I built an AI Tamagotchi before Meta could

THE NEWS

What happened

The author built a custom AI Tamagotchi using a $50 Waveshare ESP32-S3 development kit and Meta's open-source Muse API. By using 'vibe coding' with Claude, they enhanced the device's functionality to include voice output, smart home control, remote camera viewing, and a custom pet-minigame, proving that hobbyists can significantly improve on Meta's initial hardware offering before the official Muse Charm launches.

CONTEXT

Why it matters

I built an AI Tamagotchi before Meta could launch their official Muse Charm. By using a $50 Waveshare ESP32-S3 kit and 'vibe coding' with Claude, I transformed a basic devkit into a fully functional AI pet. I added voice synthesis, remote camera control, and a custom minigame where the avatars need food and sleep. While Meta's official hardware is cute, this DIY approach offers far more customization for tech enthusiasts.

AT A GLANCE

Key facts

• The author used a Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C device costing $50 to build a custom AI Tamagotchi.
• Meta officially recommends this specific development kit as a starting point for building 'Muse Gadgets'.
• Using Claude Code, the author added voice synthesis via ElevenLabs and a conversation history viewer to fix Meta's slow audio responses.
• The custom firmware enabled remote camera control with a live preview and corrected an upside-down front-facing camera issue.
• A custom Tamagotchi-style minigame was created featuring four levels of hunger, boredom, and dirtiness for the AI avatars.
• The author expresses concerns about Meta's data privacy after a reviewer's home address was leaked by the service.
• The final device functions as a pocket watch, remote camera viewfinder, and smart home controller.