I combined an ESP8266 with a 4x20 LCD display. As the device has onboard WiFi I can poll a remote site to get data and display it, updating every few minutes.

I combined an ESP8266 with a 4x20 LCD display. As the device has onboard WiFi I can poll a remote site to get data and display it, updating every few minutes. I use that to show the next departure-times at the tram-stop round the corner from my house. Sure I could use an app, or even walk there and wait, but it's nice to know when to leave - especially in winter-time!