TL;DR
The Mui Board is presented as a pared‑back smart home interface that forgoes a screen and resembles a slab of wood. A Verge reporter notes the device moved from concept to commercial product, positioning it as an alternative way to interact with connected home devices.
What happened
The Verge published a report on January 3, 2026 highlighting the Mui Board, a smart home controller designed to be minimal and screenless. The device is described as resembling a piece of wood and functions as an interface for managing technology within the home. The article emphasizes the product’s aesthetic approach and notes the author’s perspective on having followed the project from its early concept phases through to a realized product. Details about how the Board operates, its compatibility with existing smart home ecosystems, pricing, and availability are not included in the available excerpt. The coverage frames the Mui Board as a distinctive take on home automation interfaces that prioritizes low visual footprint and tactile presence rather than a conventional display-driven experience.
Why it matters
- Offers an alternative to display-based smart home controls, which could appeal to users seeking subtler tech in living spaces.
- A screen‑free approach may affect privacy perceptions, since visible displays and cameras are absent by design.
- Design that resembles everyday materials (wood) could influence how consumers integrate smart devices into home decor.
- Signals continued experimentation in how people interact with connected home devices beyond smartphones and voice assistants.
Key facts
- Product name: Mui Board.
- Described as a minimalist, screen‑free interface for controlling home technology.
- Appearance is likened to a piece of wood.
- The Verge coverage notes the device progressed from concept to a realized product.
- Article was published on January 3, 2026 by The Verge.
- Specifics about compatibility, technical features, price, and launch details are not provided in the excerpt.
- Manufacturer or company behind the Mui Board is not confirmed in the source.
What to watch next
- Whether the Mui Board supports common smart home standards or platforms — not confirmed in the source.
- Price, availability and retail partners at launch — not confirmed in the source.
- Real‑world user reviews addressing daily usability, accessibility and setup — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Smart home controller: A device or interface that lets users manage connected home devices such as lights, thermostats, and speakers.
- Screen‑free interface: A user interface that does not rely on a visual display, instead using tactile, audio, or ambient signals for interaction.
- Minimalist design: A design approach that emphasizes simplicity, reducing visual clutter and focusing on essential functionality and materials.
- Matter: An industry standard aimed at improving interoperability between smart home devices from different manufacturers; whether Mui Board uses it is not confirmed in the source.
Reader FAQ
What is the Mui Board?
A minimalist, screen‑free smart home interface that looks like a piece of wood, reported by The Verge.
Who makes the Mui Board?
Not confirmed in the source.
Does it work with existing smart home platforms or Matter?
Not confirmed in the source.
When and where can I buy one?
Not confirmed in the source.
The Mui Board is a minimalist, screen-free interface for controlling tech in your home. One of the fun parts of being a tech journalist for over a decade is that…
Sources
- This smart home controller is literally a piece of wood
- mui Board
- mui Board Gen 2 – Consumer Edition
- mui Board Gen 2: Smart Home Hub for More Playful Moments
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