Tyler August writes that The Masked Bear's open-source wifisense-pi project uses an ESP32-S3 sampling the 2.4 GHz WiFi channel 100 times per second with a Raspberry Pi 4 for signal processing to detect subtle body motions via WiFi disturbances, effectively sensing breathing or presence through walls without dedicated hardware.
- Can detect a perfectly still human by breathing, but presence can be hidden by holding breath
- Single sensor provides no position information and cannot reliably distinguish one vs multiple people
- Works by sniffing existing 2.4 GHz signals and functions through walls
- Not the first WiFi-based presence project; prior work includes ESP32 person sensors and millimeter-wave alternatives
- Can detect a perfectly still human by breathing, but presence can be hidden by holding breath
- Single sensor provides no position information and cannot reliably distinguish one vs multiple people
- Works by sniffing existing 2.4 GHz signals and functions through walls
- Not the first WiFi-based presence project; prior work includes ESP32 person sensors and millimeter-wave alternatives
This article explores the question of whether we've reached a point of diminishing returns in computing power. It notes historical mispredictions about computer demand and highlights the rapid increase in processing capabilities, comparing modern smartphones to 1980s supercomputers. The author discusses how software engineers will always utilize available resources and questions if the continued pursuit of ever-increasing compute power is truly beneficial. It suggests that for many personal projects, existing hardware is more than sufficient, and that the "enough" threshold is highly dependent on individual needs and tasks.
A blog post detailing the creation of a colour e-paper weather display using a Pimoroni Inky Frame and the Met Office API. It covers the process of fetching weather imagery, converting it to JPEG format, and displaying it on the Inky Frame using MicroPython.
ZPUI (Zippy UI) is a lightweight control interface for single-board computers such Z the Raspberry Pi, designed to provide easy access to system information and control functions via a small I2C screen and a few buttons. It aims to solve the common frustrations of accessing and debugging SBCs without a full keyboard, monitor, and network connection.
Raspberry Pi W Zeros 2 weather panel
