Raspberry Pi OS now comes with PulseAudio and a graphical printer manager
Big Presents
© Lead Image © piko72, 123RF.com
The Raspberry Pi Foundation regularly adds new features to the official operating system, Raspberry Pi OS. The December 2020 update added the PulseAudio sound server and a print manager.
In practice, Raspberry Pi OS fulfills many of the functions supplied by other operating systems and the popular Linux distributions; however, a few deficiencies exist. In particular, the configuration of printers and sound devices has never been trivial – until now. In the latest update [1], Raspberry Pi OS was extended to include PulseAudio and a better print manager. Bluetooth speakers can now be integrated more easily, and sounds from multiple sources can be output simultaneously.
Linux is a historically evolved system that changes continuously. New versions fix bugs or add features but do not bring about fundamental change. However, every few years, more profound innovations occur, such as the replacement of the X.Org display manager by Wayland, and before that the switch from the SysVinit to systemd, and before that the integration of the PulseAudio sound server.
PulseAudio
The advanced Linux sound architecture (ALSA) provides drivers in the kernel to integrate sound cards and takes care of configuration. However, ALSA reaches its limits on modern systems; for example, only one application can output sound at any given time. For example, while a YouTube video plays in the browser, a messenger program cannot play a notification sound. Also, Bluetooth devices can only be connected in a roundabout way.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.