WaveShare has launched a new ultra-wide display with a size of 8.8 inches and a resolution of 480 x 1920 pixels, specially designed to function as a smart keyboard or wall control interface. This screen targets interactive systems that require a slim and modern design, as it is compatible with single-board computers such as Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi, making it an ideal choice for advanced Internet of Things projects that rely on touch interaction.
This new screen comes to fill a gap in the smart home screen market, as previous versions were either huge, similar to tablets, or had circular designs that may not fit with modern home decor. The new version features a 4:1 aspect ratio, an elongated rectangular design that blends seamlessly into wall surfaces, and can be used in digital dashboards, self-service kiosks and narrow storefronts.
The screen relies on the built-in MIPI DSI port to connect directly to the Raspberry Pi device, while the I2C interface is used to support capacitive touch technology, which allows the recognition of 10 touch points simultaneously. The company explained that the default orientation of the screen display is vertical mode, but users can easily change the settings to work in horizontal mode through software dedicated to adjusting the user interface as desired.
WaveShare has provided the screen with advanced protection technologies, as it supports optical connectivity and is protected by a layer of tempered glass that has a hardness of up to 6H, which reduces light reflections and prevents dust from entering the internal components. In addition, users can control and adjust screen brightness directly through the operating system without the need for complex external control buttons.
In terms of software compatibility, the screen works in a direct plug-and-play system without the need for special definitions on modern versions of the Raspberry Pi operating system, and it is fully compatible with Raspberry Pi versions 4B and 5 and Compute Module 4. Power for the screen can be supplied directly from the computer board with a voltage of 5 volts, which eliminates the need for a separate power source and facilitates the installation process inside the walls at prices starting from about $80.
