Amiga-Inspired AROS Goes Bare Metal on Raspberry Pi
Amiga-Inspired AROS Goes Bare Metal on Raspberry Pi
While there is no official statistical data to prove it, one could speculate that the least favorite Disney film among former Amiga enthusiasts is Frozen. Why? Because these users simply refuse to "Let it Go" abandon their beloved legacy.
In a move that keeps the spirit of the Amiga alive, the AROS Research Operating System has officially been ported to run bare-metal on the Raspberry Pi. This implementation supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
The Evolution of AROS
It is a fascinating reality: we now have a 64-bit, Amiga-compatible OS running natively on ARM architecture. AROS has always sought to decouple the Amiga experience from specific, aging hardware. Its journey has included:
- x86 Port: The standard PC implementation.
- PPC Port: A PowerPC version that contributed significant code to MorphOS.
- 68k Back-port: Bringing the OS back to the original Amiga hardware.
- ARM Port: The latest leap onto the Raspberry Pi.
AROS Ecosystem Mapping
Why This Matters
Previously, running AROS on a Pi required virtualization within a Linux environment, which essentially made it just another emulator. By going "bare metal," the OS interacts directly with the hardware.
This development is "pretty nifty" because it provides the Pi with another ultralight operating system featuring boot times that can compete with RiscOS, giving Amiga fans a modern playground that isn't four decades old.
Hardware Compatibility Matrix
| Board | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 3 | Primary Target | Currently the main focus of the port. |
| Raspberry Pi 4 | In Discussion | Active forum threads regarding support. |
| Pi Zero 2W | In Discussion | Mentioned as a potential target. |
Current State and Performance
It is important to note that this is still early days; the build is very much a work in progress. While some software has been recompiled for ARM, the library is not yet as comprehensive as the x86 version. However, growth is expected.
Performance Metrics
According to user reports, the speed is impressive. One user running a Pi Zero 2W noted:
- Boot Time:
- UI Feel: "Really snappy"
- Graphics: Currently utilizing a
framebuffer(though a dedicated 2D/3D acceleration driver is currently in development).
Future Development Roadmap
- Expand official support to Raspberry Pi 4.
- Finalize graphics drivers for 2D/3D acceleration.
- Increase the volume of ARM-recompiled software.
- Optimize for Pi Zero 2W.
Technical Snapshot
If you were to look at the conceptual boot process, it looks something like this:
# Conceptual Bare Metal Boot Sequence
[Power On] -> [GPU Firmware] -> [AROS Kernel] -> [Amiga Workbench]
# No Linux Kernel / No Virtualization Layer
For those interested in seeing the port in action, a video demonstration by Dan Wood (shared via tipster Stephen Walters) showcases the OS running live. While Hackaday has covered AROS in the past, this native ARM leap marks a significant milestone in ensuring the Amiga legacy remains hardware-agnostic.