Micro-Tech: How to Make Your Devices Smarter
How compact developer kits are changing the way we use our gadgets.
A new trend is gaining momentum in the tech world: hardware hacking. Users are increasingly taking it upon themselves to improve their existing gadgets, whether by expanding TV functionality, customizing e-readers, or modifying other everyday devices. The primary tool in this process is often the M5Stack developer kit.
Hacking for Everyone
M5Stack offers small, ESP32-based devices that offer virtually unlimited modification potential. These kits are diverse, allowing you to choose versions with E Ink displays or even round touchscreens. Such devices enable enthusiasts to use AI models, such as Claude Code, to create unique features that standard gadgets lack. This is a new era where software knowledge and minor hardware intervention radically change the capabilities of your equipment.
iPhone Duo and the Art of Personalization
Apple's new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, also deserves attention. User experiences with this device are quite varied, with many experimenting with interface configurations to tailor the smartphone to their daily needs. For instance, applications like TypeDraw, which work with the Apple Pencil, turn the smartphone into a digital notebook. Additionally, Safari extensions like Widen are popular for optimizing screen real estate and making websites more user-friendly.
What's New in the Digital World
Beyond hardware experiments, the tech community is actively discussing new software solutions. For example, the Search browser, created by a Parisian design studio and based on Webkit, has become a lighter and more flexible alternative to Arc for many. Simultaneously, the financial management app Monarch is establishing itself as a popular alternative for Quicken users, while Brave Origin is considered a fast, privacy-focused browser built on Chromium.
What This Means for Us
For tech enthusiasts, these trends indicate that device personalization and "micro-hacking" are becoming increasingly accessible. You do not need to be a professional engineer to adapt your devices to your style and needs. Global trends show that creativity and selecting the right tools are enough to make your everyday technology much more efficient and enjoyable.