Compact, smart, and wireless: New E-Ink display designed to simplify daily routines

The ZecTrix Note 4 is a compact smart display built around an E-Ink screen. While considerably smaller than competitors like Amazon's Echo Show devices, the Note 4 sets itself apart by targeting general consumers right out of the box, meaning programming knowledge is not required. However, there is currently one notable limitation: the official firmware is presently available only in Chinese, though an English release is expected in the future. Alternatively, users can expand or customize functionality via open-source firmware, which already includes community features such as a vocabulary trainer.

According to the manufacturer, the device supports task and reminder creation via voice input, image rendering, and a built-in Pomodoro timer. Users can also view notes, the time, and current weather conditions. Its 4.2-inch E-Ink panel features a resolution of 400 x 300 pixels and remains easily readable even in direct sunlight. While the standard ZecTrix Note 4 is monochrome, the Note 4C variant adds color display support.

Under the hood, the system is powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, offering 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Additional hardware includes an integrated speaker, microphone, NFC, physical buttons, and a 2,000 mAh battery that enables untethered operation. The ZecTrix Note 4 is listed on Tindie for $55, though it is currently marked as out of stock.