Unwanted Cloud

Can the Ulanzi TC001 Smart Pixel Clock be used without cloud services, and does it respect your privacy? Keep reading to find out!

The Ulanzi TC001 is a versatile pixel display that can show various information including time, YouTube subscriber counts, and custom animations. What sets it apart is its commitment to local control and open standards support.

Cloud requirements

The initial setup of the TC001 is refreshingly straightforward and privacy-friendly. After connecting the device to your WiFi network, you access its interface through a web UI using its local IP address. No account creation is required for any functionality, including firmware updates.

While some features, like the YouTube subscriber count, require you to obtain an API key from Google Cloud, this is separate from the device itself and is a limitation of accessing YouTube’s data rather than a requirement from Ulanzi.

An especially noteworthy feature is that you can completely replace the stock firmware with the open-source AWTRIX 3 firmware if you prefer a fully open-source solution, though replacing the stock firmware does reduce some functionality (like showing YouTube Subscriber counts) unless integrated with a home automation system like Home Assistant.

Data portability

The device stores minimal data locally, primarily consisting of your display preferences and settings. When using the AWTRIX 3 firmware, all settings can be exported, making it easy to backup or transfer your configuration.

Ecosystem openness

The TC001 shines in its ecosystem approach. The stock firmware includes an AWTRIX v2 simulator, allowing you to use the AWTRIX protocol to control the display. This means you can combine the advanced built-in features like YouTube subscriber counting with AWTRIX applications.

It’s worth noting that while the stock firmware supports AWTRIX v2, the optional AWTRIX 3 firmware uses the newer v3 standard, which is not backward compatible. However, both versions work completely offline and provide local control over the device.

Data privacy

While we did not perform telemetry testing on the stock firmware, users who are extra concerned about privacy can opt for the open-source AWTRIX 3 firmware, which is known to be telemetry-free. The ability to completely replace the firmware with an open-source alternative provides the highest level of privacy assurance possible.

Other notes

While the TC001 excels in privacy and functionality, it’s worth noting some limitations. The device includes a built-in battery that is difficult to replace, as it requires removing the front screen which is secured with adhesive. Attempting battery replacement risks damaging the device, and permanent battery removal requires soldering skills. This design choice impacts repairability and environmental sustainability. However, given the device’s affordable price point (around $50) and the expected multi-year battery lifespan, these limitations may be acceptable to you.

Tested using version 1.0 of the Unwanted Cloud methodology.