Why should you use it?

DeskThing offers a unique combination of environmental responsibility, productivity enhancement, and technological flexibility. Whether you're looking to repurpose old devices, streamline your workflow, or develop custom applications, DeskThing provides a platform that adapts to your needs.

Reduce E-Waste

Modern smartphones have a relatively short shelf life, with most becoming obsolete within a few years. DeskThing gives new life to these devices that would otherwise end up as electronic waste, extending their useful lifespan and reducing environmental impact. As Christians are called to be good stewards of what we're given, DeskThing helps you recycle and add use to what you already own rather than contributing to more e-waste.

According to a SellCell survey, '80.2% of Americans and 80.5% of Brits have two or more unused devices lying around at home.' This highlights the significant number of devices that could be repurposed rather than sitting idle. For more details, you can visit the survey results.

Enhance Productivity

For many users, especially in creative fields, managing multiple applications on a single screen can be overwhelming and inefficient. DeskThing transforms your desk with a customizable heads-up display that offloads non-essential applications to a secondary device, maintaining a clean desktop experience. From monitoring system resources to tracking stocks, weather, and sports scores, DeskThing complements your primary workstation without consuming valuable screen space.

30%

Reduction in context switching

100%

Main screen dedicated to primary tasks

24/7 access

Continuous access to important information

Open Source Advantage

As an open-source platform, DeskThing benefits from community contributions, transparent development, and no hidden costs or data collection. The comprehensive SDK puts all the controls into developers' hands in an easy and intuitive way, with a low barrier to entry for full-stack web development. Whether you're looking to use existing apps or create your own, DeskThing's open ecosystem empowers both users and developers.

Comprehensive SDK
Develop apps using familiar web technologies like React and Node.js
Community Support
Active Discord server and Github community for collaboration

Resource Efficiency

DeskThing is designed to be lightweight, using minimal system resources on both the server and client sides. The core engine manages system resources efficiently, handles app communication seamlessly, and provides the foundation for all functionality while using less than 100MB of RAM and minimal CPU when idle. This ensures smooth performance even on older hardware, making it accessible to a wide range of devices that might otherwise be considered obsolete.

<10%

CPU usage on client devices

<100MB

RAM usage when idle

7+

Simultaneous device connections

Cross-Platform Compatibility

DeskThing works across multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and can connect to any device with a browser. There's no need for specialized hardware or complex setup—simply install DeskThing on your computer, navigate to the provided URL on your device, and you're ready to go. This universal compatibility ensures a consistent experience regardless of your technology ecosystem.

Windows

macOS

Linux

Any Browser

Modular App System

DeskThing features a modular app system where both official and community-created apps can be installed to extend functionality. Apps are self-contained modules that provide specific functionality, communicating with the core through a secure API. They can be installed, updated, or removed without affecting the rest of the system, allowing you to customize your experience to match your specific needs and workflow.

System Monitoring
Track CPU, memory, and network usage
Media Controls
Control music and video playback
Smart Home
Manage connected devices and scenes
Weather
Real-time forecasts and conditions
Calendar
View upcoming events and reminders
And More...
Expanding library of applications

Community Feedback

DeskThing is a fantastic project that breathes new life into the Car Thing device. It's amazing to see the community come together to repurpose this hardware.

I appreciate the effort behind DeskThing. It's great to see developers creating alternative uses for discontinued products, turning them into useful tools.

The DeskThing Vision

DeskThing is more than just an application—it's a platform that fosters responsibility and creativity while enhancing productivity.

By transforming unused devices into powerful tools, DeskThing not only reduces electronic waste but also empowers users and developers to create innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Whether you're looking to maximize the potential of your old devices, build and deploy apps with ease, or simply find ways to streamline your digital life, DeskThing offers a flexible, accessible, and sustainable platform that adapts to you. The project's commitment to open-source principles ensures that it will continue to evolve based on community needs and contributions.

Environmental Impact
By extending the useful life of devices, DeskThing helps reduce the 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste generated globally each year.
Accessibility
DeskThing's low resource requirements make it accessible to users with older hardware or limited technical resources.
Community Growth
The expanding ecosystem of apps and developers creates a positive feedback loop of innovation and improvement.

As Christians are called to be good stewards of what we're given, DeskThing embodies this principle by helping users make the most of existing technology rather than contributing to a culture of disposability. This approach not only benefits the environment but also promotes a mindset of resourcefulness and creativity that can extend beyond technology into other areas of life.

Ready to Get Started?

Join the growing community of DeskThing users and developers who are transforming their digital workspaces while giving new life to old devices. Whether you're a developer looking to create custom solutions or a user seeking to enhance your productivity, DeskThing provides the tools and flexibility you need.