Waveshare: Cheap 4-inch smart home display launches with touchscreen, microphones and additional ports

Waveshare is offering another gadget that is basically a smart display. It can be mounted on a wall and could serve as an alternative to an Echo Show (from $89 on Amazon), for example. Although this is a very versatile product, buyers should be aware that the ESP32-S3 4.3inch AI Voice is mainly made for makers and tinkerers. As a result, setting this device up usually requires a lot more time and effort, but it also offers a lot of possibilities.

The Waveshare ESP32-S3 is powered by a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240MHz. Unlike many ready-to-use smart displays, additional devices can be easily connected. That makes it possible to hook up a temperature sensor or even a motor, among other things. How practical that really is if the screen is mounted on a wall is debatable, of course.

Either way, a memory card slot is included and allows interface elements to be stored directly on a microSD card. The display can also be powered by a battery, while the built-in 4.3-inch display has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and supports touch inputs. Gesture control with up to five fingers is supported as well.

Voice commands can also be used thanks to a dual-microphone array. WiFi and Bluetooth support wireless data transfers, for instance for pulling current weather information from the internet. Waveshare is officially asking $40 for its new smart home display, the enclosure costs an additional $6.