$50 ESP32 dev kit turned into AI Tamagotchi using Claude Code

A reporter with no coding experience used Claude Code to transform a $50 Waveshare ESP32-S3 development kit into a working AI pendant similar to Meta's upcoming Muse Charm. The device connects to Meta's Muse AI cloud using open-source code and was enhanced with conversation history, text-to-speech, remote camera control, and Tamagotchi-style pet mechanics. The project demonstrates how AI coding assistants enable rapid hardware prototyping for non-programmers.

Key points

• Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C ($50) is Meta-sanctioned for building Muse Gadgets using their open-source code and API tokens
• Claude Code added conversation history page, ElevenLabs British voice responses, Bluetooth camera preview, and multiple interactive avatars
• Tamagotchi minigame includes four levels each of hunger, boredom, and cleanliness, plus a working pocket watch face
• Meta's cloud servers show variable response times; the device required several coding sessions to become functional
• Security concerns raised about connecting Meta Muse to home networks after reports of leaked user data

How to use it

• Purchase a Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C and follow Meta's Muse Gadget GitHub setup to connect to the Muse app with API keys
• Use Claude Code to describe and program desired features like improved UI, voice output, or camera controls
• Isolate the device on guest Wi-Fi rather than your main network to limit security exposure
• Iterate on features by plugging the device into a PC and asking the AI assistant to modify specific functionality

Community question

Has anyone else experimented with Meta's Muse Gadget development kits or built similar AI hardware projects?