Imagine a camera so small, it’s not just smaller than a GoPro—it’s tinier than an AirPod case. That’s the Toaster Photon for you, a device that can hold an astonishing 20,197 photos in RAW format with a single charge capable of capturing 50,000 photos. Unbelievable, right?
Crafted from Mac-style anodized aluminum, this mini-wonder is the brainchild of Toaster LLC. It boasts a unique niche appeal, and while it may not prioritize resolution, its compact design, motion-activation, and weatherproof features make it a standout. Exclusively compatible with Mac, the Photon utilizes elegant Mac OS software to operate.
Security applications seem to be where the Photon truly shines. Given its motion-activated capabilities and USB-C charging port, it’s perfect for environments where it can monitor activities like car park arrivals. Even better, it’s virtually unhackable when unplugged, thanks to its lack of wireless connections.
Dave of California plays a significant role in the Photon’s backstory. As a hardware and software engineer with experience at Apple and other tech giants, Dave documents his journey of developing the software for the device on his blog. His involvement adds a personal touch to this innovative gadget.
However, the Photon isn’t without its limitations. It struggles in natural environments where motion sensors can be triggered by something as simple as grass or leaves blowing in the wind, quickly depleting its battery. Toaster LLC mentions that future software updates may offer more motion-sensitivity settings to mitigate this issue.
Despite this drawback, the Photon is quite effective in more human-centric settings. One quirky suggestion from the manufacturer is to use it to catch that elusive cookie jar thief. The camera captures images at a resolution of 2304 x 1296 and has a 130-degree horizontal field of view, which Toaster amusingly describes as ‘36% of everything.’
Priced at $200, the Toaster Photon requires no subscription fees for its USB-C charged and downloaded functions. As Toaster charmingly states, it’s all ‘Just like the good ‘ol days.’ And yes, this mini marvel is made right in California.
The Toaster Photon is an extraordinary tiny camera packing significant capabilities into its minuscule frame. With unique features and a strong security application potential, this gadget is a testament to how far miniaturization in technology can go. It might not be perfect for every scenario just yet, but it’s certainly a fascinating piece of tech worth keeping an eye on.
