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admin got a reaction from Bernhara in [Armbian newsletter] - Armbian cloud images
Introducing Armbian’s New Cloud Images: Optimized for x86 and aarch64 Cloud Deployments
Armbian is taking a significant step forward in cloud computing support with the introduction of dedicated cloud images tailored for cloud environments. The latest enhancement brings a new ‘cloud’ image set specifically designed to optimize generic x86 and aarch64 deployments, ensuring better performance, security, and compatibility in cloud infrastructures.
Why Dedicated Cloud Images?
As more enterprises and developers deploy lightweight Linux images in cloud environments, the need for a streamlined, cloud-optimized configuration has grown. The new ‘cloud’ images aim to address this by focusing on:
Very Fast Boot Time: Optimized configurations enable boot times as fast as 1-2 seconds, ensuring rapid deployment and responsiveness. No Firmware Package: By eliminating unnecessary firmware packages, the cloud images remain lightweight and focused on essential cloud functionality. Optimized Performance: Stripped of unnecessary hardware drivers, the cloud images are leaner, allowing faster boot times and improved efficiency. Enhanced Compatibility: Fine-tuned configurations ensure that Armbian-based cloud instances run seamlessly across major cloud providers, including AWS and Azure. Security-Focused Design: With a minimal attack surface, the cloud images reduce exposure to vulnerabilities while maintaining essential features. Lightweight Image Size: The uncompressed QCOW2 image is approximately 700MB, ensuring minimal resource usage while maintaining full functionality. Docker Support Enabled by Default: The cloud images come preconfigured with Docker support out of the box, allowing seamless deployment of containerized applications. Lean Debian Bookworm or Ubuntu Noble User Space: Provided images come with a minimal yet powerful user space based on Debian Bookworm or Ubuntu Noble, ensuring stability and efficiency. ZRAM Management: Built-in ZRAM management optimizes memory usage, improving performance in resource-constrained environments. Armbian-Config System Configuration Utility: The powerful armbian-config tool provides an easy way to configure and manage system settings, enhancing user experience and customization. Customize and Brand Your Cloud Image
Armbian makes it incredibly simple to create custom, cloud-optimized images tailored to your needs. Whether you’re an enterprise or an individual developer, you can brand and configure your Armbian cloud images to match your identity and requirements. Have always fresh Armbian OS with your brand!
By leveraging the Armbian build framework, you can easily build your own cloud images with custom configurations, packages, and branding. Get started today by visiting the official Armbian build repository.
Download links
You can find download links at https://www.armbian.com/download/, or use the direct links below.
For the QEMU disk image (QCOW2) format:
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-x86/Bookworm_cloud_minimal-qcow2
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-x86/Noble_cloud_minimal-qcow2
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-arm64/Bookworm_cloud_minimal-qcow2
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-arm64/Noble_cloud_minimal-qcow2
and Microsoft Azure image format:
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-x86/Bookworm_cloud_minimal-hyperv
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-x86/Noble_cloud_minimal-hyperv
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-arm64/Bookworm_cloud_minimal-hyperv
https://dl.armbian.com/uefi-arm64/Noble_cloud_minimal-hyperv
How This Benefits Cloud Deployments
This update makes it easier for developers and businesses to deploy Armbian-based instances in the cloud without unnecessary bloat. Whether running on AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, or smaller providers and Qemu KVM / Proxmox, users can expect:
Reduced overhead and better resource utilization Improved stability with cloud-centric optimizations A more agile and lightweight system for containerized applications Faster provisioning and deployment due to the ultra-fast boot times Seamless container orchestration with pre-enabled Docker support Optimized memory management with built-in ZRAM support Customizable and user-friendly system configuration via armbian-config The ability to build fully customized, branded cloud images with ease What’s Next?
Armbian continues to evolve, ensuring that users benefit from its embedded Linux roots, embracing a philosophy of minimalism and efficiency that ensures optimal use of system resources. Community feedback is crucial in refining the cloud images, and we encourage users to test them out and contribute.
For more details, visit the official Armbian GitHub repository and join the discussion!
Stay connected and experience the next generation of Armbian cloud support today!
The post Armbian cloud images first appeared on Armbian.
