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Tidbyt Keeps the Resolution and Distractions Equally Low

11.07.22 | By
Tidbyt Keeps the Resolution and Distractions Equally Low

When it comes to screens and displays, higher resolution is almost always better. 4K, 8K, Retina display…our mobile, entertainment, and computing devices are perpetually inching towards imperceptible pixels. On the other end of the spectrum is Tidbyt, the antithesis of high resolution, a small desktop Internet-connected display that’s intended to keep you up to date about relevant information you want without all of the distractions that come with most notification-based devices.

Tidbyt on desk with notebook and pen nearby, displaying calendar event deadline for TPS report, referencing movie Office Space. Dolly Parton photo and cookbooks in background.

Designed in a Brooklyn workshop, Tidbyt’s creators Rohan Singh and Mats Linander are leaning into a retro design, not only imparting the display device with a gloriously low resolution arrangement of 64×32 pixel LEDs, but also framing it in a solid wood enclosure to give it more of a home decor feel rather than solely gadget-like presence within a living space.

Side by side photos of the Tidbyt displaying baseball scores on the left, and Spotify song on right in a kitchen setting.

And unlike other the plethora of tech we increasingly invite into the home, Tidbyt’s designers were conscious of subtracting microphones, speakers, or buttons to keep their device focused on displaying the time, weather, photos, commute times, sports scores, music playlists, and more.

Brooklyn and Queens subway departure times displayed on Tidbyt LED display

Extra geeky points: Tidbyt is totally hackable, and the company invites anyone to write their own apps to expand the options of what is displayed on their creation.

Back of Tidbyt showing metal cover around wood frame and power cord.

Happy Hour in 10 Minutes displayed on Tidbyt LED display

The Tidbyt is available for $179, with free shipping and covered by a year warranty, making it a unique holiday gift for someone who always wants to stay informed, but not distracted.

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Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.