The Raspberry Pi is a $35 computer that runs various programs for learning and fun. It was originally developed in 2012 by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which is a UK-based charity that creates technology to help people get into computing and programming.
The Raspberry Pi is a general purpose computer that can run many different programs. It doesn’t have a keyboard or display, so you need to connect it to other input/output devices in order to use it. There are many different operating systems you can install on the Rasberry Pi and even more programs that can be installed after you install an operating system.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation released a list of the top 10 best apps for the Raspberry Pi. Here they are:
Best Apps For Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is an awesome little computer, whose capabilities won’t stop increasing. As such, you should make sure that you have the best apps installed on it. Whether you’re running Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian) some apps are unmissable.
Here are the best Raspberry Pi apps you can install today.
Doesn’t Raspberry Pi Come With Apps Preinstalled?
Before proceeding you’re probably thinking “hold on, my copy of Raspberry Pi OS already has a bunch of apps installed.” No doubt you’re thinking of VLC media player, Scratch, and LibreOffice.
With three editions of Raspberry Pi OS to choose from, though, you won’t be surprised to find that those apps aren’t included on them all. The Lite version comes with little to talk of, not even a desktop, and is aimed at project builders. Meanwhile the “Raspberry Pi OS with desktop” comes with VLC media player and the Chromium Web Browser, but little else.
The “Raspberry Pi desktop and recommended software” version, meanwhile, is jam-packed full of everything you could need. But it’s a bit of a big download, so you might prefer to avoid it.
Interestingly, there used to be an app store for Raspberry Pi. Sadly, this was discontinued several years ago and it is no longer possible to download from the Pi Store.
We’ve compiled this list of the best software for the Raspberry Pi 4, but most of these apps should work without too much trouble on the Raspberry Pi 3 models too.
- Guake
Guake terminal on Raspberry Pi
Whether you’re new to Linux or an expert, the default Terminal is frustrating. It’s plain, obscures the desktop, and, overall, the Terminal application is difficult to appreciate.
Consider a replacement: Guake. Raspberry Pi apps available for anyone who uses the Terminal, Guake has a Quake-style semi-transparent interface, and can be installed via the Add/Remove Software tool.
Alternatively use the existing Terminal emulator and enter:
sudo apt install guake
After installation, you’ll find it in Applications > System Tools > Guake. Once you see the notification that Guake is running, tap F12 to summon it. Guake will drop down from the top of the screen when called.
Guake lets you see what is happening elsewhere on the desktop. You can also right-click inside the Guake window to alter the Preferences, which includes tweaking the appearance.
- Cairo Dock
Cairo Dock on Raspberry Pi
The default Raspberry Pi OS desktop layout is functional, but not stunning. Whether you’re used to having a Mac-style dock on your desktop or just fancy a more accessible launcher, Cairo Dock is ideal.
Along with the default dock, it comes with a useful configuration tool that lets you download and install new themes. Often these docks are animated, making this more suitable as a Raspberry Pi 4 app, although it will work on older devices.
To install in the command line:
sudo apt install cairo-dock
You can then launch with
run cairo-dock
Alternatively, open it from System Tools.
- MyPaint
Best open-source apps for Raspberry Pi lists like this almost always suggest GIMP as a sort of easy Photoshop alternative. While this is a good option, it’s usually preinstalled on Raspberry Pi OS, and is mainly for editing photos. For something a little different, try MyPaint.
This is an open-source graphics editor for digital painting, rather than image manipulation. Closer to Corel Painter or Krita than Photoshop, it includes layers, brush settings, scratch pad, and brushstrokes that differ based on the angle and zoom. Many other features can be found on the project’s GitHub page.
To install MyPaint, open a terminal and enter
sudo apt install mypaint
Alternatively, find it in Add/Remove Software in the Graphics category.
- QMMP
QMMP music player
VLC media player plays music, but if you’re looking for a dedicated Raspberry Pi music player, try QMMP.
With support for all the usual audio formats (MP3, FLAC, Ogg FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, CD Audio, etc.), it also delivers equalization settings and striking visual effects.
Various plugins are also supported, adding functionality. This ranges from playing music from YouTube to playing chiptunes (music created on or for 8-bit systems).
Install QMMP with
sudo apt install qmmp
You’ll also find it in Add/Remove Software listed under Multimedia. Once installed, simply launch it from Menu > Sound & Video and open your favorite tunes.