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admin got a reaction from Michael Robinson in [Armbian newsletter] - Armbian Weekly Highlights
Improved Code Review
We’ve integrated CodeRabbit into our code review process, and the results have been excellent. The AI-assisted reviews help us maintain higher code quality, improve efficiency, and streamline development. We’re happy with the improvements and look forward to continued enhancements.
FriendlyElec and Armbian Announce NanoPi R3S Giveaway!
FriendlyElec, a Platinum Partner of Armbian, is giving away the NanoPi R3S in collaboration with Armbian! Whether you need a new router, server, or IoT device, this could be your next ideal solution. To enter, grab your free raffle ticket today and get a chance to win! For details, visit FriendlyElec’s Nanopi R3S giveaway page.
Armbian Images for Raspberry Pi Now on Official RPi Imager
Great news for Raspberry Pi users! Armbian images become available directly through the official Raspberry Pi Imager, making installation easier than ever. This integration brings Armbian’s optimized OS to Raspberry Pi, offering better stability, security, and performance.
Switch Radxa Nio-12L to Standard Support
Author: Mecid
View Commit Replace bsdmainutils with bsdextrautils
Author: Mecid
View Commit Add Mediatek Genio Family + Radxa Nio-12L (Genio 1200)
Author: Mecid
View Commit Add support for MOTD logo colors
Author: Igor Pecovnik
View Commit Add AWS & Azure support, disable DRM, disable services that makes no point here
Author: Igor Pecovnik
View Commit Cloud kernel config: drop various debug options and weird NIC adaptors
Author: Igor Pecovnik
View Commit UEFI: add cloud kernel under cloud branch for x86 and arm64
Author: Igor Pecovnik
View Commit switch current u-boot to v2025.01
Author: Werner
View Commit Fixed errors and warnings found in journald
Author: Milivoje Legenovic
View Commit MBa8MPxL-RAS314: Add Raspberry Pi Camera V2 support
Author: Alexander Stein
View Commit MBa8MPxL: update linux-tqma-current config
Author: Martin Schmiedel
View Commit armbian-firstlogin: remove superfluous break
Author: Martin Schmiedel
View Commit ZRAM config: suppress errors when kernel support is not there
Author: Igor Pecovnik
View Commit Refactor patches for NanoPC T6 & LTS
Author: SuperKali
View Commit bump rockchip 32bit edge kernel to v6.14
Author: Paolo Sabatino
View Commit qemu arm64: bump u-boot and fix wrong boot script parameter
Author: Igor Pecovnik
View Commit Enable thermal support for sun55i-a523
Author: juanesf
View Commit Armbian is still accepting donations to enhance technical support, ensuring better documentation, faster issue resolution, and improved community engagement. Contributions help sustain development, optimize performance, and provide reliable updates for supported devices. Support Armbian’s growth today!
The post Armbian Weekly Highlights first appeared on Armbian.
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admin got a reaction from IBV in [Armbian newsletter] - Armbian Unified Kernel Initiative (AUKI): One Kernel to Power Them All
In a groundbreaking development, the Armbian team has officially announced the Armbian Unified Kernel Initiative (AUKI), a revolutionary step towards simplifying Linux on ARM single-board computers. Starting with Armbian kernel v6.14, all previous kernel variants will be merged into a single, all-encompassing kernel that supports every single board and hardware feature out of the box.
One Kernel to Rule Them All
Gone are the days of fragmented kernel versions, custom patches, and hardware-specific quirks. With the new AUKI framework, users no longer have to worry about selecting the right kernel for their device—it just works. Whether you’re running an old Allwinner-based board or a cutting-edge Rockchip or NXP system, the same kernel will seamlessly handle all drivers, features, and optimizations.
UEFI Standardization for All Boards
The traditional ARM boot process has been one of the biggest pain points for Linux users, requiring board-specific U-Boot implementations and patches. Armbian’s new boot method fully adopts UEFI standards, making it possible to boot any supported board just like an x86 PC. This means:
Unified bootloader across all platforms
Secure Boot & TPM support on compatible hardware
Multi-boot from USB, NVMe, and SD cards with no extra configuration
Real-Time Kernel Switching
Armbian kernel v6.14 also introduces instant real-time kernel switching. Whether you need a standard kernel for everyday tasks or a real-time kernel for low-latency applications, you can now toggle between the two by simply adding a kernel command-line switch—no recompiling, no reinstallation. Users can also switch modes effortlessly via armbian-config.
