eenk is a custom firmware for Xteink ESP32-powered e-ink reader devices that turns them into dedicated interactive fiction players. Stories are written in inkle's Ink scripting language, compiled via the eenky IDE (a fork of Inky), and run on-device using the inkcpp C++ runtime. The project includes a browser-based web flasher for firmware installation and library management over USB with no drivers or WiFi required.
- Supports three hardware models: X3 (ESP32-C3, 792×528), X4 (ESP32-C3, 800×480, USB-C), and X4 Pro (ESP32-S3, 800×480, touchscreen, backlight)
- Uses Papyrix firmware's text layout and rendering pipeline for custom fonts that can be applied per story or globally
- Images (cover art, thumbnails, inlined) are bundled with stories using the same pattern as Inky's web export
- Supports three hardware models: X3 (ESP32-C3, 792×528), X4 (ESP32-C3, 800×480, USB-C), and X4 Pro (ESP32-S3, 800×480, touchscreen, backlight)
- Uses Papyrix firmware's text layout and rendering pipeline for custom fonts that can be applied per story or globally
- Images (cover art, thumbnails, inlined) are bundled with stories using the same pattern as Inky's web export
Debashis Das writes that the ZecTrix Note 4 is an ESP32-S3 based smart note featuring a 4.2-inch e-paper display and integrated voice capabilities for managing reminders, weather, and schedules. The device offers both monochrome and four-color variants (Note 4C) and includes built-in hardware such as a microphone, speaker, NFC, and a rechargeable battery.
- Uses Espressif ESP32-S3 SoC with vector extensions for machine learning workloads.
- Features community firmware options like Slate or TransitInk OS to repurpose the device.
- The Note 4C four-color variant is notably cheaper than the monochrome version on the manufacturer's website.
- Uses Espressif ESP32-S3 SoC with vector extensions for machine learning workloads.
- Features community firmware options like Slate or TransitInk OS to repurpose the device.
- The Note 4C four-color variant is notably cheaper than the monochrome version on the manufacturer's website.
Michael Kozlowski writes that Seeed Studio's reTerminal Sticky is an e-paper device arriving September 15th to serve as a shared household reminder hub. It features an E-Ink touchscreen for displaying notes, weather updates, and messages on magnetic surfaces like refrigerators or walls.
- Features voice transcription via physical buttons and remote control through the Seeedash app.
- Supports Home Assistant integration using ESPHome or custom OpenDisplay firmware.
- Includes a 750 mAh battery that lasts up to months in Battery Saver Mode.
- Features voice transcription via physical buttons and remote control through the Seeedash app.
- Supports Home Assistant integration using ESPHome or custom OpenDisplay firmware.
- Includes a 750 mAh battery that lasts up to months in Battery Saver Mode.
Jean-Luc Aufranc writes that Seeed Studio’s reTerminal Sticky is a 3.97-inch magnetic touch ePaper display powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller. This device can serve as an e-reader, live dashboard, or home automation controller via support for open-source firmware like Crosspoint, TRMNL, and ESPHome. It features a capacitive touchscreen and edge computing capabilities through its built-in microphone.
- 800 x 480 resolution with four levels of grayscale
- Includes temperature/humidity sensors and a 3-axis accelerometer
- Equipped with a 750 mAh battery providing approximately seven days of standby time
- Retails for $49.90
- 800 x 480 resolution with four levels of grayscale
- Includes temperature/humidity sensors and a 3-axis accelerometer
- Equipped with a 750 mAh battery providing approximately seven days of standby time
- Retails for $49.90
Boox has announced the Picco, a new ultra-compact e-reader designed to compete with small form-factor devices like those from Xteink. The device features a 3.97-inch front-lit black-and-white E Ink display and includes an SD card slot for expandable storage. While exact pricing is not yet confirmed, the Picco will be part of a new Tile lineup at an accessible price point and will likely feature a simplified user interface focused on core functions like Neoreader, music, and podcasts.
- 3.97-inch front-lit e-paper display
- SD card slot for expandable storage
- Minimalist UI optimized for reading and basic media
- 3.97-inch front-lit e-paper display
- SD card slot for expandable storage
- Minimalist UI optimized for reading and basic media
The upcoming XTEINK X4 Pro, also known as the X4P or X4 Pro V2, is an ultra-portable 4.3-inch E-Ink touchscreen e-reader scheduled for announcement on July 21st. Priced at approximately $99 USD, this premium version of the minimalist X4 adds highly requested features such as integrated lighting and a slim 5.98mm profile.
* 220 PPI E-Ink touchscreen with physical page-turn buttons.
* Integrated reading light for low-light environments.
* 16 GB internal memory, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 1,000 mAh battery.
* Magnetic pogo-pin charging system (USB-C adapter included).
* Support for EPUB and TXT formats via micro SD or cloud sync.
* 220 PPI E-Ink touchscreen with physical page-turn buttons.
* Integrated reading light for low-light environments.
* 16 GB internal memory, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a 1,000 mAh battery.
* Magnetic pogo-pin charging system (USB-C adapter included).
* Support for EPUB and TXT formats via micro SD or cloud sync.
Building an affordable Home Assistant dashboard does not require expensive hardware. This guide explores several low-cost methods to create functional control panels and information displays using existing or cheap equipment.
Ways to build a budget dashboard include:
* Repurposing old tablets, phones, or even Kindles from your junk drawer using kiosk browsers or the Home Assistant companion app.
* Purchasing second-hand hardware like older tablets or digital photo frames through online marketplaces.
* Using small ESP32 touchscreen modules for low-power desktop dashboards.
* Implementing E-Ink displays for minimal, always-on information such as weather and calendars.
* Jailbreaking used smart displays to bypass manufacturer limitations and run custom software.
Ways to build a budget dashboard include:
* Repurposing old tablets, phones, or even Kindles from your junk drawer using kiosk browsers or the Home Assistant companion app.
* Purchasing second-hand hardware like older tablets or digital photo frames through online marketplaces.
* Using small ESP32 touchscreen modules for low-power desktop dashboards.
* Implementing E-Ink displays for minimal, always-on information such as weather and calendars.
* Jailbreaking used smart displays to bypass manufacturer limitations and run custom software.
Pimoroni has released new Inky Impression color E Ink displays for Raspberry Pi in 4.0", 7.3", and 13.3" sizes featuring Spectra 6® technology. These low-power, high-resolution screens are designed for easy assembly without soldering and include features like rear-mounted buttons and Qwiic/Stemma QT connectors.
Discussion thread about using a Seeed Studio reTerminal E1002 color ePaper display as a Home Assistant dashboard.
Weather Station designed for the Lilygo T5 4.7 inch Epaper Development Platform. Allows for user-friendly configuration of weather display settings via a web interface.