Veteran PC users will notice that QMMP resembles the popular Winamp audio player for Windows.
- Conky
Conky on Raspberry Pi
If you want to keep an eye on system performance, Conky is one of the best Raspberry Pi utilities around. Conky displays system temperature, CPU activity, RAM use, and many other important statistics.
To install this desktop system monitoring tool, open a Terminal window and enter:
sudo apt install conky
Once installed, run Conky with
conky -b &
Conky is hugely configurable and for the best results you’ll need to spend some time tweaking how it appears on your desktop. If you would rather save time, you can download Conky themes that reskin the default text box.
- vokoscreenNG
One of many ways that you can record activity on your desktop, vokoscreenNG has multiple uses. For example, you can use it to make a small recording of a work in progress, perhaps some Python you’ve coded.
vokoscreenNG can record from multiple audio sources, as well as capture your desktop and webcam, if desired. It’s a great way to create videos with your Raspberry Pi.
To install, open your terminal app and use
sudo apt vokoscreen -y
You’ll find vokoscreenNG is ready to launch from the Sound & Video menu. Take time to investigate the various settings before using it, which include using full screen, zoom, setting the preferred video format, and even setting a memory limit so you don’t run out of space.
RELATED:
Ways To Record Your Desktop On Linux And Raspberry Pi
- NixNote
Nixnote Evernote client for Linux
If you use Evernote, NixNote is one of the best things to install on your Raspberry Pi. An open-source client for Evernote, it is easily installed in the Add/Remove Software tool.
Once installed, NixNote gives you access to your existing Evernote archive of ideas, jottings, lists, and so on. It can export as PDF, and the data can be backed up and restored as needed.
In short, this is a useful notebook client that syncs with Evernote on your other devices for unified notetaking.
- Deluge
Download torrent files on Raspberry Pi
First things first: Deluge is a BitTorrent client. This doesn’t mean that it is illegal; BitTorrent itself isn’t illegal. Rather, the misuse of the peer-to-peer networking technology to download copyright-protected movies and games is illegal.
For instance, many Linux operating systems (including Raspberry Pi OS) can be downloaded over BitTorrent. This provision reduces the overhead on hosting the distribution on a dedicated server. Our guide to BitTorrent explains this in more detail.
Why might you need a BitTorrent client on your Raspberry Pi? Well, it depends how you’re using the computer. If you utilize it as a repository for personal data, Deluge can download data from your Pi wherever you are. Full details on how to this can be found on the Deluge Wiki.
You’ll find Deluge in Preferences > Add/Remove Software. If you want to use the torrent app in headless mode, connect via SSH and run:
sudo apt install deluged deluge-console python-mako deluge-web
Once this is done, Deluge is ready to run. Pi desktop users can launch it in Menu > Internet.
File sharing with BitTorrent apps can be data intensive. Before using Deluge, be sure to add plenty of additional storage to your Raspberry Pi.
READ MORE:
How To Increase Storage Space On Raspberry Pi
- OpenVPN
Install OpenVPN for private browsing
Every computer should connect to the internet via a VPN. While there are no VPN clients for the Raspberry Pi, there is OpenVPN.
This is a VPN client app that lets you connect to your preferred VPN server using existing account credentials. For example, you can connect to ExpressVPN VPN servers using the configuration files they provide.
Install OpenVPN with
sudo apt install openvpn
Be sure to download the OVPN configuration file for your preferred server and save it on your Pi. Most VPN services provide OpenVPN support so this should be straightforward.
Check our guide to setting up a VPN on the Raspberry Pi for configuration tips.
- Steam Link
Steam Link on Raspberry Pi
While the Raspberry Pi doesn’t have the hardware to run standard PC games, it is good enough to stream them. This is possible thanks to the Steam Link software from Valve, which lets you stream games from a PC.
With the games you want to play installed on your PC and streaming enabled, setup is simple. Just connect your Raspberry Pi to your TV and run
sudo apt install steamlink
All the Raspberry Pi is doing here is acting as a receiver for the game streaming from your PC. On a fast network (Ethernet is preferred) you can enjoy AAA games on any TV with a Pi running Steam Link.
