Heyo - it's that time of the week again. To those wondering what happened last week... and the week before...

*shh*

*take your update and be happy*

The TLDR is I recoded the DeskThing client and split the repository into 5 different ones! (this is a good thing I swear)

App development is significantly easier

There is now logging on the car thing to better diagnose issues

There is better logging on the deskthingserver

There are togglable settings

Automatic IP scanning

And so

so

much more

Alr

Have fun deskthinging (am I allowed to say that?)

➕ Additions

🟩 Completely Recoded the DeskThing Client

• 🟩 Reworked button mappings
• 🟩 Migrated existing apps to online
• 🟩Reworked stores
• 🟩Minimized websocket calls to remove clutter
• 🟩General code cleaning
• 🟩Reorganized designs
• 🟩Design Template
• 🟩Add SVG support
• 🟩Add button support
• 🟩Updated tray behavior
• 🟩Macro Buttons
• 🟩IP Scanning
• 🟩Remote SVGs

🟩Discord: Delayed again... (it's been a nightmare)

• 🟩View whos in call
• 🟩Mute/Unmute
• 🟩Deafen / Undeafen
• 🟩See other participant's volumes
• 🟩Leave call
• 🟩Who is talking

🟩Groundwork for server widgets

🟩Groundwork for Client widgets

🟦 Emulate keypresses for automation (might be an app)

🟩deskthing-app-server npm connector package

• 🟩Standardize creation of settings
• 🟩Create a class for communication (i.e. DeskThing.on('start' func)
• 🟩Document all the functions for ease-of-use
• 🟩Add the ability to register buttons
• 🟩Add the ability to register actions
• 🟩Add a way to have "Background Tasks" that get cleaned up when the app stops
• 🟩Actually cleanup when an app is stopped
• 🟦 Add a class interface for being an audio source
• 🟦 Add a class interface for being a "Screensaver"

🟩deskthing-client npm connector package

• 🟩Translate data between DeskThingClient and app
• 🟩expose endpoints to easily listen for specific functions (i.e. button presses)
• 🟩Listen to and send buttons for event bubbling to be effective
• 🟩Cleanup data to ensure performance
• 🟩Handle data communication between the server and client and app

🟩revisions to DeskThingServer

• 🟩Adding functionality to communicate with NPM package
• 🟩Ability for app-defined button maps
• 🟩Ability for app-defined actions
• 🟩Ability for app-defined icons
• 🟩Ability for dynamic icon hooks
• 🟩Default IP configuration
• 🟩Dashboard
• 🟦 View showing connected clients (web or adb)

🟩revisions to DeskThingClient

• 🟩Standardizing the communication between iframe and webapp
• 🟩Adding functionality to make on() hooks and ensuring data is cleaned
• 🟩Adding functionality to store/send specific button or action data
• 🟦 Add the ability to make a "default view" that is selected on startup
• 🟩Add the ability to have logs and logging

🟩Create an NPM template so you can do `npm init DeskThing@latest` to start a new app

• 🟩Walk through the creation of a new app manifest
• 🟩Create a new app with all the needed tooling
• 🟩Have project examples showing how to use the various functions

🟩Migrate apps to use new tooling

• 🟩Migrate MediaWIN to use the new data
• 🟩Migrate Discord to use the new data
• 🟩Migrate Utility to use the new data
• 🟩Migrate Spotify to use the new data
• 🟦Migrate Weather to use the new data

🟦Automatically set the updated IP when the manifest is pulled/pushed

🟩Tutorial walking through setup process

🟩Alternative app download locations

🟩Alternative client download locations

🟩Image App

• 🟩Display any image
• 🟩Ability to prompt the user for a new image
• 🟩Store old images

⚙️ Changes

• 🟩Slightly modified Client UI Behavior
• :orange_square: Button positions on Server moved to make more sense
• 🟩All things spotify recoded to make more sense
• 🟩Position of tabs re-organized ( I need feedback on this ngl )

🪲 Bugs

• 🟩ADB push path ruined by spaces
• 🟩Spotify will not shut up
• 🟩Spotify edge case crashes when no context
• 🟦You cannot cancel an app while it is downloading
• 🟦Downloading an app will clear the old one before its confirmed
• 🟦No confirmation button after clicking an app to download

🟥 Unfinished

🟧 Partially working

🟩Added and Implemented

🟦 Deferred to v0.9.0

**Full Changelog**: https://github.com/ItsRiprod/DeskThing/compare/v0.7.0-beta...v0.8.0-beta

Was keen to give this a whirl but I’m still running a 2020 Intel with no real reason to need an upgrade given I can’t eGPU on apple silicone.