AI & Video Acceleration—Out of the Box
For the first time ever, hardware-accelerated AI inference and video decoding will be universally available on all supported ARM platforms. Whether you’re using Mali, Vivante, or Adreno GPUs, your web browser will automatically leverage full acceleration for machine learning and video tasks—without the need for extra drivers or proprietary blobs.
Unmatched Performance: Instant Boot, 50% Speed Boost
Thanks to deep optimizations and contributions from over 1,000 developers, Armbian kernel v6.14 delivers:
Boot times under 2 seconds on most SBCs
50% overall performance improvement across the board
Enhanced power efficiency, extending battery life on mobile setups
Powered by the Bates Foundation
These remarkable advancements were made possible by the Bates Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding open-source initiatives where traditional businesses and governments fall short. Their generous support has enabled a global team of 1,000+ engineers to bring this vision to life.
What’s Next?
The new kernel will roll out in Armbian’s next major release, with preview builds available starting today. Existing users will be automatically migrated via armbian-config. The future of Armbian—and ARM Linux as a whole—has never looked brighter.
The post Armbian Unified Kernel Initiative (AUKI): One Kernel to Power Them All first appeared on Armbian.
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admin got a reaction from Hqnicolas in [Armbian newsletter] - Armbian Unified Kernel Initiative (AUKI): One Kernel to Power Them All
In a groundbreaking development, the Armbian team has officially announced the Armbian Unified Kernel Initiative (AUKI), a revolutionary step towards simplifying Linux on ARM single-board computers. Starting with Armbian kernel v6.14, all previous kernel variants will be merged into a single, all-encompassing kernel that supports every single board and hardware feature out of the box.
One Kernel to Rule Them All
Gone are the days of fragmented kernel versions, custom patches, and hardware-specific quirks. With the new AUKI framework, users no longer have to worry about selecting the right kernel for their device—it just works. Whether you’re running an old Allwinner-based board or a cutting-edge Rockchip or NXP system, the same kernel will seamlessly handle all drivers, features, and optimizations.
UEFI Standardization for All Boards
The traditional ARM boot process has been one of the biggest pain points for Linux users, requiring board-specific U-Boot implementations and patches. Armbian’s new boot method fully adopts UEFI standards, making it possible to boot any supported board just like an x86 PC. This means:
Unified bootloader across all platforms
Secure Boot & TPM support on compatible hardware
Multi-boot from USB, NVMe, and SD cards with no extra configuration
Real-Time Kernel Switching
Armbian kernel v6.14 also introduces instant real-time kernel switching. Whether you need a standard kernel for everyday tasks or a real-time kernel for low-latency applications, you can now toggle between the two by simply adding a kernel command-line switch—no recompiling, no reinstallation. Users can also switch modes effortlessly via armbian-config.
AI & Video Acceleration—Out of the Box
For the first time ever, hardware-accelerated AI inference and video decoding will be universally available on all supported ARM platforms. Whether you’re using Mali, Vivante, or Adreno GPUs, your web browser will automatically leverage full acceleration for machine learning and video tasks—without the need for extra drivers or proprietary blobs.
Unmatched Performance: Instant Boot, 50% Speed Boost
Thanks to deep optimizations and contributions from over 1,000 developers, Armbian kernel v6.14 delivers:
Boot times under 2 seconds on most SBCs
50% overall performance improvement across the board
Enhanced power efficiency, extending battery life on mobile setups
Powered by the Bates Foundation
These remarkable advancements were made possible by the Bates Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding open-source initiatives where traditional businesses and governments fall short. Their generous support has enabled a global team of 1,000+ engineers to bring this vision to life.
What’s Next?
The new kernel will roll out in Armbian’s next major release, with preview builds available starting today. Existing users will be automatically migrated via armbian-config. The future of Armbian—and ARM Linux as a whole—has never looked brighter.