READ MORE:
How To Stream Games To Raspberry Pi With Steam Link
Awesome Raspberry Pi Apps You Can Install Today
This list of Raspberry Pi recommended software can be installed along with the apps already on your Raspberry Pi. They bring new functionality, improve privacy and productivity, deliver gaming, and more.
Which apps you install will determine how you use your Raspberry Pi. If you’re new to the Raspberry Pi, be sure to learn all the commands you need to make the most of the credit card sized computer.
best raspberry pi 4 applications
Raspberry Pi is an amazing credit card-sized development board that can serve varied purposes for hackers, hobbyists, artists, as well as students. One of the most versatile application boards, it is believed that it can only be used for some common programming purposes especially the ones related to IoT or AI. In this blog, we will be breaking that myth and show you the versatility of this system and how it can make a difference to our lives in a long run. Let’s get on with it then.
As Your Desktop: It is one of the simplest applications that makes great sense. Also, it is one project where you will have all the required equipment right by your side.
Requirements:
Raspberry Pi
MicroSD Card
Power Supply
A Suitable Display Screen
A HDMI Cable
Fig. 1: Raspberry Pi As Desktop
- Procedure: The Raspberry Pi 3 comes with an in-built Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, however if you plan to work with some other versions you will need USB dongles that are compatible with this board. Those using Ethernet will find it easy because the system already comes equipped with an Ethernet port. Once you are done setting up everything, all you will have to do is install the operating system you prefer. Rest will be taken care by the board itself.
- Home Automation System: The Raspberry Pi system can easily host some of the most power packed home automation applications. It can be used to attach sensors, relays, cameras, and lights with computer or phone. You can easily control your home remotely. If you want to extend its functionalities, just add Arduino or some equally potent board and bingo!! There you go. You can collect more details about it at https://www.instructables.com/id/Uber-Home-Automation-w-Arduino-Pi/
Fig. 2: Home Automation System Based On Raspberry Pi
- Miniature Camcorder: The most suitable version for this purpose is the Raspberry Pi Zero.
Requirement:
LiPo Battery Pack
Zero LiPo
Pi Zero Camera Module
Pimoroni HyperPixel Screen
Soldering Machine
Fig. 3: Raspberry Pi Based Camcorder
Procedure:
A soldering machine would be where you want to start. You may solder all the parts together and prepare the setup as shown in image. Once done, all you need to do is install HyperPixel driver on Pi and it is all set to record. The good thing about HyperPixel is that it comes with a touchscreen, therefore, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) can easily be add-on if you want. More step by step details can be collected at https://www.hackster.io/TheBubbleworks/picorder-0eb94d.
- Zero-Powered Smartphone: That can really be done with original Raspberry Pi. You can easily create a homebrew smartphone with not only the original version but successive versions of this development board. The final product will have following features:
A fully-functional reliable phone.
A cheap phone that is completely open-source.
A handset that can be repaired as well as assembled independently.
A phone whose parts can be purchased easily from your close vicinity.
Allows writing your own app ideas in Python.
Has no apps that have privacy concerns.
Fig. 4: The ZeroPhone – Raspberry Pi Based Smartphone
The parts for this one can be collected from eBay and it can easily be assembled with a soldering iron. The user interface for the same will be written in Python. More details about it can be collected from https://hackaday.io/project/19035-zerophone-a-raspberry-pi-smartphone.
- XBox Zero: Do you know the size of Raspberry Pi Zero is so small that it can fit inside anything even a XBox game console. You just need to make a few tweaks and it can be placed inside XBox controller. Next, you will need RetroPie Emulation Software that will stay completed inside the controller. You will see that controller loops back inside the Pi. You can play any of your favourite games in a HDMI display screen.
Fig. 5: XBox Zero – Raspberry Pi Based XBox Controller
Requirement:
Micro SD Card
Raspberry Pi Zero
Original large-size Xbox Controller
2A USB Power Supply
Mini HDMI cable and adapter
USB OTG Cable
Regular steel nerves, wire-strippers, knives, and screwdrivers
Step by step procedure can be noted at https://shkspr.mobi/blog/2015/11/raspberry-pi-zero-hidden-in-an-xbox-controller/.
- AI Assistant: ‘Magpi’, the official Raspberry Pi magazine, recently partnered with Google to release a hardware kit that allows users to integrate natural language voice commands through Google’s CLoud Speech API as well as Google Assistant SDK. The kit includes many things includes cardboard case, button, microphone, and speaker. The cardboard case can house your person lo-fi Google Home version.
