Back to list
Fable Turned Reality: New 'Riddle' Software Transforms reMarkable Paper Pro Into Harry Potter's Enchanted Tom Riddle Diary
Open SourcereMarkableArtificial IntelligenceE-ink

Fable Turned Reality: New 'Riddle' Software Transforms reMarkable Paper Pro Into Harry Potter's Enchanted Tom Riddle Diary

A new open-source project titled 'Riddle' has successfully recreated the magical experience of Tom Riddle's diary from the Harry Potter series on the reMarkable Paper Pro. By utilizing the tablet's advanced e-ink technology and OpenAI-compatible large language models (LLMs), the software allows users to write with a pen and receive handwritten responses that appear to 'sink' into and emerge from the digital paper. The project eliminates traditional UI elements like keyboards and chat boxes, focusing on a pure ink-on-paper interaction. However, the installation process requires the device to be in developer mode and involves running the software as a root process, which modifies the standard vendor interface. This development highlights a unique intersection of skeuomorphic design and modern AI integration within the e-ink ecosystem.

Hacker News
Share

Key Takeaways

  • Immersive Experience: 'Riddle' mimics the enchanted diary from Harry Potter, where handwritten text fades away and the AI responds in a flowing, handwritten script.
  • Hardware Specificity: The software is designed and tested specifically for the reMarkable Paper Pro (ferrari, aarch64) running OS versions 3.26–3.27.
  • Technical Integration: It utilizes raw pen events, 4096-level pressure sensitivity, and OpenAI-compatible API keys to facilitate real-time AI dialogue.
  • Developer-Centric: Installation requires developer mode, a custom launcher (remagic), and the xovi/AppLoad environment, operating with root-level permissions.

In-Depth Analysis

The Mechanics of Digital Magic

The 'Riddle' project represents a significant departure from standard AI interfaces. Instead of a traditional chat UI, it leverages the unique properties of the reMarkable Paper Pro's e-ink display to create a seamless, distraction-free environment. The workflow begins with the user writing on the page using the device's pen. The system captures raw evdev events, maintaining the full 4096-level pressure sensitivity and hardware event rate to ensure the digital ink feels authentic.

Once the user pauses for approximately 2.8 seconds, the system triggers a 'commit page' action. The handwritten input is converted into a PNG format and sent to a resident LLM process referred to as the 'oracle.' This oracle, which can be powered by any OpenAI-compatible key or the 'pi' service, processes the input and streams a reply sentence-by-sentence. The magic occurs during the display phase: the AI's response is converted into single-pixel pen paths using the 'Dancing Script' font, which are then rendered stroke-by-stroke onto the e-ink screen, mimicking the appearance of a ghost-writer.

System Architecture and Takeover Mode

Technically, 'Riddle' is a sophisticated piece of software that operates at a low level within the reMarkable's Linux-based operating system. It functions in what is described as 'takeover mode,' which involves stopping the standard vendor user interface (xochitl) to drive the e-ink engine directly. This is managed through two primary display backends: 'qtfb,' which allows the app to run windowed inside the standard UI via AppLoad, or 'quill,' which facilitates a full-screen takeover.

The installation process is streamlined for developers but remains complex for casual users. It requires the 'remagic' tool to enable developer mode and set up the necessary environment with a single command. Users must then deploy the 'riddle' bundle into the xovi/AppLoad directory. Because the application runs as root and modifies core device behavior, the developers emphasize the importance of maintaining SSH access as an 'escape hatch' to prevent bricking the device or losing control over the system.

Hardware and Software Compatibility

Currently, the project is highly specialized. It has been verified only on the reMarkable Paper Pro (internal codename 'ferrari'). The developers warn that it may not function on other models or different versions of the reMarkable OS. The reliance on specific aarch64 architecture and OS versions 3.26–3.27 suggests that the software interacts with hardware-specific drivers for the e-ink display and pen input that may not be present or compatible with older reMarkable hardware like the reMarkable 2.

