Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A maker-built pocket OS turns the Waveshare ESP32-S3-ePaper-1.54 V2 into a tiny launcher for useful tools and playful apps, including notes, games, name badges and a virtual pet that can visit another device. It is a community firmware project—not a general-purpose computer operating system—and its creator is inviting feedback and contributions through the project repository.
What the pocket OS does
The project author describes a small app launcher designed for a lanyard-sized e-paper device. Its apps mix everyday utilities with playful features:
- Timetable and notes: pocket reference tools, with notes saved as Markdown to a microSD card, according to the creator.
- Virtual pet: a pet can visit another device’s display through the project’s Meet mode.
- Name badges: a simple way to show a badge on the screen.
- Wi-Fi “Dex”: the creator says it scans Wi-Fi beacons and logs network names with a rarity score, without storing BSSIDs directly.
- Games and settings: one-button games and controls for configuring the device.
These are features reported by the project’s author, not independently tested results. The Wi-Fi feature is a scanning and logging utility; the creator’s description does not establish that it connects to networks or provides internet access.
Recommended Free Tools
Which Waveshare board it targets
The firmware is aimed at the Waveshare ESP32-S3-ePaper-1.54 V2 development board. Waveshare documents a 1.54-inch, 200 × 200-pixel e-paper display and an ESP32-S3-based board with Wi-Fi and BLE, RTC, an SHTC3 temperature and humidity sensor, TF card slot, audio circuitry and lithium-battery support. The manufacturer also documents touch and non-touch variants and versions with or without a battery, so check the exact SKU rather than assuming every board includes the same parts.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The project author lists the target configuration as an ESP32-S3-PICO-1 with 8 MB flash and 8 MB octal PSRAM, using an SSD1681 display. The author says the firmware uses PlatformIO with Arduino, GxEPD2 for the panel, RTC and NVS for state, one-bit SD_MMC for microSD, and native USB-Serial/JTAG. These describe this implementation; they are not the only development options for the board. Waveshare also documents Arduino IDE and ESP-IDF development.
Check the revision before flashing
V1 and V2 are not interchangeable firmware targets. Waveshare’s documentation distinguishes the revisions, and its official repository warns that examples for one revision may not work on the other. The repository announcement says V2 replaced V1 starting November 1, 2025, and that V1 was no longer sold from that date. Verify the board’s markings and select the project configuration for the matching revision before uploading firmware.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How the pet meetup works
The author describes Meet mode as a direct radio connection between two devices, with no router or internet connection required. To use it, open Meet on both devices and bring them within roughly 15 cm; the pets then visit each other’s screens, according to the project post. That distance is the creator’s instruction, not a manufacturer-rated range.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Power and display behavior
The project author says the display normally uses partial refreshes, with a full refresh when switching apps or after every ten partial refreshes. The firmware is also described as entering deep sleep after ten seconds of inactivity and waking when either button is pressed; state is kept in RTC memory or NVS.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Those are implementation details reported by the creator, not independent measurements. They do not establish a battery runtime, and actual endurance will depend on hardware, battery, usage and firmware behavior.
Notes, audio and app development
Recording and transcribing voice notes
The creator says the firmware can record 16 kHz mono voice notes through the board’s codec and microphone, send recordings over Wi-Fi for Whisper transcription, and optionally clean up the text with OpenAI or Claude. The resulting Markdown can be saved to a microSD card. The author says API keys are stored in a separate NVS namespace. These describe the project’s stated workflow; they are not a guarantee of service availability or transcription quality.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For removable storage, Waveshare documents a TF card slot and a FAT32 requirement. The available project and board descriptions do not establish a recommended card capacity or speed class.
Adding or modifying apps
The author says apps are kept in separate folders and implement a small interface for entering, handling button input, drawing and exiting. To add one, the creator describes adding an app struct and a launcher entry. This structure makes the project a potential starting point for makers who want to adapt the interface or build a small utility of their own; the repository is the place to inspect its current code and contribution workflow.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Where to find the firmware
Start with the creator’s project repository for the firmware and contribution details, and use Waveshare’s documentation and official example repository for board-specific setup and hardware resources. The project is community firmware, distinct from Waveshare’s Arduino and ESP-IDF examples.
The creator’s original post said preorders closed October 10, but the year and current availability are not established here. Do not assume the author-built device is currently for sale; the named board is the hardware match for trying the firmware.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
