I don't know about you guys, but I certainly always get a bit antsy when I got free time and nothing to do.

Luckily, that's not the case!

I might have mentioned that I wanted to rework the hardware to use the ESP32. After multiple very positive experiences, I am happy to say that I officially started working on the next version with said controller!

The improvement will be noticeable, in a lot of aspects:

• The RGB LEDs will be replaced by WS2812, which are going to make for MUCH better visual effects than before.
• Using only one powerful MCU instead of an ESP8266 and an AVR will make developing and maintaining code easier.
• The WiFi will be much better! (NodeMCU + MQTT loves to swallow up packets :c)
• There'll be real sound! Instead of a piezo buzzer, I've decided to use the ESP32 I2S + a small audio amp chip (the TDA301) to be able to play back much nicer sound effects. I might even be buying myself a small unity asset for that ... Hehe
• There'll be proper power filtering, 3.3V LDO, and a built-in charger + USB<->UART bridge. Again, all making developing and maintaining devices easier. Heck, maybe I'll even throw a charge indicator LED in there!

I've got a small request: If any one of you guys knows a bit more than me (i.e. "nothing") about audio systems, I'd love a pair of second eyes on the amplifier, just to make sure it doesn't blow up.

With a bit of luck those PCBs will be ready to go by the end of this week. I'll be ordering them from Aisler too, so expect assembled and beeping chips by the end of January!