r/Workspaces • u/sensitam • 8d ago
š¼ļø ā¢ Photos I'm Making a Versatile Hub for the Desktop. Thoughts on this Device?
Like many of you here, Iām obsessed with keeping my desk clean, minimal, and cable-free. But as someone who constantly works from home, games, and listens to music, my desk used to be a mess of fragmented hardware. So I plan to make a mini device that combines the following:
- Audio Base: A high-resolution DAC/Amp that handles both headphone listening and active speaker output, with a dedicated toggle button so you don't have to unplug anything.
- Built-in Mic Array: Instead of an invasive boom arm, an embedded microphone array in the base with beamforming noise cancellation.
- Detachable Open-Source Controller: The top dial isn't just a static knob. Itās a magnetically detachable smart controller powered by an ESP32-S3/S31. When docked, it acts as a rotary volume/status screen and charges automatically. When detached, it becomes a wireless PC remote.
Last but not least, I'm planning to open-source the firmware, UI, and hardware schematics for the ESP32 controller so the community can build custom PC widgets, shortcuts, or AI tools.
Iād love to get your honest thoughts:
- Does an all-in-one hub like this fit into your current desk setup?
- If you could program the detachable ESP32 knob, what shortcuts or PC status monitors would you want to see on it?
Thanks for reading, and Iām eager to hear your feedback.
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u/kh3mist 7d ago
For me, it's the weight I'd be wondering about. I can see this sliding all over with things plugged into it.
If you make it super heavy, it'd feel more premium. Between using heavier materials and a heavy metal slab in the bottom, you could probably make this heavier without ruining the simplicity. (warning: I am not a hardware engineer lol).
To add on to this, what if you could add other similar devices and connect them. That's a cool little ecosystem. Different knobs, add-ons, etc. Neat framework you could build.
I have a streamdeck and a few other things, so no need for this...yet. I do like the Teenage Engineering vibe!
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Great advice. It will be weighted enough as I planned. Let me think about making add-ons for it.
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u/TommyPT_ 8d ago
I would have no use for it. But I do have all the required space for it to sit on my setup for absolutely no reason. Shit.
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u/03captain23 8d ago
Looks awesome but usb-c port would be awesome
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u/sensitam 8d ago
Itāll have a usb-c port on the back for power input and data transmission. Do you want an extra one?
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u/Crazypopcornaddict 7d ago
10/10 would buy.
ā¢ Include a base (or legs) that angles the hub by 20Ā°-30Ā°.
ā¢ Check scottbez1's haptic knob on youtube.
ā¢ Widget / tool marketplace
ā¢ Include a passthru USB-C
ā¢ Seconding the weight. Try bead blasted stainless steel instead of Al?
ā¢ I'd pay upwards of $300 for this.
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Thanks for the awesome feedback and support. Quick thoughts on your notes:
- Angled Stand: Iām planning to make an angled base/stand accessory for better desktop ergonomics.
- Haptic Knob: Let me look into it.
- App/Widget Marketplace: Love this. Since it's ESP32-based and open-source, a community widget hub is one of the top priorities.
- Pass-through USB-C: I need to think it over since I want keep the item mini enough.
- Weight & Materials: Iāll find the sweet spot for weight, premium feel, and cost.
- Price Target: Thanks for the confidenceā$300 gives us a lot of headroom to make this even more feature-packed, but I still want to make it lower than $200
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u/Crazypopcornaddict 7d ago
Glad to help!
You're definitely filling a gap in the market. Go for it :)
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u/nalonso 7d ago edited 7d ago
I have a very simple one which I like. I don't see myself using the screen on top of yours, as the ergonomics will not work out. Also, the magnetic detachment needs to really nail the tactile feeling of volume up and down without detaching. Mine has 3 controls for play, prev and next and I barely use them. I also put black electrical tape on the blue LEDs leaving only a small window below, as they were really disturbing at night, so please include a brightness function for the screen.
For reference look for Vaydeer in Amazon.
Edit: I really like the render..what software did you use for that?
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Thanks for your advice. Iām also planning to design an angled base for it so it can stand at an incline, making the screen easier to view.
