The latest update to the Raspberry Pi Imager, version 2.0.4, introduces significant improvements aimed at enhancing the reliability of image writing processes. One of the key features is the WriteProgressWatchdog, which monitors the writing process and helps identify when it has stalled. In addition, a five-minute timeout has been implemented for stalled operations, ensuring the application can respond effectively if an issue arises.
This update also addresses performance issues related to asynchronous I/O, particularly when working with slower or lower quality SD cards. The Imager can now throttle or entirely disable async I/O to prevent system freezes during writing. Furthermore, enhancements have been made to allow better handling of larger files, including support for parsing .gz files to extract uncompressed size information.
Users can download the new version from GitHub, where the team details the various fixes and improvements included in this release. The Raspberry Pi itself remains an accessible entry point into Linux and computing, starting from $35.