Not only are many users free to contribute software for ESP8266 , but also ESP8266 chips and boards have been improved, such as faster chip frequency, the addition of an analog to digital converter (ADC),enhancing the sensing capabilities of ESP8266, such as connecting the soil moisture sensors,it is a common application.
In the board, Shenzhen AI letter (AI Thinker) launched a series of ESP-xx ESP8266 cheap board. Different models offer different antenna options, pin count options, authentication options, and additional external memory capacity, so that ESP8266 can be updated to Wi-Fi wireless transmission firmware (commonly known as OTA, Over-The-Air). Plus well-known supplier of Adafruit, SparkFun alsolaunched ESP8266 board, so that the end consumers are more confidence for ESP8266.