A credit card-sized computer that slips into a wallet and packs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and an e-ink display is generating buzz across the global tech community.

The device, called the ‘Muxcard’, has been developed by GitHub creator ‘krauseler’ as an open-source experimental project.

At just 1mm thick, it is only marginally thicker than a standard credit card, yet still manages to house a fully functional microcomputer, battery and flexible display.

The tiny device is powered by an ESP32-C3 microcontroller featuring a RISC-V architecture, along with a 1.54-inch ePaper display, NFC module, motion sensor, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The current prototype also includes a rechargeable 30mAh lithium-polymer battery.

Unlike many “credit card-sized” gadgets of the past, the Muxcard has been engineered to match not just the footprint of a bank card, but also its thin profile, allowing it to fit inside a normal wallet.

The project highlights the rapid advancement of flexible electronics and low-power computing, with potential future applications ranging from digital business cards and secure authentication systems to smart home controls and portable ID devices.

The Muxcard

The developer admits the prototype remains fragile, with future plans including USB-C support, microSD storage and improved durability.

Despite being a DIY project rather than a commercial product, the concept is already attracting attention.

For retailers such as JB Hi-Fi, products like the Muxcard could point to an emerging category sitting somewhere between wearables, smart cards and miniature PCs.

(Image credit: krauseler on GitHub)