Tidbyt: The Retro Display that Looks Great Providing Ambient Information
In today's post, I will take a closer look at Tidbyt. I'll be discussing its features, functionality, and how it stands.
What is Tidbyt?
Tidbyt is a customizable, pixelated LED display that offers users the ability to display a variety of data, ranging from weather forecasts and stocks to calendar events and personalized messages. Its design harkens back to the days of retro gaming consoles, with its pixel art aesthetic and minimalist approach.
Features and Functionality
Customization: The Tidbyt offers a high level of personalization through its user-friendly app, available on both iOS and Android devices. You can customize the display's appearance, choosing from a wide range of pre-made pixel art or even creating your own. Furthermore, you can select the information you wish to see and set the display to cycle through their chosen data at specified intervals.
Simplicity: One of the primary appeals of Tidbyt is its simplicity. The device is easy to set up and requires minimal maintenance. You simply connect it to a power source, configure it using the app, and enjoy the display.
Compatibility: Tidbyt is compatible with a variety of third-party applications and services.
Why Tidbyt Stands Out
In a world dominated by high-resolution screens and complex gadgets, Tidbyt stands out for its simplicity and charming retro aesthetic. The pixelated display offers a unique take on presenting information, with many users finding it to be a nostalgic reminder of the 8-bit gaming era. Additionally, the level of customization available allows users to tailor the device to their preferences, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Apps
Some of the apps include features such as:
Weather: Displays current weather conditions and forecasts for your chosen location including from the Tempest Weather Station I reviewed:
Music: Sonos and Spotify “now playing” features.
Stocks: Shows real-time stock prices and market data for your selected stocks.
Calendar: Displays upcoming events and appointments from your connected calendar service, such as Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar.
Clock: Presents a customizable digital or analog clock face.
Countdown: Allows you to set a countdown timer for specific events or deadlines.
Transit: Provides information on public transportation schedules and arrival times for your chosen routes.
News: Displays headlines and updates from your preferred news sources.
Air Quality: Shows the current air quality index for your chosen location, including from the PurpleAir Sensor
IFTTT integration: Allows you to create custom triggers and actions for seamless integration with other smart home devices and services.
You can also write your own app using their SDK.
Tidbyt costs $179 and you can get it in two colors.
What if they go broke and their servers disappear?