I built an AI Tamagotchi before Meta could

You can reprogram Meta's AI companion hardware with custom code for under $50, bypassing official limitations.

A tech enthusiast built a functional AI "Tamagotchi" companion for under $50 using a Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C development kit, predating Meta's planned Muse Charm. The author acquired the development board from China, which officially supports Meta's open-source code for its Muse AI. While the initial setup with Meta's Muse AI was slow and limited, lacking features like voice replies and automatic smart home device discovery, the author utilized Claude AI to reprogram the device. This customization added features such as a conversation history display, a synthesized voice output, a remote camera viewfinder with live preview, and a Tamagotchi-like pet simulation game with multiple difficulty levels. The author also successfully reprogrammed the device to function as a working pocket watch and to play video clips, all without prior coding experience. Concerns remain about Meta's server responsiveness and data privacy, prompting the use of guest Wi-Fi for the device.

The ability to easily reprogram Meta's Muse AI hardware using tools like Claude signifies a shift towards highly customizable AI-driven personal devices. This development challenges the notion of a single, locked-down user experience, suggesting that end-users with minimal technical background can tailor AI gadgets to their specific needs and preferences. The low cost of the development board, contrasted with potential future commercial pricing, indicates a growing market for accessible AI hardware that prioritizes user modification over pre-packaged functionality.

This event highlights the increasing power of large language models as development tools, democratizing complex hardware programming. It raises questions about the future strategy of companies like Meta: will they embrace open customization, or aim to lock down their hardware ecosystems? The author's success in adding features like advanced avatar interactions and a fully functional pocket watch demonstrates the potential for significant value addition beyond the initial product, which could influence consumer expectations for smart devices.