- Author
- Posted by 256dpi, with replies from many commenters
- Published
- 5 June 2025
- Kind
- Hacker News launch thread for a crowdfunded hardware device
- Original
- news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44189329
- Subject
- Systems and hardware
- Themes
- Given away
What it is
The thread covers Air Lab by Networked Artifacts, which was crowdfunding on Crowd Supply. The post links an in-browser simulator that runs the device firmware.
What it says
- The poster says Air Lab measures CO2, temperature, humidity, VOC, NOx and pressure.
- The poster says the web simulator compiles the stock firmware to WASM.
- Commenters call the price high, and the poster says small-series costs explain it.
- Commenters ask for a particle sensor, and the poster points to an extension port.
- Many commenters recommend AirGradient, and the poster agrees it is better outdoors.
- One commenter doubts these sensors' accuracy; the poster has run no lab test yet.
- Commenters find the interface playful but hard to read, and the poster plans larger layouts.
What evidence it gives
The thread has the maker's statements about parts, firmware and plans. Commenters add anecdotes about AirGradient, Aranet and other monitors, and some part prices. No independent test of Air Lab appears.
Interests and limits
The poster sells the device and has a stake in how it is received. Firmware was not yet released. The simulator, videos and Crowd Supply pages were not opened. Claims about rival products are unverified. By the maker's account, accuracy was untested at the time.