Tyler August writes that CircuitPython has been enhanced with precompiled functions to boost performance. This new feature, developed by Mikey Sklar with help from Anthropic's Claude LLM, allows users to compile critical sections of code for faster execution, up to 70x speed improvements. The update enables 'native' mode for a 3X speed boost and 'viper' mode for significantly higher performance, similar to MicroPython's Viper compiler. While CircuitPython still lacks inline assembly, it's closer to the capabilities of MicroPython now. The article also notes the versatility of Python in microcontroller projects, ranging from e-bikes to music players.
- Enhances performance by allowing precompiled code execution
- Developed by Mikey Sklar with assistance from Anthropic's Claude LLM
- 'Native' mode offers 3X speed boost, 'Viper' mode up to 70X
- Still lacks inline assembly, but closer to MicroPython capabilities
- Python's versatility in microcontroller projects highlighted
- Enhances performance by allowing precompiled code execution
- Developed by Mikey Sklar with assistance from Anthropic's Claude LLM
- 'Native' mode offers 3X speed boost, 'Viper' mode up to 70X
- Still lacks inline assembly, but closer to MicroPython capabilities
- Python's versatility in microcontroller projects highlighted
Jenny List writes that the Cheap Yellow Display (CYD), an ESP32-based board with a resistive touchscreen and SD card slot, can be used to browse Wikipedia offline. By utilizing Kiwix builds processed into a custom format for the ESP32's browser firmware, users can store vast amounts of knowledge on a modern SD card without needing an active network connection.
- Alun Morris developed the project which allows browsing entire offline Wikipedia databases.
- The device is particularly useful for enthusiasts focused on off-grid living or offline data access.
- This builds upon previous work by Morris involving an ESP32 web browser.
- Alun Morris developed the project which allows browsing entire offline Wikipedia databases.
- The device is particularly useful for enthusiasts focused on off-grid living or offline data access.
- This builds upon previous work by Morris involving an ESP32 web browser.
This Hackaday article details likeablob » 's Denki-Kurage, a desktop electric jellyfish project inspired by Bladerunner. The project utilizes a Cheap Yellow Display (CYD) – a small touchscreen with an ESP32, USB, and SD card socket – to create a visually appealing and interactive desktop piece. The jellyfish’s "swimming" is controlled by adjustable current, adding to the aesthetic. The build is straightforward, involving flashing code via a web flasher, 3D printing a frame, and attaching the CYD. It's a fun and whimsical take on the CYD platform, moving beyond typical control panel applications.
zclaw is a personal AI assistant running on an ESP32, backed by Anthropic, OpenAI, or OpenRouter. It allows for monitoring and control of connected devices via Telegram, scheduling tasks, and creating custom tools, all within an 888KB footprint.
This week in Python on Microcontrollers, we have the CircuitPython 10.1.0 release candidate, a new guide for AI on microcontrollers, and more!
Our goal at OpenMV is to make building machine vision applications on high-performance, low-power microcontrollers easy. We've done the hard work designing professional hardware and writing reliable, high-performance software for you, leaving more time for your creativity.
Dog is a chess program for ESP32 microcontrollers, licensed under the MIT license.
Breadboard OS is a command-line operating system for the Raspberry Pi Pico, built on top of FreeRTOS. It aims to enable quick prototyping and supports querying, starting, or killing services, checking flash usage and memory usage, and controlling GPIO pins and other peripherals.
