Tag: smart display

  • Presto: Raspberry Pi Smart Display for Experimentation and Fun

    Presto: Raspberry Pi Smart Display for Experimentation and Fun

    Key Takeaways

    1. Smart displays, like the Pimoroni Presto, offer functionalities such as controlling smart home devices, playing music, and displaying video feeds.
    2. The Pimoroni Presto features an RP2050B chip, a 4-inch IPS touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and supports battery operation.
    3. It includes seven RGB LEDs and a small piezo speaker for alerts and notifications.
    4. Users can expand the device’s capabilities by connecting extra circuit boards and sensors using Qwiic and Stemma QT.
    5. The Pimoroni Presto is priced at about $92, with a starter kit available for around $132, and programming can be done using C, C++, or MicroPython.


    Smart displays can be found at fairly reasonable prices from stores like Amazon. They serve various purposes, such as controlling smart home devices, playing music, and showing video feeds from security cameras. The Pimoroni Presto is a type of smart display, but it has a distinctive feature. This device comes with a development board that offers a range of functionalities, clearly targeting those users who like to build their own projects and possess the necessary skills.

    Specs and Features

    The Presto includes an RP2050B chip, which has two Cortex-M33 cores running at 150 MHz, and it also features flash storage, RAM, and a microSD card slot for file storage, like pictures. It has a 4-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 480. In addition, it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connections and has a battery connector that works with 3 to 5.5 volts, allowing it to run without being plugged into a wall outlet.

    Additional Capabilities

    Other interesting features are seven built-in LEDs that can show RGB colors and a small piezo speaker for alerts and notifications. Users can also connect extra circuit boards, such as sensors, using Qwiic and Stemma QT. Pimoroni has a starter kit available that includes a compact I2C controller and a multifunctional sensor that can detect motion. The system can be programmed using C, C++, or MicroPython, and there are helpful documents to assist users in getting started. The Pimoroni Presto itself costs about $92, while the starter kit is priced around $132. Anyone interested should check the company’s shipping policies before buying.

    Source:
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  • Amazon Launches Larger Echo Show 21 and Updated Echo Show 15

    Amazon Launches Larger Echo Show 21 and Updated Echo Show 15

    Amazon has just unveiled its biggest smart display to date, the Echo Show 21, which comes along with an update to the 2022 Echo Show 15.

    Display Size and Features

    The Echo Show 21 features a 21” Full-HD resolution, which Amazon claims offers almost double the screen space compared to the Echo Show 15’s 15.6” FHD display. Both devices are smart displays equipped with Alexa and feature built-in Fire TV, plus an Alexa Voice Remote, turning them into smart TVs as well.

    Similarities and Specifications

    Aside from the larger screen, the Echo Show 21 doesn’t differ much from the Echo Show 15 (2nd gen). Each of these smart displays includes a 13MP wide-angle camera with 3.3x zoom and auto-framing capabilities for video chat. The updated Echo Show 15 also has two 0.6” tweeters and two 2” woofers, providing improved audio performance compared to the 2022 version.

    Smart Home Integration

    Both Echo Show devices have versatile functionalities, allowing users to stream TV shows, use them as digital photo frames, and display essential information like shopping lists, to-do lists, weather updates, and family calendars. They also serve as smart home hubs, supporting Matter, Thread, and Zigbee devices, enabling users to manage many smart home gadgets efficiently.

    Connectivity and Mounting Options

    Another shared feature of these new smart displays is their support for Wi-Fi 6E, which enhances streaming speed. The Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 can be wall-mounted, or you can opt for a countertop stand if you prefer placing it on a table.

    Pricing and Accessories

    Amazon has started offering these new Echo Show models for sale. The Echo Show 21 is available for $399.99, while the Echo Show 15 is more affordable at $299.99. Customers can also buy additional frames in white or light brown that snap onto the edges of the displays, priced at $34.99 for the Echo Show 15 and $39.99 for the Echo Show 21. If you want a premium counter stand, it costs $99.99.

    Source: Link


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