The post Armbian Unified Kernel Initiative (AUKI): One Kernel to Power Them All first appeared on Armbian.
View the full article
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admin got a reaction from SuperKali in [Armbian newsletter] - Armbian v24.11
Dear Armbian Community,
We are thrilled to announce Armbian Release 24.11.1, packed with significant updates across our entire ecosystem! These updates are aimed at enhancing functionality, expanding hardware support, and refining the user experience for both developers and everyday SBC users. Let’s dive into the exciting new features!
Core system updates
Armbian Build Framework
The updated build system introduces new tools for faster builds and seamless integration. Optimized compilation workflows and prebuilt configurations make deploying custom firmware easier and more efficient, especially for developers focusing on specialized projects. Armbian Config Utility
Armbian Config Next Generation has seen improvements in hardware control, streamlined service management, and automated configuration scripting, all designed to make system setup more efficient. Security patches and bug fixes further enhance reliability for device management. Rockchip Linux Kernel
This kernel release brings major improvements to performance and compatibility for Rockchip-based single-board computers (SBCs). Key enhancements include better power management, enhanced GPU driver stability, and expanded support for advanced peripherals. Numerous bug fixes are also included, ensuring smoother and more reliable operations. These updates are focused on improving performance, expanding hardware support, and refining tools for developers and SBC users alike. Visit the provided links for more comprehensive information on each update.
Significant Userspace Improvements
We are introducing significant advancements in the userspace with our refactored system configuration utility, armbian-config, rewritten from the ground up. This utility supports customization and automation of tasks in the Armbian environment, simplifying setup processes for various configurations and use cases. It helps users configure networks, manage SSH settings, adjust hardware features, and easily install or uninstall software packages. We have integrated unit testing and fast updates through GitHub, maximizing efficiency. We welcome your contributions!
Minimal OS
Armbian is available in both Debian and Ubuntu flavors. Each variant has its unique strengths, but we treat them both equally to ensure a consistent Armbian UX experience. We provide a smooth and straightforward Netplan assisted lightweight systemd-networkd or feature rich Network Manager based networking solution, ensuring consistent network configurations across different images. Migration between Armbian, Ubuntu, or Debian is seamless. Whether you need to set up an Access Point or simple or advanced networking, we’ve got you covered. For application installations, use armbian-config for a quicker setup or follow the standard installation path.
Notable Software Packages with Easy Installation
With a single command or through a menu-driven process, users can install popular software packages such as Docker, Portainer, Pi-Hole, OpenHab, and Kuma. The selection of available software titles is expanding rapidly through our system configuration tool. We designed this tool to allow new installation scripts to be added effortlessly, enabling community contributions. Comprehensive automation is in place to verify code from multiple perspectives, and unit tests for each function as well as automatic documentation generation are supported. Once a new feature is added, we regularly verify it for deployment and reliability.
Dedicated Application Images
To offer the best possible user experience and ensure compatibility, we provide dedicated images with pre-configured applications on top of a clean Armbian OS. These dedicated images contain only the essential components required to run specific applications, delivering optimal performance. For instance:
Home Assistant: We provide images with Home Assistant functionality on par with their official HAOS. This ensures users have the same level of integration and support as with HAOS, tailored for Armbian environments. Security-oriented Armbian OS Images: For security-focused use cases, we also provide images that come with pre-installed security tools commonly found in Kali Linux. This gives users a ready-to-go solution for security-related projects. OpenMediaVault: For storage enthusiasts, we offer pre-installed OpenMediaVault images to help set up personal or home NAS solutions quickly and efficiently. These dedicated application images are optimized for their respective purposes and provide the essentials without the overhead of unnecessary components. This enables users to focus directly on their application goals without the hassle of configuration from scratch.
Desktop Images
While Armbian primarily focuses on minimal OS images for deployments, our desktop variants are designed to deliver streamlined desktop experiences on both x86 workstations and many small SBCs. We have narrowed our desktop environments to KDE Neon, Gnome, and XFCE. All three options are available for powerful hardware, while XFCE is the choice for low-powered, older devices. Each option comes with 3D acceleration if the SoC supports it, and Rockchip-based hardware also features 4K video playback out of the box.
