The author created a custom AI device using the Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C development kit, which costs $50. This hardware is officially supported by Meta for building Muse Gadgets that connect directly to the Muse AI cloud.
Initial setup involved connecting the device to a PC and pairing it with the Muse mobile app. The base software provided by Meta lacked features like full message history, voice output, and functional smart home integration.
Using Claude Code, the author reprogrammed the device to add a conversation history page, ElevenLabs voice synthesis, and a remote camera shutter function. The process required no prior coding experience from the user.
Additional custom features developed via Claude include a working pocket watch interface, a video player for specific clips, and a Tamagotchi-style game with hunger and hygiene mechanics. The author also implemented audio filtering to improve push-to-talk reliability.
The author notes that the device lacks built-in cameras or 5G connectivity. While the hardware serves as a programmable platform, the author questions whether the commercial Muse Charm will offer similar levels of user-driven customization.
