RISC OS Direct 5.31 now available

With Wi-Fi and web browser!

Some very welcome news from RISC OS Developments, just a couple of days before London 2024 is the release of RISC OS Direct 5.31 – which includes a new internet stack and Wi-Fi facilities, as well as Iris, the web browser the company has been developing for quite some time.

There’s a lot more in there as well, so because of the timing, here’s Andrew Rawnsley’s press release in full:

RISC OS Developments is pleased to announce the release of RISC OS Direct 5.31, complete with wifi and a JavaScript/CSS web browser to deliver what we believe to be the best possible experience of RISC OS 5 on Raspberry Pi 4 and below.

The new version is initially available as an easy to apply upgrade to existing copies of RISC OS Direct, whilst a complete, fresh disc image will follow after the show. The upgrade weighs in at around 300 MB (when zipped up) so users should be aware this is quite a large download… for RISC OS.

Key features of RISC OS Direct 5.31
  • RISC OS Operating System (ROM) is updated from 5.29 to 5.31 with many new features and fixes representing several years of work.
  • Includes RISC OS Developments’ new TCP/IP stack with Wifi capability for all applicable Pi models. This includes support for network profiles, IPv6, Wifi portal login protocols (ie. hotels and restaurants) and more.
  • First time setup software introduces RISC OS Direct, helps users configure it to their liking and choose network settings. It also introduces users to some of the software included in RISC OS Direct.
  • RISC OS Developments’ Pinboard 2.0 software powers a new, more useful desktop. Save files to you desktop, make folders, create sticky notes, set up wallpaper slideshows, use many formats of image, and even make your iconbar transparent to blend with your background.
  • Includes RISC OS Developments’ new JavaScript, CSS and HTML 5 compliant web browser (“Iris”) to deliver a modern web experience to RISC OS. This can be used in conjunction with the Wifi portal support to log in to wifi networks, as well as normal web browsing duties.
  • Support for MP4, MKV and MPEG2/DVD video for improved media playback.
  • Improved photo and graphic display when viewing you images.
  • Enhanced audio options including revised radio streaming.
  • Network printing and PDF print support.
  • Ovation Pro DTP system included allowing the creation of complex documents, brochures, leaflets and more.
  • Programming updates to various languages including the latest Python 3 which now works well alongside the Iris browser.
  • Full, writable version of the SparkFS zip/archive software.
  • New version of ScummVM allows many older DOS adventure and role playing games to work on RISC OS.
  • Smaller updates to most applications and components of RISC OS direct, improving them and/or fixing bugs.
  • Includes an “offline” mode for users who value an operating system devoid of popups, online connections, constant updates and “noise”.
About RISC OS Direct

RISC OS Direct is designed to provide a comprehensive, friendly yet powerful way to run RISC OS on the Raspberry Pi family of computers (5 excluded). It provides a “ready to use” experience out of the box, with a huge range of software, resources and configuration elements pre-set for users to deliver the best RISC OS we can.

RISC OS Direct is offered by RISC OS Developments, owners of the RISC OS IPR, to showcase the operating system to new, returning and existing users alike. It builds on the work of our partners at RISC OS Open Ltd who maintain the Apache 2.0 licensed RISC OS 5 source tree, to deliver the best of both open and closed source RISC OS software in a user friendly manner.

The new version introduces RISC OS Developments’ Iris web browser which unlocks the modern web on RISC OS, coupled with the conveniences of wireless internet connectivity.

RISC OS’ famously low resource requirements make it well suited to the low power Raspberry Pi family of single-board-computers, and the new version unlocks more functionality from these tiny powerhouses than ever before.

RISC OS Direct can be used “as is”, or updated with on-going updates from RISC OS Developments and RISC OS Open Ltd downloads.

https://www.riscosdev.com/direct

Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Ltd.

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