Support for Google Nest Mini mod hardware

[justLV]

I just saw this project now and it looks great - I built a similar (albeit more of a demo) project using a Google Nest Mini, see demo.

I'm happy to provide support and early sample hardware for integration if this is a more interesting form factor to the ESP32 Box - I'm agnostic to the inference server used, just feel this concept needs to get out there!

Crazy (but not that unexpected) coincidence we selected for the same chipset.

Code is over here, w. link to the schematics. Will this be portable as is or are there any architecture changes needed?

cc @kristiankielhofner

[kristiankielhofner]

This is a very interesting project, nice work!

As you've probably seen we're an ESP-IDF based project (for the reasons you note and more).

We could potentially support your ESP32-S3 based PCB but I'm curious - what is the estimated end-user cost?

[justLV]

Sounds good.

The cost is TBD on volume, assembly costs, tariffs, shipping & Crowd Supply margin, but I'd estimate $30-50.

The Google Nest Mini's I've been picking up at ~$20 off eBay, $38 from Walmart for a new one plus some bundle discounts. Alternatively, a 3D printed base, $6 shell off of Aliexpress, and $2 speaker could also be a form factor that needs a little more design attention.

The schematics are up here - let me know if this would be doable w/o any changes.

Personally I'd love to test it out, and happy to send you a unit or two to do the same. (I just received a ESP32-Box I ordered and TBH the build quality looks pretty janky!)

[kristiankielhofner]

From a quick review of the schematic integration to Willow could be challenging. I'm not sure if IDF/ADF will easily support your microphones and speaker driver. I haven't done much research on this with IDF/ADF so it could be straightforward, I don't know. We're pretty busy on this side; if you could take a look at this that would be much appreciated!

The ESP BOX is a great off the shelf device for Willow, especially considering the "$50, flash, and install" price point. Espressif is aware the build quality leaves a bit to be desired and they are working on an improved enclosure for the next revision. That said it would be nice to support another device (even via a Google Nest Mini shell).

[justLV]

No drivers should be necessary given a codec chip doesn't need to be setup, and you should be able to just use the I2S stream, but will let the choice of integrating it be up to you / your community, no pressure from my side.

[kristiankielhofner]

It's been a while since I looked at this code but we don't really read from i2s directly, we use the AFE from ESP-SR and to my knowledge it requires drivers for the codec chip.