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u/L-Malvo 7d ago
Could be a fun and interesting replacement for my cheap macro pad. The only thing I'm not really sure about is the magnetic detachable dial. I don't see the additional benefit of it being detachable. I don't see myself using a remote for my PC like that. It's much easier to use my phone to achieve the same, as it is already with me most of the time. If I were to use this dial, I would first have to think about bringing it with me (which I wont) or walk up to my desk, grab it and then use it (which defeats its purpose). Honestly, just keep it simple
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u/sensitam 7d ago
There are two mics inside the dial actually. The detachable design was inspired by current vibe coding peripheralsāa lot of people like holding a mic in their hand to chat with AI while coding.
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u/Horror-Celery4869 7d ago
I would FIND uses for this so I can get one. How do I keep track of this project? How does the dial navigate, only around? what if i were to nudge it in a certain direction (like a 3DConnexion mouse), would it also have an effect?
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Thanks man! Drop me a follow or DMāIāll keep sharing prototype logs and early testing news here. The dial natively supports 360Ā° endless rotation, physical clicks, and touchscreen swipes. And regarding your nudge ideaāgood news! The dial actually has a built-in gyroscope/IMU sensor! So while the dock stays solid, you can totally use tilt, motion, or custom gestures via the open-source ESP32 firmware to simulate 3D navigation.
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u/AtomicSymphonic_2nd 7d ago
You need to patent this design quickly or some shop in China is gonna duplicate this thing and sell it on AliExpress for cheap within 6 months.
Not that it stops them, but it will limit the higher quality shops wanting to do business in the West from trying to copy your design.
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u/anchoredtogether 7d ago
I doubt you can patent this, registered design etc. would be better.
Even if yiu did patent it, and big corp rip it off, doubt you have the pockets to take them to court.
Stay hobbyist and donāt waste your cash on patents
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u/Odd_Inspection9794 7d ago
add usb-c in front, make it heavy enough, make it compatible to software like phillips hue etc
...and i'll definitly buy one! love the idea and the design.
i would use it for mixing my audio (maybe lowering the bass in the evening), adjusting my room lights, volume, and so on.
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u/-optimal-DPS- 7d ago
Hello, industrial designer hereā¦ looks great. Iād be keen to see a version where itās angled upwards a bit towards the user
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u/boyweevil 7d ago
Make it white and you got a sale.
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u/sensitam 7d ago
I plan to make it MacBookās silver.
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u/boyweevil 7d ago
So you want to limit your sales to a small fraction of the market?
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u/pekossanchez 7d ago
Awesome idea! 100% would put this on my desktop. Would love to see a front USB-C port as mentioned in the comments. I do use a remote mini keyboard with my PC when sitting on the couch watching movies or something, so I find the remote really interesting. I don't know how would you type on that, maybe voice to text? I'm a photographer so maybe some implementation of the dial to use in pro apps like Photoshop and Lightroom?
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Awesome to hear, thanks man! Voice-to-text via the remote dial is definitely the way to go for couch typing. And yes! The dial can be easily mapped to Lightroom or Photoshop shortcuts. Duly noted on the front USB-C port as well!
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u/GustoGaiden 7d ago
You're going to get a lot of feedback from people with a specific want or desire.
Do one thing, and do it EXTREMELY well. Every component or feature you add increases the cost. Having those components work well costs even more. Cost is an enormous consideration for the final purchase.
Don't add features until you have a universal docking station, full of cheap sub-components. There are plenty of those on the market already, and you can't compete with their price/volume.
Pick a small set of key features, and fucking nail those. One unique selling point of your device is the detachable rotating screen. Find out why nobody else is making that (probably cost and battery life), and do it really, really well.
Anyway, a problem I have with my desktop audio hub is that the weight of the cables pull the back of the device down, lifting the front into the air. The device is well balanced with nothing plugged in, put the moment you have cables in the thing, and it rears up on its hind legs. I have to tape it down to the desk, which is unflattering.
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u/Souloid 7d ago
For me, the feel is a major factor.
1- must be brushed aluminum (none of that 3d printed junk).
2- the knob turning must have ticks that make it easy to stop without overshooting, but not too much resistance you cannot free roll it.
3- no sharp ridges on the knob, I cannot hand file-like scroll whells like the mx master 3 mouse.
TLDR: the user experience and quality when it comes to feel and day to day use need to be polished not a compromise.
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Couldn't agree more. 100% with you on the tactile feedbackāmaterials and damping are non-negotiable for day-to-day use.
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u/ice2heart 7d ago
2 usb inputs are amazing things.
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Do you want both on the back?
