GoKawiilDeveloper builds $50 DIY AI pendant using Meta's open-source Muse code
A Verge editor assembled a touchscreen AI pendant for $50 using the Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C devkit, Meta's officially sanctioned hardware for building 'Muse Gadgets.' The device connects to Meta's Muse AI cloud via open-source code, functioning as a pocket watch, camera viewfinder and voice assistant, though it required significant troubleshooting and custom coding to get working properly.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The project shows that Meta's Muse AI ecosystem is accessible enough for hobbyists to replicate cheaply before the official $faceted Muse Charm even ships this holiday season, which could blunt some of the novelty and exclusivity Meta is banking on. It also suggests Meta's strategy of open-sourcing hardware specs and cloud access may invite a wave of DIY alternatives that compete with its own branded consumer product.
- A $50 devkit (Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C) can replicate core functions of Meta's upcoming Muse Charm.
- Meta officially sanctions this hardware as a path to building 'Muse Gadgets' connected to its AI cloud.
- The DIY build required manual setup, coding fixes, and lacked polish compared to what a finished consumer product would offer.
Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C Touchscreen Devkit — This is the exact pendant-style devkit the article's author used to build his own AI Tamagotchi before Meta's Muse Charm hit shelves. It's a great pick for tinkerers who want to experiment with vibe-coding smart assistants and custom avatars on a tiny touchscreen computer.
See Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C Touchscreen Devkit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Sean Hollister, 2026-10-31
Published there as: “I built an AI Tamagotchi before Meta could”
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