Eleo BasiliWebScreen is a hackable, open-source gadget for gamers, makers, and creators. It sits on top of your monitor like a webcam, keeping important notifications, reminders, and stats visible. With a vivid AMOLED display, an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, and a completely open hardware and software stack, WebScreen helps you focus while staying connected.
Stay in the Zone
WebScreen shows only the information you choose. No more switching to your phone or breaking concentration. Whether you are gaming, streaming, or working, WebScreen keeps you in the flow while making sure you do not miss critical alerts.
Hack It With JavaScript
Building for WebScreen is easy. Write your app in JavaScript, save it to a microSD card, and insert it into the device. It runs instantly. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in, you can pull data from APIs, connect to smart home devices, or display system stats in real time. No special SDKs are required. WebScreen is a platform where simple code can create powerful tools.
We also wrote a Serial IDE were you can operate WebScreen with custom commands, and write Javascript apps without disconnecting and connecting the microSD card.
Open Source at Every Level
WebScreen is fully open-source. PCB schematics, firmware, enclosure design files, and documentation are all published under permissive licenses. This makes it easy to modify, remix, and improve the design. Backers are not just users, but also contributors. Transparency and community ownership are central to WebScreen.
WebScreen Marketplace
We are continuously building new apps, and our API makes it simple for anyone to create and share JavaScript applications, all stored on a microSD card. We are currently working on the WebScreen Marketplace, where you will be able to browse community-made apps, enclosure skins, and hardware mods, or upload your own. It will be available once the campaign is complete.
Choose Your Favorite Color
We’ve provided a selection of enclosure colors, so you can make sure your Webscreen matches your setup.
We Listened to the Community
Before launching WebScreen, we asked our community how they would use it. Through the subscribe form on our website, we collected dozens of ideas and requests from early supporters.
What we learned:
- Many people want notifications across platforms, such as Linux desktop alerts, Mattermost, Slack, WhatsApp, and Discord.
- Developers and hobbyists love that WebScreen is fully open-source and can be integrated into custom assistants, dashboards, and smart home systems.
- Backers are excited about how easy it is to build apps in JavaScript, save them to an SD card, and run them instantly.
- Popular use cases include productivity tools (Pomodoro timers, KPI dashboards, reminders), smart home integrations (Home Assistant, MQTT, APIs), and even creative extras like using WebScreen as a webcam light or a streaming companion.
Your feedback shaped WebScreen. We are building a tool that is open, hackable, affordable, and useful across many workflows.
Features and Specifications
- Display: 1.9–2.1 inch AMOLED, 240 × 536 px, 16.7 M colors
- Processor: ESP32-S3 microcontroller
- Connectivity: USB-C (power and data), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Programming: JavaScript apps run directly from microSD card
- Mounting: Monitor-top design with 1/4" mount for stacking a webcam
- Size: 68 × 60 × 54 mm
- Weight: ~100 g
- Open Source: OSHWA certified, hardware and software published under MIT and CERN-OHL-P-2.0 licenses
Comparisons
| Feature | WebScreen | LaMetric TIME | BUSY Bar | Elgato Prompter | Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Affordable, open-source, customizable | Stylish smart clock + ecosystem | Deep productivity + battery | High-quality prompter | Large touchscreen for productivity/media |
| Dimensions | 68 × 60 × 54 mm (monitor-top) | 20.1 × 6.1 × 3.6 cm | ~20 × 5 × 4 cm (desk bar) | 27 × 18 × 6 cm (with mount) | 33.2 × 19.7 × 1.6 cm |
| Weight | ~0.1 kg | 0.223 kg | ~0.25 kg | ~0.7 kg | ~0.8 kg |
| Display Type | AMOLED | LED | LED | LCD | AHVA touchscreen |
| Display Size | 1.9" | 19.5 x 4.2 cm | 72x16 LED matrix | 9" 1024 x 600 px | 14.5" |
| Touchscreen | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Use Case | Hackable notifications, smart home, teleprompter, reminders, custom apps | Smart clock, IoT display, weather, music, notifications | Productivity, Pomodoro timer, smart status | Professional teleprompter for streaming/presenting | Secondary portable touchscreen monitor |
| Open Source | Full (hardware + firmware + apps) | No | No | No | No |
| Customization | Enclosure colors, JS apps, firmware, PCB | Limited (faces & apps via LaMetric Market) | High (apps, workflows, smart home) | Limited (text and overlays) | Low (basic customization) |
| Smart Home | MQTT + APIs + Bluetooth | Yes (via app, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) | Yes (Matter, Home Assistant, HTTP API) | No | No |
| Audio | No | 2×2 W stereo speakers | No | No | No |
| Power | USB-C | USB-C + adapter | USB-C + internal battery | USB-C (5 V / 900 mA) | USB-C (15W PD) |
| Battery | No (USB-C only) | No (constant power) | Yes (3,250 mAh, ~1 workday) | No | No |
| OS Support | Cross-platform (open APIs) | iOS / Android app required | iOS / Android + Windows/macOS | Windows, macOS (DisplayLink drivers) | Windows, macOS |
| Attachable to Monitor | Yes (webcam-style) | No | Yes (desk/monitor mount) | Yes (camera/lens mount) | Yes (magnetic, stand, VESA) |
Support and Documentation
WebScreen is designed to be open and easy to use:
- GitHub repositories with hardware schematics, firmware, and enclosure files
- OSHWA certification for open-source hardware compliance
- Serial IDE with examples to start building apps
- Step-by-step getting started guide
- Community forum on Discord for support and contributions
- IFIXIT Teardown Guide
Manufacturing Plan
PCBs are manufactured and assembled by PCBWay and our AMOLED displays are manufactured by DWO, both companies are based in China. Components are shipped to Japan, where enclosures are 3D printed, devices are assembled, firmware is flashed, microSD cards are loaded with Javascript apps and each unit is tested. This hybrid model allows flexibility and quality control. Packaging is minimal and recyclable, with cardboard boxes and resealable ESD bags.
Fulfillment and Logistics
After our production run is complete, we will box everything up and send it along to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will handle distribution to backers worldwide. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.
Risks and Challenges
Like any hardware project, WebScreen faces challenges. We will be transparent and keep backers informed.
- Tariff volatility: Import and export tariffs between China, Japan, and the United States may change. We have included financial buffers and flexibility to absorb moderate increases.
- Component availability: PCBA and AMOLED displays can be subject to shortages. We work with multiple suppliers and maintain buffer stock.
- 3D printing throughput: Enclosures are printed in-house in Japan. We have multiple printers and can expand to print farms if needed.
- Firmware maturity: Early builds may contain bugs. We provide frequent updates and rely on community input to improve stability. We also have a website for easy firmware flashing of the different WebScreen releases.
- Certification delays: CE and UKCA certifications can take longer than expected. We have already prepared compliance documents.
