Changing apps on your phone or computer is simple, but doing the same on an embedded system usually means reflashing the entire firmware, which isn’t so easy. Tactility, a new operating system for the ESP32 microcontroller family, changes this by making it possible to run and switch apps just like you would on a desktop. Created by Ken Van Hoeylandt, Tactility supports devices with or without touchscreens, offering features like a sleek LVGL-based UI, external app support from SD cards or flash storage, and built-in tools like Wi-Fi and I2C utilities. Even if something goes wrong, it handles crashes in a smart way by rebooting and showing a QR code for debugging without sending any private data.
Tactility works on a variety of ESP32 devices, with recommended support for models like the LilyGo T-Deck series and M5Stack Core units. Developers can also build apps using the provided SDK, and the UI can be customised with LVGL widgets. A PC-based simulator is included to help test apps faster without needing to transfer them to the hardware every time. The operating system itself runs on FreeRTOS, making it a flexible platform for devices with different configurations, from displays to storage options.
Van Hoeylandt started this project in December 2023, drawing inspiration from the Flipper Zero device. Over time, he built a system that combines the ease of a desktop environment with the embedded platform. Whether you're a hobbyist or developer, Tactility makes creating and using apps on ESP32 devices simple and practical. To learn more or explore its features, visit the Tactility website.
