Ulanzi TC001: a pixel clock that earns its place on your desk

A standalone pixel display can play one clear role on your desk: showing the time or the state of a timer without yet another open window on your computer. The TC001 uses 256 LED dots in an 8 × 32 grid. This gives the clock its characteristic look but also limits the amount of text. For short readouts and icons, such a format is better suited than for long messages, which would have to scroll across the display.

The built-in Pomodoro mode works with an interval of 25 minutes of focus and a five-minute break. The advantage of a standalone clock is that progress stays in view without taking up space on your work screen. The device itself, of course, will not replace a good working routine. It works best when you give it a specific job and do not overload it with a constant rotation of other information.

USB-C power is the most practical for regular desk use. According to the manufacturer, the built-in battery allows up to five hours of operation, and our testing confirmed this; it is better suited to testing and carrying around. This is therefore not a clock that would run for months on a single battery. When planning where to put it, consider the available power and where the cable will run on your desk.

For advanced settings, we recommend installing the alternative AWTRIX NG firmware right away, which opens up connections to a smart home, for example - you can link it with Loxone or Home Assistant and display various values. Another common use is a follower counter for social networks. If you only want a clear clock, choose by the basic functions; treat advanced modifications as a separate project.