The Tech Pulse

The Tech Pulse

I built a Spotify Music Player

One Sentence Summary:

A DIY touchscreen Spotify player using Raspberry Pi Pico2 and Primro Presto, with customizable controls and ambient lighting.

Main Points:

  1. The project uses Primro Presto with a 4-inch touchscreen and Raspberry Pi Pico2 chip.
  2. Presto comes fully assembled with features like USB-C, SD card slot, LEDs, and optional accessories.
  3. Setup involves flashing firmware, installing Thonnie IDE, and creating a Spotify developer app.
  4. Spotify credentials are generated through a GitHub helper script after authorizing access.
  5. The code is uploaded via Thonnie, with Wi-Fi and Spotify credentials configured in the script.
  6. The display shows current or recent Spotify track cover art, updating periodically.
  7. Tapping the screen reveals controls for playback, shuffle, repeat, and other functions.
  8. LEDs change colors based on album art, enhancing the ambient experience.
  9. Challenges included API call frequency affecting taps and limited support for special characters.
  10. The project is open source, encouraging contributions and customization for future improvements.

Takeaways:

  1. Use the Primro Presto for a ready-to-go touchscreen display with minimal assembly.
  2. Follow detailed firmware flashing and app authorization steps for seamless setup.
  3. Customize your Spotify credentials and device preferences for optimal control.
  4. Leverage the open-source code to modify display features or add new functionalities.
  5. Consider the hardware limitations and plan for potential UI or character support improvements.