# Sean Hollister builds an AI Tamagotchi with Claude Code on a $50 Meta-sanctioned device

> Original title: I built an AI Tamagotchi before Meta could

- Source: The Verge · AI
- Published: 2026-10-31T16:05:00.000Z
- Bad Influence: https://badinfluence.news/items/ct7xmpx1z1311ns30gsd4n6j2
- Original: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013375/muse-charm-gadgets-preview-waveshare-esp32-claude-vibe-code

## Summary

The Verge's Sean Hollister says he built a Muse AI pendant on a $50 Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.75C devkit, using Claude Code to add a conversation history page, an ElevenLabs voice, remote camera preview, a Tamagotchi-style minigame and a working pocket-watch face. He says the device was barely useful after the initial install, and he doesn't trust Meta with his email or home network. He wonders whether the Muse Charm will be freely programmable or whether buyers would be better served by a development kit.