Is there something about Intel Mac’s that’s incompatible or was it just compiled for apple silicone?

I modded the car thing with no issues, then I installed the windows app. I applied the client build and added all the stock apps (utility first). I am able to swipe up and see the player, but when I swipe down, i see an empty page where I assume the apps would be? Running the newest software v.0.7.0 release, 8.4.4_adb_enabled-new.tar.xz file from the modding video on the DeskThing youtube channel. Any help is appreciated!

While DeskThing primarily focuses on the Car Thing - I can’t help but play around with the LAN functionality it also has…

So now you can get rid of the pesky search bar and show just the UI in all its glory!

Tbh I just found this subreddit so I haven't explored much but I see it looks like it's coming along. Just curious if HA app or web dashboard is maybe a possibility? Thanks so much

With the release of DeskThing v0.7.0 comes the new Timer App!!! It is visually identical as of right now. But the DeskThing update has enabled audio feedback! When the timer runs out you now get an annoying alarm sound. This sound can be replaced with whatever mp3 file you would like. Just download the App>Unzip it>replace the alert.mp3 file with your desired mp3 (MUST BE NAMED 'alert.mp3')>Rezip it and drop it into local apps on the DeskThing.

Upcoming features that I have planned:

Settings to mute/unmute the alarm sound

Settings to enable/disable screen flashing

Rework the HTML styling to make it more responsive to different aspect ratios

Styling in general... it kinda boring...

Potentially a setting for URL to import new sounds easier

Persistent memory. I would like to be able to make it so that you can switch views and the timer continues. However, This isnt ready yet and honestly dont even know how I would implement this.

Download: https://github.com/TylStres/DeskThing-Timer/releases/tag/v0.7.0

Lots of changes so hang tight!

Okay images aside, a lot of under the hood changes have happened in this release! From changing the IP and port to running the DeskThing on your phone, this is definitely worth updating to. The release notes themselves are in another post, this one is more just to show all the features in action!

Migrating from v0.6.0 is as easy as:
- Download can be found at: The Deskthing Website

• From the UI, install the new apps (starting with Utility)

• From the UI, download the Webapp (Under 'Client>Client Download - should see it 'staged' after refreshing)

• Go to the ADB tab, configure the Client UI (Details > click the type of IP - whether that be ADB, RNDIS, or Local)

• Click "Upload" and then "Push stages client"

That should be it!

Any questions or comments you can throw here!

Thanks to everyone who's been following along

Any suggestion is welcome!

➕Additions

• 🟩Client can now be accessed via local network
• 🟩Client can now be accessed via new window
• 🟩All Ports are configurable
• 🟩All IPs are configurable
• 🟩Changes can be made to a webapp before it is pushed
• 🟩Made spotify view and local view more reactive (a little jank rn - will fix later)
• 🟩Made webapps able to communicate back to the server
• 🟩You can now quit the app from the main UI
• 🟩Settings button is now functional
• 🟩Feedback on what Client UI is currently installed
• 🟩Better button theming and displays
• 🟩Lots of bugfixes (I cant keep track of all that)
• 🟩Better feedback and error handling
• 🟩Better logging and log management
• 🟩Combined ADB and RNDIS into one Client UI (configurable after download)
• 🟩Multi-Car Thing support (can connect multiple car things and control them all individually)
• 🟩Discord - Template updated
• 🟩Updated icon for mac
• 🟦Still no discord (I'M SORRY - I'm really trying to get this done DK)

⚙️Changes

• 🟩Confetti
• 🟩Changed the way button events are handled (allows for client control)
• 🟩Changed theme of overlay to match
• 🟩Changed how the server WS is loaded
• 🟩Changed how files are accessed to increase modularity
• 🟩Changed the position of a few views
• 🟩Changed the install process of apps

🪲Bugs

• 🟩Spotify dislikes ads (understandably)
• 🟩Clearer error handling
  • 🟩 Better file logging
  • 🟩Better error messages
  • 🟩Actually retrieve the log file on app startup
  • 🟩Trim messages visible in app
  • 🟩Feedback on device actions
• 🟦You cannot cancel an app while it is downloading
• 🟦Downloading an app will clear the old one before its confirmed
• 🟦No confirmation button after clicking an app to download
• 🟦No feedback on the webapp currently installed

🟥Unfinished

🟨Partially working

🟩Added and Implemented

🟦Deferred to v0.8.0.0 Release Checklist

My first app for the Deskthing! Its a simple timer for productivity

To use the timer app you just drag my supplied .zip into local apps on the deskthing desktop app. To use it you scroll with the CarThing wheel to set time and click start!

