Welcome to today’s episode where we dive into two fascinating technologies recently covered by Ars Technica. In our first segment, we explore the DeskBuddy—a compact 3.5-inch smart display designed to simplify your digital calendar experience. The reviewer, a longtime fan of pen-and-paper organization, finds DeskBuddy appealing for its stripped-down, distraction-free view of today’s events by syncing with iCloud, Gmail, and Office 365 calendars. Though its simplicity is refreshing—offering clear color-coded event listings—it also comes with limitations, such as a lack of detailed event duration and support for Google Calendar tasks. In our second segment, we shift gears to the automotive world where startup Donut Lab is revolutionizing hub-mounted electric motors. These “donut” motors, which pack impressive torque in a compact, radial flux design, promise to simplify EV powertrains by eliminating the need for driveshafts and reducing weight drastically. Donut Lab’s CEO Marko Lehtimäki even claimed, "We call it the infinite motor because it will outlast the life of the vehicle when done right," highlighting its potential for both automotive and other industrial applications like wind turbines and washing machines.

Key Points:

• DeskBuddy Smart Display:

  • A 3.5-inch touchscreen device dedicated solely to displaying today’s scheduled events.
  • Syncs with popular calendar services such as iCloud, Gmail, and Office 365 via a simple PIN-secured setup.
  • Emphasizes minimalism by providing a clear, color-coded list of events without overwhelming details like event duration.
  • Priced at $100 and powered by components including a WT32-SC01 Plus board and WS2812B LED chips.
  • Ideal for quick, distraction-free looks at daily schedules, though it lacks comprehensive customization needed for detailed time management.

• Donut Lab Hub Motors:

  • Innovative hub-mounted motors resembling metal donuts, designed using radial flux technology to deliver high torque.
  • Aims to simplify the EV powertrain by removing the need for driveshafts and reducing component count.
  • The durability and reliability are emphasized with a promise that these motors "will outlast the life of the vehicle when done right."
  • Suitable for a wide range of applications from small drones and eVTOL vehicles to semi-trucks and passenger cars.
  • Garnered enthusiastic interest at CES, with OEMs now eager to adopt the technology for its compact, lightweight design and performance benefits.

Stay tuned as we break down these innovations further and discuss what they could mean for our daily lives, whether it's decluttering your calendar or changing the way electric vehicles are built.
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