http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/ Engadget Comments for Switched On: The Ambient Dashboard moves the needles http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
I love the idea of this device, and I like that it doesn't have to be connected to a PC, but charging for the content and not being able to configure the content makes it much less appealing. I'd rather have it unwired with BT or WiFi so that I could control the content myself, and not have to pay for the service.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
Owning one of these dashboards, I've already got the faceplates I plan on using set aside in the storage behind the device, but of the various premium ones I want to use, only one of them is currently available to be used. Fortunately, they're waiving premium charges for a couple of months while they finish up the whole premium content offerings, but once they get it all going, I think it'll be worth it.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
As soon as I can upgrade the subscription, I will be examining the potential of premium and custom channels. Hmm... How about metering the "Percent Change in Wi-Fi Hotspots?"]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
If you are a programmer then you can write your own software to get the feeds you want and drive the dials.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
I like the idea of neat analog dials showing my data, but Ambient should have gotten things going before releasing this product.

They have little to no data available, especially for my city. Their developer tools don't exist yet. Their web site is mostly non-functional.

The weather displays worked pretty well, but weather data is nothing special.

This was also the second unit I've had. I returned the first one because the face was all scratched up. I think this is due to their packaging. They really need one of those peelable protectors over the face for shipping. My replacement unit was also mildly scratched.

When I returned mine today I noticed the price has dropped to $99.

I'll buy another when the price is $50 and they have content and developer tools available.



]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
A couple of weeks after that last email, and another failed downgrade, I was able to downgrade/upgrade. Two days later (last week) it stops working. My ambient dashboard has worked 2 days out of almost 4 months. worst. gadget. ever.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
i think i'd also rather see 'widgets' of some sort displayed like this in the corner of my computer screen... but what they are going after is a good idea. just... this unit looks BORING.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/Dec 19th 2005 12:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/13/switched-on-the-ambient-dashboard-moves-the-needles/
It's not completely polished, but there's just an emotional connection I can't explain. I have absolutely no idea how they offer the basic channels (like weather and stocks) without any service fees. And it actually works, unlike my friggin atomic clock that I still have to set.

I hope they make more free channels available, and a way to purchase more cards.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:13AM