Where is it going?

DeskThing has an ambitious roadmap focused on expanding device compatibility, enhancing the app ecosystem, and improving performance while maintaining stability. As an open-source project, the development direction is shaped by both core team priorities and community contributions.

Development Philosophy

DeskThing development follows these core principles that guide all future enhancements:

Resource Efficiency
All new features must maintain DeskThing's low resource footprint to ensure compatibility with older devices.
Security First
Security considerations are prioritized in all development decisions to protect user data and systems.
Community Driven
Development priorities are influenced by community feedback and contributions from developers of all skill levels.

Near Term: Ecosystem ExpansionIn Progress

The current development focus is on expanding the app ecosystem and improving developer tools to encourage community contributions.

Enhanced SDK Documentation

Comprehensive guides, tutorials, and API references for app developers

App Marketplace

Centralized repository with ratings, reviews, and one-click installation

Performance Optimization

Improved resource management for lower-end systems and devices

Official App Expansion

New productivity, monitoring, and entertainment applications

Mid Term: Integration & PerformancePlanning

Once the ecosystem is established, focus will shift to deeper integration with other tools and services while enhancing the overall user experience.

Third-Party Integrations

Native integration with popular productivity tools and services

Cross-Device Synchronization

Seamless experience across multiple connected devices

Enhanced Security

Advanced authentication and data protection features

Advanced Theming Engine

Customizable interfaces with theme sharing capabilities

Long Term: Expanded CompatibilityVision

The long-term vision includes expanding beyond traditional devices and incorporating advanced technologies to create a comprehensive ecosystem.

Extended Device Support

Compatibility with smartwatches, vehicles, TVs, and other displays

AI Integration

AI-powered customization and automation capabilities

Community Framework

Enhanced tools for community contributions and collaboration

Enterprise Features

Advanced capabilities for business and organizational use

Community Involvement

The future of DeskThing is shaped by its community. There are several ways to influence the project's direction:

Feature Requests
Submit ideas and vote on proposed features through GitHub issues or the community Discord server.
Code Contributions
Contribute directly to the codebase through pull requests for features, bug fixes, or documentation.
App Development
Create and share your own apps to expand the ecosystem and inspire new use cases for the platform.

The Long-Term Vision

The ultimate goal for DeskThing is to create a sustainable ecosystem that not only reduces electronic waste but also maximizes the functionality of aging technology across a wide range of devices and use cases. By building a platform that's accessible to developers of all skill levels, DeskThing aims to foster innovation and collaboration that extends beyond what any single developer could create.

As technology continues to evolve, DeskThing will adapt to incorporate new capabilities while maintaining its core commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and user empowerment. The vision is not just about software, but about creating a movement that changes how we think about and use our devices.