Let’s face it: your phone is an overdramatic little thing. One second it’s buzzing about a group chat full of memes, the next it’s reminding you of a dentist appointment from two months ago. Enter WebScreen, a customizable secondary display that perches on your monitor like a non-judgmental parrot, whispering only the essentials—no drama, no distractions, just pure, curated updates. It is almost like a smartwatch but without the wrist flicking.
With its crisp AMOLED display, WebScreen sits directly in your line of sight, serving up notifications, calendar reminders, or even live-stream stats without making you fumble for your phone. It’s powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a techy way of saying this thing is fast, smooth, and smarter than that AI assistant that still mispronounces your name.
The 240 x 536 resolution ensures the visuals pop in glorious 16.7 million colors, so whether it’s a Slack ping or your heart rate monitor during a particularly intense game, you’ll see it in vivid detail. At just 53 grams, this tiny dynamo comes with a 1/4-inch mount for adding a webcam on top, meaning it multitasks like a champ. USB-C keeps it connected, while built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensure seamless integration with your setup.
If you’re more of a tinkerer, WebScreen is a playground for your creativity. Its open-source nature lets you create custom JavaScript apps, load them onto a microSD card, and transform the device into a uniquely tailored companion. Build a Pomodoro timer, track your Twitch followers, or flash an inspirational quote to keep you motivated during a spreadsheet marathon—the possibilities are endless.
WebScreen is certified open-source by the Open Source Hardware Association, meaning its schematics, firmware, and even 3D printing files are available for you to tweak and improve. They’re not just handing you a gadget; they’re inviting you into a community of builders and innovators.
For the spec enthusiasts: WebScreen measures a petite 74 x 80 x 53 mm, rocks a 1/4-inch mount for easy integration and boasts WebSocket configuration alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
As for the price? Let’s just say it’s easier on your wallet than hiring an assistant to post sticky notes on your monitor. Actually, we don’t know (the price) yet. We know when Webscreen hits the crowdfunding platform Crowd Supply. Speaking of which, you can sign up to be notified about the news and stock updates on Crowd Supply. Check it out, and perhaps, finally give your phone the break it deserves.
Images: HW Media Lab.
