Byte 90: A Retro-Inspired Interactive Designer Toy Powered by XIAO ESP32-S3
In an era where technology often prioritizes utility over charm, Byte 90 stands out as a delightful fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Developed by Alex Vong of ALXV Labs, Byte 90 is a 3D-printed, retro-inspired interactive designer toy that captivates both the eyes and the imagination. Built on the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3, this collectible not only pays homage to iconic tech designs of the past but also lays the foundation for creative expansion—its firmware will be soon open-sourced on Github, inviting makers and developers to build their own extended features.
Hardwares Overview
The device is housed in a PLA (Polylactic Acid) 3D-printed shell, emphasizing eco-friendliness and sustainability. Key hardware components used for Byte 90:
- XIAO ESP32-S3: Xtensa LX7 dual-core, 32-bit processor operating up to 240 MHz, with 8MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM, with connectivity of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0
- OLED Display: A 1.5″ 128×128 resolution OLED screen displaying 65K RGB colors.
- ADXL345 Accelerometer: A low-power, 3-axis accelerometer enabling motion detection.
- Power: 1200mAh rechargeable lithium battery offering up to 2 days of battery life.
How Byte 90 Works
Byte 90 operates through a combination of motion detection and expressive animations. The onboard accelerometer senses various movements—such as shakes, taps, and orientation changes—triggering over 30 unique animations on the OLED display. These interactions give Byte 90 its charming personality, making it more than just a static collectible.
When two Byte 90 units are placed together, they communicate via ESP-Now, a connectionless Wi-Fi protocol, to display synchronized animations, enhancing the interactive experience. This feature showcases the potential of ESP32S3’s wireless capabilities in creating engaging user experiences.
Development Journey
Alex Vong, primarily a product designer and front-end developer, embarked on a steep learning curve to bring Byte 90 to life. With limited prior experience in hardware development, he delved into microcontroller programming, electronic schematics, and PCB design with help from AI tools. The XIAO ESP32S3’s comprehensive documentation and community support played a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.
“The XIAO ESP32-S3 offered the perfect balance of size and performance. The S3 chip is remarkably powerful for such a small device, and the 8MB internal memory along with built-in battery charging capabilities made it ideal for Byte 90’s requirements. These features packaged in a tiny footprint allowed me to design a compact, aesthetically pleasing product without compromising on functionality.” – Alex Vong
Design Philosophy
Byte 90 is not just a gadget; it’s a manifestation of thoughtful design and user experience. The aesthetic draws inspiration from classic tech icons like the Macintosh and Commodore PCs, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The choice of an OLED display over a TFT was deliberate, aiming to achieve true blacks and vibrant colors that enhance the visual appeal.
User interaction was central to the design process. The goal was to create “micro-interactions” that make the device feel alive. From the satisfying physical form of the 3D-printed case to the responsive animations, every element was designed to delight users and encourage engagement.
Community Engagement & Future Plans
Since its launch, Byte 90 has garnered positive attention on social media platforms, resonating with a niche audience that appreciates the intersection of art and technology. Alex encourages fellow creators to embrace the learning journey, emphasizing that the tools and resources available today make it an opportune time to venture into hardware development.
“We’re fortunate to live in an era where free resources and AI tools can help solve most technical challenges, but you need the curiosity to ask questions and learn from the answers.” — Alex Vong
Looking ahead, ALXV Labs envisions expanding the Byte series with designs inspired by other nostalgic tech items, such as floppy disks and early iMacs. Future plans also include mini accessory add-ons like a keyboard and mouse for Byte 90, as well as stickers for playful customization
Conclusion
Byte 90 exemplifies how passion, creativity, and accessible technology can converge to produce something truly unique. For makers and the Seeed community, it serves as an inspiration to explore the possibilities that arise when design meets interactivity. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious newcomer, Byte 90 invites you to rediscover the joy of making.
You can order a Byte 90 now to support Alex’s work—available as part of a limited launch of only 50 units, so be sure to grab one before it’s gone!
End Note
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