JSAUX Steam Machine Faceplates: E-Ink and RGB
JSAUX has announced two replacement faceplates for the Steam Machine, offering users a choice between a low-power E-Ink display and a full-color RGB pixel matrix. Both accessories attach magnetically to the front of the console and are designed specifically for SteamOS, with prices set at $99.99 and $89.99 respectively. The products are currently listed as “coming soon” with no specific release date provided.
The E-Ink Faceplate, priced at $99.99, features a 5.83-inch black-and-white panel with a resolution of 640×480. It supports either 4 or 16 grayscale levels and connects to the system via Bluetooth 5.0. The device includes a built-in 500mAh battery, which JSAUX claims provides up to 16 days of standby time. This extended battery life is attributed to the low power consumption of the E-Ink technology when displaying static images. The display is capable of showing a clock, weather information, calendar entries, system performance metrics, game time, or user-uploaded images. However, the refresh rate is limited to approximately 500 to 800 milliseconds, making it unsuitable for dynamic content. Consequently, JSAUX states that GIF uploads are not supported for this model.
The alternative Pixel Matrix Faceplate is available for $89.99 and utilizes a 7-inch full-color RGB matrix with a resolution of 64×54 pixels. Unlike the E-Ink version, this model connects via USB-C for both power and data transmission. This wired connection allows for continuous updates, enabling the display to show real-time hardware statistics, playtime information, animated images, and GIFs. The lower pixel count results in a distinct, retro-style aesthetic compared to the higher-resolution E-Ink panel.
JSAUX provides separate software applications for each faceplate to manage content and settings. The E-Ink model uses the MonoInk App, while the Pixel Matrix version utilizes MatrixLink. Both applications support preset modes, local image uploads, and open-source development options for creating custom layouts. According to the manufacturer, both displays are compatible with both SteamOS Desktop and Game Mode, ensuring functionality regardless of the user’s preferred interface. The accessories are currently marked as “coming soon” on the product page, and no further details regarding availability or shipping timelines have been disclosed.
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