Industry Impact

The release of 'Riddle' signifies a growing trend in the AI industry toward 'invisible' interfaces. By removing the 'screen glow' and 'keyboard' elements, the project demonstrates how AI can be integrated into analog-style workflows without breaking the user's immersion. For the e-ink industry, this project showcases the potential for high-performance, low-latency interactions that go beyond simple note-taking or e-reading. It also highlights the vibrant developer community surrounding open-source hardware platforms, where users are willing to bypass manufacturer restrictions to implement highly creative, niche functionalities that major corporations might overlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What hardware do I need to run the Riddle software?

To use Riddle, you specifically need a reMarkable Paper Pro. The project has been tested on the 'ferrari' hardware (aarch64) running OS versions 3.26 to 3.27. It is not guaranteed to work on other models like the reMarkable 2.

Question: Does this software require an internet connection or an API key?

Yes, the system requires an API key to function. It is designed to work with any OpenAI-compatible key (RIDDLE_OPENAI_KEY). Alternatively, users can skip the API key configuration to use the 'pi' service, though an active connection to an LLM provider is necessary for the 'oracle' to generate responses.

Question: Is it safe to install Riddle on my reMarkable tablet?

Installing Riddle involves risks. It requires turning on developer mode, runs as a root process, and takes over the vendor UI. The developers state that you use it entirely at your own risk and are not affiliated with reMarkable AS. It is critical to ensure SSH access is working before installation so you have a way to recover the device if something goes wrong.

Read original article

Related News

Cordis: A New Meta-Framework for Spatio-Temporal Composability Emerges on GitHub
Open Source

Cordis: A New Meta-Framework for Spatio-Temporal Composability Emerges on GitHub

Cordis, a project developed by the Cordiverse organization, has recently gained traction on GitHub Trending. Defined as a "meta-framework for spatio-temporal composability," the project introduces a specialized architectural approach to software development. While the current documentation focuses on its core conceptual identity, the framework aims to address the complexities of managing components across both spatial and temporal dimensions. This analysis explores the fundamental definitions provided by the project, the significance of meta-frameworks in modern software engineering, and the potential implications of spatio-temporal modularity for distributed systems and complex application state management.

ToolJet: The Open-Source Foundation for Enterprise-Grade AI Agents and Internal Business Applications
Open Source

ToolJet: The Open-Source Foundation for Enterprise-Grade AI Agents and Internal Business Applications

ToolJet has emerged as a pivotal open-source foundation for ToolJet AI, offering an enterprise-grade platform designed for the rapid generation of diverse business solutions. The platform specializes in enabling organizations to build internal tools, interactive dashboards, and comprehensive business applications. A key highlight of the platform is its capability to facilitate the creation of automated workflows and sophisticated AI agents. By providing a robust framework for application generation, ToolJet addresses the growing demand for scalable, customizable enterprise software. As an open-source project, it serves as the underlying infrastructure for ToolJet AI, positioning itself as a versatile environment for developers looking to streamline business operations and integrate artificial intelligence into their organizational workflows.

Unsloth: A Local UI for Training and Running Advanced LLMs and Diffusion Models
Open Source

Unsloth: A Local UI for Training and Running Advanced LLMs and Diffusion Models

Unsloth has emerged as a powerful local user interface designed to streamline the training and execution of Large Language Models (LLMs) and diffusion models. The platform provides comprehensive support for a wide range of cutting-edge architectures, including Qwen3.8, Kimi K3, MiniMax-H3, Gemma 4, and DeepSeek-V4. Beyond text-based models, Unsloth also integrates support for diffusion models such as FLUX, offering a unified environment for both linguistic and generative visual tasks. By enabling local deployment, Unsloth caters to the growing demand for private, hardware-efficient AI development, allowing users to fine-tune and run sophisticated models without relying on cloud-based infrastructure. This development marks a significant step in making high-performance AI tools more accessible to the local developer community.