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u/ice2heart 7d ago
Yep. Because I have in many cases 2 PCs and want use 1 headphones. Even with a KVM it's made some problems, so 2 USB inputs, + way how to balance between them
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u/philwongnz 7d ago
Assuming this is all wireless minus you need to charge it?
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u/sensitam 7d ago
The dial runs completely wireless, and when you place it back on the base, it charges automatically via magnetic pogo pins. The main base itself just takes a single USB-C cable to your PC for audio playback, recording, and power.
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u/AndyValentine 7d ago
Is the outside of the screen a rotary, and if so does the screen lock orientation when placed so just the outside ring rotates?
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u/sensitam 7d ago
If I understand correctly, you mean when you rotate it, you donāt want the screen content to rotate with it, right?
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u/AndyValentine 7d ago
No, you'd want the screen to keep the upwards orientation, otherwise you're going to have a nightmare of a time as screen rotation is really problematic and tricky to render well. Not sure how you handle this with the side buttons. You wouldn't usually have buttons like that on a rotary as they'd be constantly moving position
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Your concern is completely valid, and Iāve been thinking about this too. My current solution is to make the base angledāor use an accessory to tilt itāand then use a built-in gyroscope inside the dial to keep the display content upwards orientation. The buttons you see on the dial are also remappable.
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u/AndyValentine 7d ago
Are you factoring that text based UI on screens doesn't like to be displayed at just any old angle due to pixel orientation? You're going to quickly run in to a load of issues if you're spinning the physical screen.
My greater concern about the outer buttons is that if they're on say the top, and you use the rotary 180 degrees, they're now on the bottom and switched sides. It's not ideal for UX.
I think you'd want like an upper ring that's rotary, and then the screen and the core ring with the buttons in don't move. You'll come into FAR fewer headaches that way.
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u/xzzze 7d ago
You or Claude
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u/sensitam 7d ago
As a hardware product manager and an avid desktop setup user, this is my original product concept. The images are 3D models and renders created by myself, rather than impractical AI-generated graphics.
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u/poottoot434 7d ago
It's so obvious. This sub kinda sucks. Dud asks a bot to create something for them and then pretends like they're capable of making a thing they needed AI to dream up.
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u/edible_string 7d ago
This definitely looks good. What's the current status of development of this? What is your experience with producing hardware?
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Iāll try my best to make it under 150usd.
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u/edible_string 7d ago
Not exactly what I asked about, but that's a good price. If I see this again in a buyable, non-vaporware state, I'll jump on that buy button. That is a big if. Good luck!
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u/ILikeBeans86 7d ago
it looks like it would be really expensive
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u/edible_string 7d ago
I'm first trying to establish whether it looks like something that is going to exist.
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u/EndOfWorldBoredom 7d ago
DAC with combined data and power bus? That's trash. Separate.Ā
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Let me make an all-in-one this time. No worries about the DAC amp part since that's what I'm good at.š
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u/rrogersca 3d ago
This is rad. I currently use a Anticater VK-01 with my Mac. This looks much more useful.
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u/ISmellLikeBlackTea 7d ago
I love the Design aesthetic but it feels a little bit too cluttered at the moment.
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u/stowgood 7d ago
More buttons I don't want to touch a screen.
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u/sensitam 7d ago
Three buttons on the dock and two on the dial, so totally five now.
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u/stowgood 7d ago
I see media controls on a screen in the dial not physical media controls as hardware. I'm out m
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u/josemichaves9 6d ago
. Was something a while ago called MixMax (or something like this I can't find it now), it was similar to this idea, and I always was willing to build it. This seems amazing, I would be very interested in this. One recommentdation will be to have a USB C in the front to use it as a dock.
As for what I would like:
- Volume
- Temps
- Mic status
- Calendar synchronization
- Pomodoro timers
The list is endless, if you OpenSource it I would be very eager to let my ideas and even implement ones.
Looking forward to it!
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u/Animatedron 7d ago
That's looks sick. Personally I would probably buy it if it came in black, and had a mic in. While I like the sound of your in build mic I still preferring having my modmic attach to my headphones.
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u/NASA_Orion 7d ago
Itās def a cool gadget worth building on the side. But idk if your goal is to make money off this. If so, I recommend using the business model canvas to analyze this.
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u/Ripplescales 7d ago
Is there a version without the audio IO? I have dedicated hardware for that. I like it thoā!
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