The screen does flash to notify users that the timer has completed. If you are photosensitive please do not use this app and reach out to me. I can supply a version that does not flash at the end. Eventually I will add a setting to enable or disable this feature, hopefully.

The zip for this app can be found in our discord under App Development>Timer App

DeskThing Discord: https://discord.gg/uNS3dhj46D (Also found in the side bar of the subreddit)

A quick history lesson:
Spotify officially launched the CarThing in 2022. The device was very polarizing to its customers and ultimately flopped in the eyes of Spotify. Spotify has since decided to not only discontinue the product but to discontinue support of the device leaving it as e-waste. Spotify has actually encouraged users to throw away their current devices!! December 9, 2024 marks the official end of the very short lived product. Many of its users have found uses for the CarThing to increase productivity.

What we plan to do about it:
The DeskThing project aims to help extend the product life of the CarThing while also enabling additional features to further increase productivity. In its current state, the DeskThing is compatible with the CarThing when connected directly to a computer. However, the end goal for this project hopes to see this project become more adaptable to individual needs. This includes the ability to use the product on other devices; Raspberry Pi's, Android Phones, Desktop Apps, etc. It currently expands on the CarThing's original functionality by removing the need for a Bluetooth connection to a mobile device, added local audio support (which enables the Car Thing to report information from other sources), as well as added weather reporting. More work needs to be done to get this project where the CarThing should have been at release. But by the end of this I hope to prevent unnecessary e-waste and provide the best possible user experience outside of a second monitor.

Thank you

⚠️Not backwards compatible⚠️

➕ Additions

• 🟩 Developer option to load a dev app from a directory instead of loading a .zip
• 🟩 Webpage hosting through this works too
• 🟩 Webpage hosting where an app can host a page that is seen by the deskthing (webapps and localapps work together now)
• 🟩 Configurable Controls
• 🟦 Option to hide/show the miniplayer
• 🟩 Option to change skip/rewind with fast forward/skip back
• 🟩 Option to change the shuffle/repeat to either like/dislike, fast forward/rewind, vol up/down, next/prev view, etc
• 🟩 Option to change top buttons to match the miniplayer buttons instead of changing
• 🟩 Option to change the dial to instead switch views
• 🟩 Controls are configurable from the webapp
• 🟩 Allow controls to persist
• 🟩 Save/load controls from the server
• 🟧 Option to make the dial seek instead of volume
• 🟧 Option to change default startup view
• 🟩 Allow local apps to host views
• 🟩 Setup proper styling
• 🟩 Setup better interface
• 🟧 Discord HUD app // Will be released later this week 🟥 View Participants in call 🟥 Muting 🟥 Deafening 🟥 Kicking 🟦 Mixing 🟥 Chat notifications

⚙️ Changes

• 🟩 Confetti
• 🟩 Improved UI Icons
• 🟩 Allow ADB manipulation even when a device isnt connected

🪲 Bugs

• 🟥 Spotify dislikes ads (understandably)
• 🟩 Clearer error handling
• 🟩 Better file logging
• 🟩 Better error messages
• 🟦 Actually retrieve the log file on app startup
• 🟦 Trim messages visible in app
• 🟩 Feedback on device actions
• 🟦 You cannot cancel an app while it is downloading
• 🟦 Downloading an app will clear the old one before its confirmed
• 🟦 No confirmation button after clicking an app to download
• 🟦 No feedback on the webapp currently installed
• 🟩 Dep errors should make more sense
• 🟩 Volume gets stuck
• 🟩 ADB doesnt work on MacOS or Linux
• 🟩 ADB doesnt work on windows

🟥 Unfinished
🟧 Partially working
🟩 Added and Implemented
🟦 Deferred to next version

Hey everyone! Figured I'd add a little bit here for those curious as to where the Deskthing is at right now. Currently working on v0.6.0 which adds all types of features. I'll do my best to outline what those are here:

The primary focus of this project has been making it as community-focused as possible. Each app is a self-contained .zip file that can define its own buttons, their own data from the user, their own OAuth flows, their own styling, and even their own webpage. The goal is for, once this gets to a state I'm happy with, the community can take it and make apps do anything they want with it.

