The Kira AI Assistant Revives the 1984 Macintosh as a Retro Desktop Charm

Designer Alisher Ashimov turns the Macintosh-inspired AI assistant into a pocket-sized open-source desktop collectible with animated OLED expressions.

Summary

• Designed by Alisher Ashimov, Kira operates as an open-source voice-activated AI assistant housed inside a 3D-printed miniature replica of the original 1984 Macintosh
• The custom build relies on a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense microcontroller alongside a 1.5-inch OLED display to render animated facial reactions during user interactions
• Constructed from Light Khaki matte PLA to replicate classic beige computer hardware, the pocket-sized companion features a built-in microphone and a 3W speaker to process voice commands

Designer Alisher Ashimov introduces Kira as a fresh take on the standard smart home speaker. This open-source voice-activated AI assistant lives inside a highly detailed 3D-printed shell modeled after the original 1984 Macintosh computer. Measuring approximately 80mm wide, the compact device serves as both a functional digital helper and a nostalgic desktop collectible. The creator aimed to deliver a visually engaging alternative to the sterile cylindrical and rectangular smart speakers dominating the current tech market.

The miniature enclosure perfectly mirrors the aesthetic cues of vintage Apple hardware. The chassis is printed entirely in Light Khaki matte PLA to achieve that distinct retro beige colorway. Meticulous design choices include signature rounded top corners and a deeply recessed front panel. Ashimov also incorporated horizontal side vents and a non-functional decorative floppy-drive slot positioned right below the main screen. These period-accurate touches give Kira a strong physical presence despite the small footprint.

Powering the internal architecture is a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense microcontroller. This tiny but capable computing board handles all the processing required for voice recognition and response generation. Users initiate commands using the simple “Hey Kira” wake word. A built-in microphone captures the audio queries while a dedicated 3W speaker delivers clear spoken feedback. The combination of off-the-shelf electronics keeps the entire build accessible for casual makers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Interaction with Kira goes beyond standard audio playback thanks to a 1.5-inch OLED display mounted in place of a traditional CRT monitor. Instead of showing a static desktop interface, the bright screen renders a constantly shifting animated face. The digital expressions change dynamically to match the mood of the conversation or the status of the device. This specific design choice transforms a basic AI hardware project into an expressive desk companion with genuine personality.