Why This Matters
Valve has open-sourced the design for the 'Inkterface,' an e-ink screen for Steam Machines, allowing enthusiasts and developers to create their own custom displays. This move encourages innovation and customization within the gaming hardware community, potentially leading to new accessories and enhancements. It also signals a shift towards more open hardware initiatives in the gaming industry, empowering consumers and third-party vendors alike.
Key Takeaways
- Valve released the e-ink display design under the MIT license, enabling DIY projects.
- The 'Inkterface' uses readily available components like the Adafruit ESP32 Feather and eInk panel.
- Open-sourcing this hardware could inspire third-party vendors to produce pre-built or custom versions.
While Valve will not be making and providing their own e-ink display for the Steam Machine, they have opened it up so anyone can now do it. Valve originally teased it with the first lot of reviewers that got their hands on it.
All of it is available on their GitLab under the MIT license, which goes over everything you need to make your own and stick it on the front of your fancy new Steam Machine.
Image Credit - Gamers Nexus
They're now calling it the "Inkterface" and there's a good few things you'll need to make it including:
1 x Adafruit ESP32 Feather with 2MB PSRAM.
1 x Adafruit eInk Breakout Friend.
1 x Adafruit 5.83" Monochrome eInk Panel.
13 x M2.5 x 5mm Pan Head Machine Screws.
4 x 1/4" x 1/4" x 3/16" Stepped Magnet SB443-OUT.
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