Mui Board Brings Calm Tech Into the Smart Home

The Mui Board is not a screen. It is not plastic. Instead, it looks like a simple piece of wood mounted on the wall. That is exactly the point.

After first appearing at CES 2019, the Mui Board has finally reached homes in limited quantities. Built by Japan-based Mui Labs, this smart home controller hides technology behind natural wood. When inactive, it blends into the room. When touched, soft dot-matrix icons glow through the surface.

The goal is simple. Technology should stay quiet until you need it.

A Wooden Interface That Comes Alive on Touch

The Mui Board uses a capacitive touch surface built into maple or dark cherry wood. At rest, it shows nothing. However, a gentle tap reveals controls for lights, music, timers, and messages.

Users can dim lights, adjust thermostats, control curtains, toggle smart plugs, and manage basic home functions. Unlike smart displays, there are no ads. There is also no voice assistant speaking back.

As a result, the interface feels intentional and distraction-free.

Built Around Matter and Everyday Smart Devices

The Mui Board supports Matter, allowing direct control of compatible smart home devices. It works without relying on Amazon, Google, or Apple ecosystems.

It also integrates with Sonos, Philips Hue, LIFX, SwitchBot, Ecobee, and Google Calendar. Music playback shows track details and volume. Lighting control works smoothly, while other Matter categories remain in limited testing.

Thread support is planned, although it will require an external border router.

Simple Features That Feel Human

Beyond controls, the Mui Board focuses on interaction. Users can write messages by hand, set reminders, or record voice notes using the built-in microphone and speakers.

Small playful elements also appear. A digital cat walks across the board. Music modes turn the surface into a piano or drum pad. These touches make the device feel approachable rather than technical.

Limited Availability and Premium Pricing

The second-generation Mui Board debuted in 2023 and became available for purchase earlier this year. It currently sells for $999, with occasional discounts bringing the price down.

While not designed for mass adoption, the Mui Board shows a different future for smart homes. One where technology fades into the background and materials matter as much as features.