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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Core Devices is introducing two new watches that closely follow the original Pebble DNA, the Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2. These smartwatches feature long battery life, e-paper screens, and run open-source PebbleOS.