As its name implies, the BOX-3 accommodates the ESP32-S3 SoC which has the following architecture:  

• ESP32-S3 – Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual core (up to 240MHz); 512KB + 8MB RAM; 16 MB Flash storage; 2.4GHz Wi-Fi/BLE 5.0

The product announcement indicates that the BOX-3 includes an additional 16MB of Quad flash and 16MB of Octal PSRAM besides the 512KB SRAM present in the ESP32-S3.

  

The BOX-3 also offers compatibility with four new Expressif accessories designed to expand its capabilities: ESP32-S3-BOX-3-SENSOR, ESP32-S3-BOX-3-DOCK, ESP32-S3-BOX-3-BREAD, and ESP32-S3-BOX-3-BRACKET.

Both ESP32-S3-BOX-3-SENSOR and ESP32-S3-BOX-3-DOCK share a similar appearance. However, the former is equipped with a 18650 rechargeable battery slot, a microSD card slot, a temperature sensor, an IR emitter, and a radar sensor.

In contrast, the latter accessory features a PMOD compatible header that provides convenient access to 16 programmable GPIOs, a USB Host interface, and a power input interface.

The ESP32-S3-BOX-3-BREAD serves as an adapter, offering a 36-pin PCIe connector, 2x rows of 2.54mm pins that are compatible with breadboards, and 16 programmable GPIOs.

On the other hand, the ESP32-S3-BOX-3-BRACKET is designed as an adapter specifically for swiftly integrating AI voice, HMI, wireless connectivity, and other functionalities into non-smart devices.

   

Espressif System states that the BOX-3 can serve multiple functions, such as a Thread border router, a Matter gateway, or a Matter over Wi-Fi/Thread end device. For additional technical details, see the Espressif System GitHub page.

A few open-source tools seamlessly compatible with this device include ESP RainMaker. This tool facilitates easy GPIO setup and management of offline voice commands for the BOX-3. Additionally, there’s ESP Insights, offering a remote diagnostic solution to monitor the BOX-3’s status.

The company also highlights the device’s compatibility with Home Assistant, described as an open-source and cost-effective alternative to Amazon Echo and Google Home. Further details about the Home Assistant can found on the Willow GitHub repository and its Wiki.

Specifications listed for the ESP32-S3-BOX-3 include:

• Memory/Storage:
  • 16MB Quad Flash
  • 16MB Octal PSRAM
• Display:
  • 2.4” LCD display w/ capacitive touch
• Audio:
  • 2x Microphones
  • 1x Speaker
• Connectivity:
  • Expansion connector (PCIe x1)
• Expansion:
  • 1x 36-pin PCIe connector
• USB:
  • USB input Serial/JTAG
• Other Features:
  • 1x Power LED
  • 1x Mute LED
  • 1x Mute button
  • 1x Boot mode button
  • 1x Reset button
• Power:
  • 5V (via USB Type-C)

Further information