Partnership Collaborations
We are collaborating with leading vendors of single-board computers (SBCs). Recently, in partnership with Radxa, we successfully deployed a low-power mirror server running Armbian, built around their ITX platform: Radxa Rock 5 ITX. We also provide platinum support for this hardware, as well as for Rock 5B+ and 5C models.
In collaboration with Khadas, we maintain Khadas Edge2 and several models from the VIM series. Additionally, we organized a giveaway of two powerful Mind workstations, limited to active contributors to the Armbian project. Open source maintainers sacrifice their time to ensure the smooth functioning of the code we all use, and we wanted to show our appreciation.
We also offer platinum support for the Allwinner-powered CB1, developed by the renowned 3D printer manufacturer Bigtreetech. In collaboration with BananaPi Tech, we provide advanced support for their computing module CM40 and the Rockchip RK3588-powered BananaPi M7. We are also developing for their RISC-V platform-based BananaPi F3.
Our renewed cooperation with FriendlyElec sees us maintaining several devices, such as the M6, T6, and R6x, all built around RK3588. Additionally, we offer advanced support for Mekotronics, Innovato, Libre Computer, Texas Instruments, JetHome, SmartNow, AlfredSmart, and others. Our contribution to the community is in providing OS images for all build targets. However, for boards that are not under active team supervision, while most of them function well, we cannot commit to resolving tickets related to unsupported models due to limited resources.
Remarkable Contributors
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and success of Armbian:
@AaronDewes, @adeepn, @aiamadeus, @alex3d, @alexl83, @amazingfate, @as-jackson, @belegdol, @benhoff, @bmilde, @brentr, @btbxbob, @buldo, @chainsx, @ColorfulRhino, @davidandreoletti, @dependabot, @dimitry-ishenko, @dust-7, @efectn, @EvilOlaf, @fridtjof, @ginkage, @HeyMeco, @hqnicolas, @igorpecovnik, @IsMrX, @itlhd, @JohnTheCoolingFan, @jomadeto, @Joshua-Riek, @lpapadakos, @mahdichi, @mattx433, @monkaBlyat, @MrSuicideParrot, @mr-toolcraft, @mschirrmeister, @paolosabatino, @pyavitz, @pykpkg47, @RadxaNaoki, @RadxaStephen, @rpardini, @rvalle, @schmiedelm, @schwar3kat, @sicXnull, @siis2992, @SuperKali, @Tearran, @The-going, @Tonymac32, @viraniac, @williammartin
We also thank our support staff: Didier, Lanefu, Adam, Werner, Aaron, and many more for their dedicated expertise in providing support and guidance.
We also extend our gratitude to our esteemed partners. Find out more about them here. Your contributions and support are invaluable in shaping the Armbian community and its success.
Thank you for your continuous support of the Armbian community!
The Armbian Team.
The post Armbian v24.11 first appeared on Armbian.
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admin got a reaction from SuperKali in [Armbian newsletter] - Armbian Weekly Highlights
Dear Armbians, welcome to this week’s newsletter! Here, you’ll find updates on the latest release and community contributions.
New Additions and Improvements
1. TQMa Configuration Update
Enabled SQUASHFS_XZ: This feature uses XZ compression to optimize storage, which is particularly useful for systems where space is limited. XFCE AccountsService Support: XFCE now includes user profile management, enhancing usability and personalization for those using this desktop environment. 2. Rockchip64-6.11 Kernel Enhancements
WiFi/BT Patch for Orange Pi 3B v1.1: The UWE5622 WiFi and Bluetooth are now supported on Orange Pi 3B v1.1, offering more connectivity options. Kernel Patch Rewrite: This update brings increased stability to Rockchip devices through a refined patching approach. Documentation and Linux Rockchip Updates
Our Armbian Documentation has been updated with a focus on clarity and accessibility. These refinements are aimed at providing smoother setup experiences for both new and advanced users, making Armbian more user-friendly.
Additionally, recent changes in the Armbian Linux Rockchip repository bring improved compatibility and performance optimizations for Rockchip-based boards. Updates include kernel refinements, enhanced driver support, and stability improvements for a better user experience on Rockchip hardware.
