> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # This $85 PCB is Giving Old Google Home Mini Devices a Second Life - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/micimike-home-mini-pcb-replacement/ - Published: 2026-05-07T03:43:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-07T04:32:25.000Z - Description: I like projects built around sustainability and open source. The MiciMike board fits into the original Home Mini enclosure and handles all voice processing locally. - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: News, Gadgets 🎛️ The [Google Home Mini](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/home-mini-1st-generation-smart-speaker-with-google-assistant-chalk/6082194.p?ref=itsfoss.com) launched in 2017 as Google's smallest, cheapest smart speaker. Millions were sold, handed out, and given away as promotional gifts. Many of them still work, but it being in the last phase of its lifecycle means that while it still functions for basic tasks, it doesn't have any kind of customizability or local processing capabilities. The hardware was fine for the time but has become less relevant in Google's lineup over time, with the [Nest Mini](https://store.google.com/product/google%5Fnest%5Fmini?ref=itsfoss.com), its successor, also discontinued. And more recently, there's been talk of [new Gemini-powered smart speakers](https://9to5google.com/2026/05/03/google-gemini-smart-speakers-third-party-walmart/?ref=itsfoss.com). But what if you could bring your Home Mini (*1st Generation*) device **up to 2026 standards with local processing** by paying only $85? Tired of AI fluff and misinformation in your Google feed? Get real, trusted Linux content. Add It’s FOSS as your preferred source and see our reliable Linux and open-source stories highlighted in your Discover feed and search results. [Add us as preferred source on Google ](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=itsfoss.com&ref=itsfoss.com) ## 📝 MiciMike Home Mini PCB: Key Specifications Two chips do the heavy lifting on this board. You get an [Espressif ESP32-S3](https://www.espressif.com/en/products/socs/esp32-s3?ref=itsfoss.com) as the main processor, paired with an[XMOS XU316](https://www.xmos.com/download/XU316-1024-xcore%5Fai-Datasheet%282%5F0%5F0%29.pdf/?ref=itsfoss.com) chip dedicated entirely to audio. The Espressif unit brings 8 MB of PSRAM and 16 MB of flash to the table, while the XMOS one carries 4 MB of its own. The ESP32-S3 covers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wake word detection via [microWakeWord](https://github.com/OHF-Voice/micro-wake-word?ref=itsfoss.com), with none of the voice data leaving your device. Audio cleanup falls to the XU316, which runs through two on-board microphones to scrub out noise and echo before anything gets processed. And **the Home Mini's original speaker still works**, which can be plugged back in via the included FPC cable. For software, [ESPHome](https://esphome.io/?ref=itsfoss.com) is already preinstalled, ready to work with Home Assistant's [Assist](https://www.home-assistant.io/voice%5Fcontrol/?ref=itsfoss.com), [Music Assistant](https://www.music-assistant.io/?ref=itsfoss.com), and [Snapcast](https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/snapcast/?ref=itsfoss.com). A cloud LLM can also be dropped in as the conversation agent if you want one, but the whole thing runs fine without it. ![against a mixed blue/yellow background, both sides of the micimike home mini pcb board are shown, showing it installed inside a home mini 1st gen enclosure](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/05/micimike-home-mini-pcb-board-views.png) **Both sides of the MiciMike Home Mini PCB.* Plus, the mute button on the device makes a physical disconnection at the hardware level, following what the original Home Mini did. You will likewise find four [SK6812 RGB LEDs](https://www.amazon.com/BTF-LIGHTING-Individually-Addressable-Flexible-Non-Waterproof/dp/B079ZW1265?ref=itsfoss.com) (*for reference*) sitting in the same positions, acting as status indicators. Here are **the full specs** for you to go through: - **Main processor:** ESP32-S3 (*dual-core Xtensa LX7, 240 MHz*), 8 MB PSRAM, 16 MB flash. - **Audio processor:** XMOS XU316, 4 MB flash. - **Microphones:** 2× MEMS (*placed in the same location as the Home Mini*) - **LEDs:** 4× SK6812 RGB - **PCB:** 4-layer, 72 × 70 mm, HASL lead-free. - **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 LE. - **License:** [CERN-OHL-S v2](https://spdx.org/licenses/CERN-OHL-S-2.0.html?ref=itsfoss.com) ## Get Yours At **$85**, the MiciMike board is available on [Crowd Supply](https://www.crowdsupply.com/micimike-rev-devices/micimike-home-mini-drop-in-pcb?ref=itsfoss.com), with orders estimated to ship around **October 1, 2026**. US shipping is free, but international buyers must pay an additional $12. The company behind it is the [Ireland](https://core.cro.ie/e-commerce/company/5715834?ref=itsfoss.com)\-based [MiciMike ReV Devices](https://micimike.com/?ref=itsfoss.com), led by ***Imre László***, who has put up the schematics, PCB design files, and the Bill of Materials on [GitHub](https://github.com/iMike78/home-mini-v1-drop-in-pcb?ref=itsfoss.com). The boards themselves are manufactured by [Elecrow](https://www.elecrow.com/?ref=itsfoss.com), a Shenzhen-based outfit behind a range of DIY and maker-focused hardware that we have covered [a fair bit](https://itsfoss.com/crowpanel-rotary-display-review/). Before you go, know that there are plans for **a drop-in replacement PCB for the Nest Mini**. You can read about it on the [official website](https://micimike.com/gen2.html?ref=itsfoss.com). [MiciMike Home Mini PCB (Crowd Supply)](https://www.crowdsupply.com/micimike-rev-devices/micimike-home-mini-drop-in-pcb?ref=itsfoss.com) --- **👉 Related project you can explore**: AsteriodOS is giving new life to old smartwatches. [8 Years Later, Linux-based AsteroidOS 2.0 is Here to Add New Life to Your Old SmartwatchThe AsteroidOS 2.0 release aims to provide a stable, beautiful base for people who want an open smartwatch today, and an interesting project for developers who want to experiment, learn and contribute.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-405.png)It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/AsteroidOS.webp)](https://itsfoss.com/news/asteroidos-2-release/)