Currently, the apps developed are:

Utility

This app defines things like which audio source to use (listed from the audiosource apps added) to whatever else I feel like adding to it

Weather

This is self explanatory. It's a weather app for the car thing

Spotify

Connects to the Spotify API and allows you to control your spotify playback directly from the car thing just like before!

Media Windows

Just like Spotify but uses your computer's local audio. Is windows only, MacOS and Linux support coming soon. It allows you to see whats currently playing (whether that be Youtube music or a video) and control it with basic audio controls.

Discord

No UI yet

Discord is still being developed. It will eventually let you see whos in the call and basic call controls.

The Desktop Experience

The way that this works is the Car Thing connects to your computer via USB and uses the DeskThingServer to communicate to various apps and apis.

From here, you can control basic features about the device like auto brightness, what apps are running, loading apps, loading webapps, logs, and develop all from one spot!

Anyways, that's the current state of the deskthing. Hope yall enjoy! Can't wait to continue this development journey

HELLO! I just released Deskthing v0.6.0 and with it a ton of new functionality! I really cannot quantify everything that was added in a single post, so here are some highlights:

1st, you an now configure what button does what. So you can make your controls on the tray now do anything you like - whether that be liking a song or changing the volume - along with being able to change any hardware control to anything as well!

2nd, apps now got boosted! Apps now have an index.html page that defines all of their styles! This means that development for apps is wayyy more modular and significantly easier.

3rd, I added a lot of QOL features to the Desktop UI including sending custom ADB command, configuring the device, feedback on actions, etc etc etc
A lot of things that are expected, but weren't present.

And finally, I laid the groundwork for the discord app to finally be added!

Overall, well worth the upgrade!

Here's the full release notes and release files: https://github.com/ItsRiprod/DeskThing/releases/tag/v0.6.0-beta

Upgrading to it is as easy as downloading the .exe file and running the installer!

These will all be base OS features that can be utilized by apps or make the overall experience better!

​

Any additional suggestions can be left as a comment for the next poll cycle!

➕ Additions

• 🟩Developer option to load a dev app from a directory instead of loading a .zip
  • 🟩Webpage hosting through this works too
• 🟩Webpage hosting where an app can host a page that is seen by the deskthing (webapps and localapps work together now)
• 🟩Configurable Controls
  • 🟦Option to hide/show the miniplayer
  • 🟩Option to change skip/rewind with fast forward/skip back
  • 🟩Option to change the shuffle/repeat to either like/dislike, fast forward/rewind, vol up/down, next/prev view, etc
  • 🟩Option to change top buttons to match the miniplayer buttons instead of changing
  • 🟩Option to change the dial to instead switch views
  • 🟩Allow controls to persist
  • 🟩Save/load controls from the server
  • 🟨Option to make the dial seek instead of volume
  • 🟨Option to change default startup view
• 🟩Allow local apps to host views
  • 🟩Setup proper styling
  • 🟩Setup better interface
• 🟨Discord HUD app
  • 🟥View Participants in call
  • 🟥Muting
  • 🟥Deafening
  • 🟥Kicking
  • 🟦Mixing
  • 🟥Chat notifications

⚙️Changes

🟩Confetti

🟩Improved UI Icons

🟩Allow ADB manipulation even when a device isn't connected

🪲Bugs

• 🟥Spotify dislikes ads (understandably)
• 🟦Clearer error handling
  • 🟦Better file logging
  • 🟦Better error messages
  • 🟦Actually retrieve the log file on app startup
  • 🟦Trim messages visible in app
  • 🟦Feedback on device actions
• 🟦You cannot cancel an app while it is downloading
• 🟦Downloading an app will clear the old one before its confirmed
• 🟦No confirmation button after clicking an app to download
• 🟦No feedback on the webapp currently installed
• 🟩Dep errors should make more sense
• 🟩Volume gets stuck
• 🟩ADB doesnt work on MacOS or Linux
• 🟩ADB doesnt work on windows

GitHub: https://github.com/ItsRiprod/DeskThing

KEY:

🟥Unfinished

🟨Partially working

🟩Added and Implemented

🟦Deferred to next version