less cluttered. If you are running an IoT project, you could also remove the keyboard and mouse.

           This HAT will enable any Raspberry Pi with 40 pins including A+, B+ or Pi 2 IoT ready when connected to a RedBear’s IoT HAT. The wireless radio of IoT HAT is as good as that of the Pi 3 and all WiFi/Bluetooth software for Pi 3 are compatible. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency, they share the on-board antenna or an external antenna when running.

Watch the video below to see how IoT HAT + Pi Zero can be used to control eight BLE peripherals.




Head over to Kickstarter to read more or to back the campaign.