Armbian Config: The Next Geneneration Bash Configuration API
Armbian Config Next generation with API capabilities offers versatile configuration management with JSON, TUI, CLI, and API support. This feature simplifies system setup, network configuration, and software installation, making deployment across environments more flexible. Armbian Config Next generation is especially beneficial for larger-scale configurations, enhancing automation support. Check it out on GitHub.
Italian Mirror for Armbian Hosted by Atomo Networks
Thanks to Atomo Networks, we now have a new, low-power Armbian mirror based in Italy. This addition enhances access speeds and availability for south European users, providing a more sustainable and reliable download experience for community members. This is part of Armbian’s commitment to building a strong global support network.
Workflow Automation and Pull Request Improvements
To streamline development, Armbian has implemented several updates:
Refined PR Labeling: Labels are now applied to opened, reopened, and synchronized PRs, making it easier to track status quickly. Automated Status Sync: Board configuration statuses are now synchronized automatically. Approval Workflow: Approved PRs get a “Ready to Merge” label, while new PRs are tagged “Need Review” for prioritized handling. The maintainer function has been centralized in the main build repository, simplifying management. Join the Armbian Community
Armbian thrives on community involvement. Your contributions are crucial to sustaining this vibrant ecosystem. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just getting started, there’s always a way to contribute.
Thank you for your continued support.
The Armbian Team
The post Armbian Weekly Highlights first appeared on Armbian.
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admin got a reaction from Michael Robinson in [Armbian newsletter] - Armbian Weekly Highlights
Dear Armbians, welcome to this week’s newsletter! Here, you’ll find updates on the latest release and community contributions.
New Additions and Improvements
1. TQMa Configuration Update
Enabled SQUASHFS_XZ: This feature uses XZ compression to optimize storage, which is particularly useful for systems where space is limited. XFCE AccountsService Support: XFCE now includes user profile management, enhancing usability and personalization for those using this desktop environment. 2. Rockchip64-6.11 Kernel Enhancements
WiFi/BT Patch for Orange Pi 3B v1.1: The UWE5622 WiFi and Bluetooth are now supported on Orange Pi 3B v1.1, offering more connectivity options. Kernel Patch Rewrite: This update brings increased stability to Rockchip devices through a refined patching approach. Documentation and Linux Rockchip Updates
Our Armbian Documentation has been updated with a focus on clarity and accessibility. These refinements are aimed at providing smoother setup experiences for both new and advanced users, making Armbian more user-friendly.
Additionally, recent changes in the Armbian Linux Rockchip repository bring improved compatibility and performance optimizations for Rockchip-based boards. Updates include kernel refinements, enhanced driver support, and stability improvements for a better user experience on Rockchip hardware.
Armbian Config: The Next Geneneration Bash Configuration API
Armbian Config Next generation with API capabilities offers versatile configuration management with JSON, TUI, CLI, and API support. This feature simplifies system setup, network configuration, and software installation, making deployment across environments more flexible. Armbian Config Next generation is especially beneficial for larger-scale configurations, enhancing automation support. Check it out on GitHub.
Italian Mirror for Armbian Hosted by Atomo Networks
Thanks to Atomo Networks, we now have a new, low-power Armbian mirror based in Italy. This addition enhances access speeds and availability for south European users, providing a more sustainable and reliable download experience for community members. This is part of Armbian’s commitment to building a strong global support network.
Workflow Automation and Pull Request Improvements
To streamline development, Armbian has implemented several updates:
Refined PR Labeling: Labels are now applied to opened, reopened, and synchronized PRs, making it easier to track status quickly. Automated Status Sync: Board configuration statuses are now synchronized automatically. Approval Workflow: Approved PRs get a “Ready to Merge” label, while new PRs are tagged “Need Review” for prioritized handling. The maintainer function has been centralized in the main build repository, simplifying management. Join the Armbian Community
Armbian thrives on community involvement. Your contributions are crucial to sustaining this vibrant ecosystem. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just getting started, there’s always a way to contribute.
Thank you for your continued support.
The Armbian Team
The post Armbian Weekly Highlights first appeared on Armbian.
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