ThingM | USB RGB LED Notification Light Blink (1)

Since it was a quick and pleasant cooperation, we’ll cut here to the chase.

After establishing our first contact with ThingM, we quickly realized that we were about to work with real technology enthusiasts. Both Tod E. Kurt and Mike Kuniavsky are experienced in essential fields such as:

• hardware,
• software,
• user experience,
• web technology development,
• consumer robotics, etc.

They started their business journey in 1994 when they created hothothot.com – one of the earliest e-commerce websites in the USA (launched two months before Amazon.com).

Like us, they prefer to thoroughly explore ideas first.

For example, as part of their product development process, ThingM creates Technology Sketches – early-stage conceptual approach examples of how a product might work before the actual functional systems vision.

No wonder we clicked from the beginning.

ThingM reached out to us to seek aid in software creation processes for their Blink (1) — a USB notification device, designed in the spirit of old-school Unix tools with a built-in LED light that was all about displaying multiple information sources simultaneously… and hundreds of other things!

After receiving the prototypes, we rushed to conceptualization and drafting.

Well-tailored software ready for implementation inside a specific custom device could only mean one thing: Qt Development, embedding, and a ton of testing.

After all, the combination of embedded systems and custom device design always ensures a robust and flexible solution, showcasing any project’s potential for integration into the IoT landscape.

We needed to make Blink (1) capable of collecting and differentiating multiple signals from desktop apps. The challenges we expected to occur included, for example, establishing a reliable means of communication between the custom USB and any other device (PC, laptop, etc.).

After thorough consultations with the client’s CTO, we chose the C++ programming language since it allowed seamless integration with various IoT systems and was the most applicable language for the entire project.

Thanks to our previous robust experience in embedded systems, we established a solid connection between the colors of the LED lamp and the different types of unread notifications much quicker than initially planned.

This allowed us to invest saved time and resources into refining the whole project and creating a desktop app for programming and customization of LED lights, including modes such as:

• Blink(1) at work: Users can use Blink(1) as a physical "Busy" indicator for their cubicle or office, or as a multi-modal notification light for rack-mounted servers, providing alerts for task updates or system alerts.
• Blink(1) at home: Blink(1) can be used to stay updated without being glued to the computer, such as to receive silent notifications for incoming calls.
• Blink(1) on the go: Blink(1) can be utilized to monitor network speed in public spaces, enabling users to stay informed about network activities.

Moreover, we’ve also helped Blink (1) reach IFTTT.com compatibility – a service that allows users to establish connections between devices with one simple statement: “if this, then that”.

So, in plain words, our Blink (1) ended up as a cross-platform device working on macOS, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, while remaining programmer-friendly.

Blink (1) turned out to be a quite compact USB device.

It simplified the process of connecting data sources in the cloud or on your computer to a full-color RGB LED, allowing users to stay informed without having to check various windows or websites.

However, it was just the starting point for a series of smart LED products at ThingM that made experimenting with light more accessible.

The BlinkM series include today:

• three new models: (BlinkM, MinM, MaxM),
• the LinkM USB programmer/controller,
• the IR connector duo of FreeM & CtrlM,
• the WireM connector kit.

While Blink (1) could be used with the USB 1.0/2.0 port on almost any device, the following iteration of Blink (1) - the mk3 version - added color integration, brightness, and pattern information manipulation.

BlinkMs are capable now of displaying almost any color and can blink and fade in various patterns – all thanks to the solid foundation we’ve created. Users can choose a color, fade between two colors, or create custom blinking sequences using open-source software.

Our favorite Blink (1) trait?

This project is 100% open source – from the application code to the SDKs up to firmware, and hardware designs. Users can easily access the source code on the GitHub repository.

Blink (1) is also certified by the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA).

Our work with ThingM on the Blink(1) device was one of the more unique projects we’ve been part of.

Using our experience in embedded systems and Qt development, we helped build a cross-platform notification light that connects easily with various IoT systems. The product was designed for flexibility – and made experimenting with smart LED tech simple and fun.

Blink(1) ended up doing more than we expected. It now supports IFTTT, works across multiple platforms, and serves both everyday users and hardware tinkerers.

For a deeper dive – including source code, SDKs, firmware, and hardware – visit our GitHub repository. Blink(1) is OSHWA-certified and fully open.

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