Ask HN: What are you working on? (May 2025)

Re:Ask HN: What are you working on? (May 2025) by bruno_rzn on Sunday May 25, 2025 @05:29PM (#44091330)

I’m working on Karl [https://www.veloursdevices.com], a MIDI controller. It’s quite unique because it features 32 encoders over a display, which allows you to have a fully customizable interface—like a touchscreen, but with actual knobs you can touch.

I have a software engineering background, and I’ve been working on this for nearly 3 years now! I used to play with the Electra One controller before, but having the encoders over the display is really something I’ve always wanted.

I presented Karl last month at Superbooth (a fair in Berlin) and got really good feedback. After 6 months of beta and 2 years of touring with it myself, the first batch will be dispatched in August, and this is quite exciting!

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Re:Ask HN: What are you working on? (May 2025) by rriley on Sunday May 25, 2025 @09:44PM (#44093145)

Wow! Never seen "encoders over a display" before. This could be revolutionary in so many different scenarios beyond MIDI controllers. First scenario that comes to mind are car user interfaces. Mixing screens with physical controllers is such an innovative idea. Thanks for sharing.

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Re:Ask HN: What are you working on? (May 2025) by bruno_rzn on Monday May 26, 2025 @06:44AM (#44096050)

Thanks a lot!

Yes, the first idea that came to mind (after music/light controllers) was indeed car user interfaces.

Maybe some cool interfaces for home automation too, and I can also imagine controllers for factories or workshops—pretty much anywhere with lots of parameters to control.

But really, if you have other scenarios in mind, please share, I’m very interested, as you can imagine ;)

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Re:Ask HN: What are you working on? (May 2025) by _Microft on Monday May 26, 2025 @03:58PM (#44101103)

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has a physical wheel on its touch screen.

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