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Seeed’s $48 e-paper kit displays calendars, weather and news
Seeed Studio’s $48 DIY e-paper display kit, developed with TRMNL, shows information such as calendars, weather and news on an always-on screen. Its passive design offers a low-cost alternative to interactive home hubs, with no subscription needed if users choose software that runs independently of TRMNL.
The kit can connect to TRMNL’s hosted service, use Seeed software including Home Assistant compatibility, or fetch content from a server managed by the owner. TRMNL’s hosted option has a 14-day trial, then costs a one-time $50 licence; its open-source Terminus setup gives users control over their data but requires an always-on server. Two printable case designs are available.
In short
- Seeed and TRMNL’s $48 kit is an always-on information display.
- It supports hosted, independent and self-managed server setups.
- TRMNL’s hosted service costs $50 after a 14-day trial.
Explained simply
E-paper screens use very little power and can keep an image visible without a bright backlight, making them suited to displays that show the same information for long periods. Home hubs and smart displays often offer touch controls and voice features, while simpler e-paper devices focus on presenting information such as appointments or forecasts.
Seeed Studio makes small electronics and DIY computing products, and TRMNL provides software for displaying information on e-paper screens. These devices can rely on a company’s online service, software chosen by the owner, or a personal server; the choice affects setup, ongoing costs and where data is handled.
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Originally published by Ars Technica as “This $48 e-paper display can be whatever you want it to be”.