Tech Roundup: RISC-V Router Crowdfunding, E Ink Color Dev Kit, and Windows 11 Taskbar Enhancements
RISC-V Router Takes to Crowdfunding
A new project has emerged on a popular crowdfunding platform, aiming to bring the open-source RISC-V architecture to home networking equipment. The device, a compact router built around a RISC-V processor, promises to offer an alternative to traditional ARM- or x86-based designs. Enthusiasts of open hardware and those interested in reducing dependency on proprietary chip architectures are especially drawn to this initiative.
RISC-V is an open instruction set architecture (ISA) that allows anyone to design, manufacture, and sell chips without paying licensing fees. While it has gained traction in fields like embedded systems and AI accelerators, a router using RISC-V is relatively novel. The crowdfunding campaign aims to fund production of a router that not only routes traffic but also supports custom firmware and a range of networking protocols. Early backers can expect features such as multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6 capability, and advanced security options. The project highlights the growing momentum behind RISC-V in consumer devices.
For those who follow the open hardware movement, this crowdfunding effort represents another step toward a more diverse and transparent computing ecosystem. The campaign includes tiers for a standalone router, a developer kit with debugging tools, and even a bundle with a RISC-V single-board computer.
E Ink Color Development Kit: A Boost for E-Paper Displays
E Ink, the company behind the electronic paper technology used in many e-readers, has released a new development kit designed to accelerate the creation of color e-paper applications. The kit includes a high-resolution, full-color E Ink display panel along with a controller board, cabling, and sample software libraries. Unlike traditional LCD or OLED screens, E Ink displays are reflective, consume very little power in static mode, and are readable in direct sunlight—attributes that make them ideal for signage, smart labels, and low-power devices.
This development kit specifically targets engineers and product designers who want to prototype devices with vibrant, color-rich e-paper screens. The panel supports thousands of colors and refreshes quickly enough for simple animations, though not yet for video. With the kit, developers can test user interfaces, evaluate color reproduction, and integrate the display into their own hardware or IoT projects. Several companies have already expressed interest in using the technology for digital price tags, bus stop information boards, and even wearable devices.
The release of this kit is significant because it lowers the barrier to entry for experimenting with color E Ink. Previously, only large manufacturers had access to such panels. Now, hobbyists and small firms can order the dev kit and start building innovative products that leverage the unique benefits of e-paper. The community is already sharing early prototypes, including a weather station with color icons and a smart home controller that stays always on without draining batteries.
Windows 11 Taskbar and Start Menu Customization Returns
Microsoft has begun rolling out a long-awaited feature to Windows 11 Insiders: the ability to reposition the taskbar. For months, users have complained about the forced bottom-alignment introduced with Windows 11, and now the company is finally delivering a fix—at least in experimental builds. Members of the Windows Insider Program on the latest preview channel can now move the taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen. Additionally, the Start Menu is receiving new customization options, such as the ability to show more pinned apps and adjust its layout.
These changes come after feedback from both consumers and enterprise users who found the default taskbar position disruptive. Microsoft promises that these customizations will eventually reach the stable release, though no firm date has been given. The move is part of a broader effort to make Windows 11 more flexible while maintaining its modern aesthetic.
Insiders can already try out the new settings by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. There, they find options for taskbar alignment, as well as controls for which system icons appear. The Start Menu tweaks allow users to enable an “All apps” list by default, increase the number of recommended items, or even turn off recommendations entirely. While these are incremental updates, they represent a significant step toward addressing the most common criticisms of the operating system since its launch.
For those eager to get the new features now, joining the Insider program is straightforward, though it requires accepting the risk of running pre-release software. Once the final version ships, all Windows 11 users will benefit from a more customizable desktop experience.
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