Kevin Bates, known for the Arduboy handheld, has released a new device called the Digital Candle. The product features a 10-inch tall frame with a 9 by 16 grid containing 144 amber-colored LEDs. Users can choose between a black or white circuitboard finish.
The device is powered by an Espressif ESP32-S3 chip, which runs a custom neural network trained on real candle footage. This AI model generates a non-repeating flame simulation in real time. The unit includes a USB-C port for power, though it does not come with a rechargeable battery.
Priced at $149, the Digital Candle is an open-source platform. Owners can modify the hardware to function as a notification screen, a clock, or to run alternative simulations like Conway’s Game of Life. The brightness of the LED grid is adjustable.
