FAQ
Why?
Because sometimes it's lovely to own a tool that does exactly one thing, boots in a second, never updates, never nags, and never sends you a push notification about its feelings. With APP PIXELS you can have that — and still swap the thing's entire purpose whenever you feel like it. No need to toss it in the e-waste drawer next to the yogurt-maker you used twice. Plug it in, flash a new app, and bam: your bubble level is now a mini NAS. Or a timer. Or whatever.
What device do I need?
Currently only the Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.8" AMOLED Touch is supported. More devices coming soon.
How do I install an app?
Click "Install" on any app page. You can flash directly from your browser using Web Serial — supported on Chrome/Edge on desktop, and on Android Chrome with a USB-OTG cable. iPhone and iPad cannot flash from the browser (Apple blocks Web Serial), but you can still download the .bin file and flash it later from a computer.
Do I need to create an account?
Yes, a free account is required to download or flash apps. It helps me track usage and improve the platform.
Can I submit my own app?
Not yet, but I'm working on it. For now, use the Request page to suggest app ideas.
Is this free?
Yes. All apps on APP PIXELS are free to download and use.
Will flashing an app erase my data?
Flashing replaces the firmware on the device. Data stored on the SD card is preserved. Settings stored in flash memory may be reset.
Will I brick my device?
Almost certainly not. The ESP32-S3 has a built-in bootloader baked into ROM that you cannot overwrite — hold BOOT while plugging in USB and it will always come back ready to flash. In other words: the hardware is way more stubborn than my software. That said, this is a free, hobby-run service and you are flashing experimental firmware over your own USB cable — use at your own risk.
Help! I bricked my device!
Deep breaths. 99% of "bricks" are a device stuck in a bad boot loop, not actual bricks. Unplug, hold the BOOT button, plug USB back in while still holding BOOT, release after a second — the device is now in download mode. Come back here, pick any app, and flash it. If your PC does not see the device at all: try another USB cable (charging-only cables are the #1 villain), another port, or another computer. Still nothing? Open an issue on GitHub with what you did last and I will try to help. Reminder: this is a free service and a hobby project — use at your own risk.