Fig. 6: Raspberry Pi Based Google AI Assistant
The kit can be purchased here https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/voice#project-overview.
- Home Arcade Box: It is true that Raspberry Pi doesn’t have the potential to run several modern games, there are some tech geeks who predict that Pi is perfect for playing emulators. For those who do not know, emulators are programs that let the users play titles from outdated, older consoles like the original PlayStation, the Sega Genesis, or the SNES. Most of these programs are freely able to use ROMs.
Fig. 7: Raspberry Pi Based Home Arcade System
Most emulators can run from the ideal Raspbian OS. Guys from RetroPie worked hard for a long time to create a customized disk image that would do every possible task for you. It will allow the user to select as well as start the emulator of their choice with a single USB gamepad. There is just one small catch, you will need physical copy of games or the pirated version.
- Wireless Print Server: The worst thing about technology is that it becomes obsolete in no time and gets replaced by new ones. Remember, how we all were in love with Windows 7, some of us are even very much loyal to it even after Windows 10 is in the game. What wouldn’t you give to keep some of your favorite techs alive, isn’t it? Raspberry can take care of some of such issues. If you have any old printer that you loved but it is non-functional now due to lack of wireless connectivity feature, Raspberry Pi can take care of that flaw now. You just need Raspberry Pi connected with your home network along with a few print server software.
Fig. 8: Raspberry Pi Zero As Wireless Print Server
The task can be accomplished through installation of Samba file sharing software closely followed by CUPS (Common Unix Printing System). CUPS provides drivers for printers along with an administration console.
Once the setup is complete, you may want to configure Pi to ensure that any of your OS whether MacOS or Windows that connects to your home can access the printer. Also, if your printer doesn’t have a USB, you can always avail adapters from market. But remember it has its limitations, very old printers may still not be compatible with it. A rational solution is to get something cheaper and run it with your latest system.
- Minecraft Game Server: The application of Raspberry Pi isn’t limited to old and outdated systems. Very few people know that the default OS of Raspberry Pi comes with a special pre-installed version of Minecraft. Also, there are very few who know that Pi can be used as a game server as well.
Fig. 9: Representational Image Showing Raspberry Pi As MInecraft Game Server
Pi can host Minecraft in the most effortless fashion. You can now keep your gaming world safe inside it and play from any part of your home network. In case, you own more than one or two Raspberry Pis, you can always turn one of those into a dedicated gaming server for an upgraded gaming experience. Apart from Minecraft, it can act as a dedicated server for several other online multiplayer games like Open TTD, Civilization, Doom, Quake, and others.
- Motion Capture Security Camera: If you have a generic USB webcam, you just need a Raspberry Pi Camera Module to build a motion capture security system. Just make sure you have a good stock of USB storage devices and high capacity microSD cards to store footage from device.
Fig. 10: Motion Capture Camera Based On Raspberry Pi
Uvccapture is a tool that is used for capturing webcam footage. It is a motion software that works in sync with Raspberry Pi. The fffmpeg software is also used for managing time lapse and bitrate. Once you are able to get it up and running, you will see that the system has started recording as soon as some movement is detected in its coverage area. If you have more vulnerable risks, it is better to configure email alerts with it.
- Night Sky Photography: We are capping this list with one of the most intriguing and larger than life applications of Rpi – Night Sky Photography. For this, you will need a Raspberry Pi-No-IR camera module and a good quality camera. As the IR filter will be out of the picture, the camera would give much better night–time results allowing you to take a look at what’s happening in sky while you rest below.
Fig. 11: Jupiter Image Captured With Raspberry Pi Based Camera
Whether you are looking for close snapshots of planets, moon, meteors, or stars, you can have it all without hacking into any of NASA’s cameras. You can also use the time-lapse camera we discussed in last few paragraphs here to track stars, moon or planets trajectory. Whatever you plan, this small wonder will make it possible for you without hurting your pocket.
Final Word
What we have discussed here is just tip of the iceberg. There is much more that has been done and will be done while toying with this system. Arduino and RPi have proved to be biggest helping hands for innovators and tech geeks all over the world. They have simplified programming and the scope of infusing technology into daily lives without taxing money, time, and energy. This is all for now, but as the time progresses ahead we will keep bringing you better and bigger stories related to these systems.
Conclusion
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