A developer has repurposed a 2013-era sixth-generation Kindle Paperwhite into an always-on E-Ink desk assistant that can also control applications on a PC. The project, shared on Reddit, replaces the e-reader’s usual reading interface with a productivity dashboard built for a modern desktop setup.
- A task list with completed items that can be checked off, plus an option to keep the current task pinned on screen.
- A full-screen Pomodoro timer; when a task is completed, the next task is displayed automatically.
- Calendar integration that shows scheduled meetings, issues an alert five minutes before they begin and allows the meeting call to be opened with a tap.
- On-screen buttons for controlling or switching between applications running on the connected PC, in a Stream Deck-like arrangement.
The slow refresh rate of an E-Ink panel remains a limitation, but the interface appears responsive enough for its static, glanceable controls. The display also keeps information visible when there is ambient light, despite the device lacking a backlight.
The Kindle Paperwhite model is still receiving official Amazon support, though that support is expected to end in the future. The project’s source code is not publicly available yet; its creator has said they are working on a GitHub release. That release will determine whether other aging Kindle hardware can be adapted into similar desk accessories.
