This 1-Inch ’60s-Style Video Player Is Wonderfully Pointless Fun
▼ Summary
– The TinyTV 2 is a portable, rechargeable gadget designed to resemble a vintage TV, complete with retro styling and functional dials for volume and playlist control.
– It features a 1.14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 216×135 and is powered by a Raspberry Pi RP 2040 processor and a LiPo battery.
– TinyCircuits, an Ohio-based company, created the TinyTV 2 to serve creativity in the maker community and spark joy through fun, open-source gadgets.
– The device was crowdfunded in 2022 and is now sold for $60 alongside other small electronics like the Thumby keychain on the company’s website.
– The TinyTV 2 is positioned as a nostalgic tribute to simpler television times, contrasting with modern, larger, and more complex TVs.
Imagine a television so small it fits in the palm of your hand, yet so charming it instantly transports you back to the golden age of broadcasting. The TinyTV 2 from TinyCircuits captures that nostalgic magic perfectly, blending retro aesthetics with modern functionality in a delightfully compact package. With its warm brown shell, slender angled legs, and satisfyingly clicky rotary dials, this miniature marvel feels both whimsical and wonderfully crafted.
Measuring just 1.9 by 1.4 by 1 inches, the TinyTV 2 features a 1.14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 216×135 pixels. Powered by a Raspberry Pi RP 2040 processor and equipped with a USB-C port for charging, it runs on a 150mAH LiPo battery. Despite its petite proportions, the device delivers a surprisingly vibrant viewing experience, complete with tactile volume and playlist navigation knobs that add to its old-school appeal.
This isn’t just a novelty item, it’s a fully functional portable media player designed for stored video playback. In an era dominated by massive, AI-driven smart TVs, the TinyTV 2 stands out as a refreshingly simple and playful alternative. It invites users to slow down, engage with physical controls, and enjoy content in a more intentional way.
TinyCircuits, an Ohio-based company, specializes in creating open-source gadgets that encourage creativity and STEAM education. Their product lineup includes innovations like the Arduino-based TinyDuino Platform and Thumby, a programmable keychain reminiscent of a classic Game Boy. The TinyTV 2 evolved from an earlier DIY kit and was successfully crowdfunded on platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Priced at $60, it represents both a tribute to vintage design and a testament to the joy of miniature engineering.
Whether used as a conversation piece, a desktop distraction, or a creative project platform, the TinyTV 2 delivers a dose of retro fun in an irresistibly tiny form.
(Source: Ars Technica)