Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget 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/<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

The big news that had the world of green transportation buzzing this week was Tesla's unveil of its brand new Model X luxury car and we also saw the blazing fast Lightning GT EV hit the track for the first time. We also shined light on the futuristic solar-powered SPV car while Mitsubishi's i-MIEV electric car stole the greenest vehicle title from the Honda Civic and the Boulder EV became the first electric truck capable of hitting 70 mph. We were also excited to announce that San Francisco is set to launch its electric bike sharing program, French cyclists won the controversial right to run red traffic lights, and Volkswagen unveiled its Think Blue Beetle, which is made from 2,805 pieces of recycled trash.

Energy news sent shock waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that the US approved its first nuclear power plants in 30 years and the temperature of Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant suddenly soared up to 45 degrees celsius. We also saw an energy-generating "Solar Tulip" power tower spring up in Spain, and a 10-year-old girl discovered a new molecule that stands to improve energy storage. Meanwhile, we brought you the scoop on the world's next tallest skyscraper in Azerbaijan and industrial giant AAB announced plans for a worldwide electric vehicle charging network.

In recycled design news, we saw a colossal statue made from 4,200 Coca Cola crates rise up over Cape Town and we shared a set of larger than life beasts made from recycled motorcycle parts. We also brought you a brilliant line of lamps made from recycled e-waste and a set of LEGO-like Earth Blocks made from coffee beans and tea chaff. Last but not least, we showcased an electronic suit that treats nerve disorders, and since Valentine's day is on the way we took a look at BIG's interactive LED heart sculpture in NYC, 6 adorable DIY cards, and 6 simple DIY V-Day gifts.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bikeBoulder EVBoulderEvcarchargingCoca ColaCocaColaDIYelectricelectric bikeelectric vehicleElectricBikeElectricVehicleelectronic suitElectronicSuitenergygiftgiftsinhabitatinhabitatsweekingreenLEGOminipostmoleculenew moleculeNewMoleculescienceskyscrapersolarSPV carSpvCarthisweekingreentransportationValentinesweekingreenMon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Adafruit's Circuit Playground app deciphers resistor codes, helps you remember Ohm's Law]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/adafruits-circuit-playground-app-deciphers-resistor-codes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/adafruits-circuit-playground-app-deciphers-resistor-codes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/adafruits-circuit-playground-app-deciphers-resistor-codes/#comments Circuit PlaygroundIf the names Phillip Torrone, Limor Fried and Collin Cunningham don't ring a bell then you probably need to hand over your geek badge. If, on the other hand, those names immediately make you sit up and pay attention, you maybe excited to hear the trio have just released the first Adafruit-branded app for iOS. Circuit Playground is a reference app for makers, hackers and tinkerers that helps you decipher resistor and capacitor values; calculate resistance, current or voltage; convert decimal, hexadecimal and binary values; and store PDF data sheets for ICs. The app is $2.99, but it comes with a $3 credit at the Adafruit shop, so it's kinda-sorta free. It's available for iPad and iPhone only, but an Android version is in the works. If you're an impatient Google fan, they suggest you check out ElectroDroid which performs many of the same functions and we can confirm is awesome. Check out the video after the break and hit up the source link to get Circuit Playground now.

Gallery: Circuit Playground

Continue reading Adafruit's Circuit Playground app deciphers resistor codes, helps you remember Ohm's Law

Adafruit's Circuit Playground app deciphers resistor codes, helps you remember Ohm's Law originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitadafruit industriesAdafruitIndustriesappappscircuit playgroundCircuitPlaygroundcollin cunninghamCollinCunninghamdiydo it yourselfDoItYourselfelectronicshackhackersiosipadiphonelimor friedLimorFriedmakersmobilepostcrossPhillip TorronePhillipTorronereferencevideoMon, 06 Feb 2012 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/open-source-controller-framework-lets-you-add-the-finishing-touc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/open-source-controller-framework-lets-you-add-the-finishing-touc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/open-source-controller-framework-lets-you-add-the-finishing-touc/#comments

There are plenty of off-the-shelf controllers out there, but what if you fancy something a little more... you? How about fully customized, with a good seasoning of affordability and style? Design student Alex S has built a framework to help you build just that. The units shown above are for DJ-based programs, but you can create interfaces for any software that takes HID or MIDI input, and as they're modular, create endless ultra-custom set-ups. Keen to dismantle any technical barriers, Alex created a step-by-step Instructable, but you'll still need to get your hands dirty with Arduino and some circuitry. The whole project is open source, and while it's a step up from Lego, until we can just print these things, it seems like a great option to us.

Continue reading Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touch

Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllercontrollerscustomDIYframeworkhackhackshardwareHIDhid controllerHidControllerhobbyhomegrowninput deviceinput devicesInputDeviceInputDevicesinstructablesinterfacemidimidi controllerMidiControlleropensourceprojectsoftware controllerSoftwareControllervideoThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA['Still Alive' played on 3D printed record, takes music piracy to complicated new levels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/still-alive-record-3d-printer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/still-alive-record-3d-printer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/still-alive-record-3d-printer/#comments We're still in the relatively early stages of the 3D printer revolution, and as such, it's hard to say just how these devices will play a role in our daily lives. We've seen some really cool toys like turtleshell racers and Weighted Companion Cubes, but what about some everyday products? This 3D printed record keeps the Portal printer theme going by cutting our old pal Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive" into its grooves. The single was printed over at Shapeways and played on a Fisher-Price record player. Video after jump.

Continue reading 'Still Alive' played on 3D printed record, takes music piracy to complicated new levels

'Still Alive' played on 3D printed record, takes music piracy to complicated new levels originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d printer3dPrinterdiyjonathan coultonJonathanCoultonportalprinterstill aliveStillAliveTue, 24 Jan 2012 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Teenage Engineering introduces Oplab musical prototyping platform]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/teenage-engineering-introduces-oplab-musical-prototyping-platfor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/teenage-engineering-introduces-oplab-musical-prototyping-platfor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/teenage-engineering-introduces-oplab-musical-prototyping-platfor/#comments OplabAfter finally getting the OP-1 up for order last January, Teenage Engineering is getting its second product to market -- Oplab. The latest offering is meant to compliment its slick synth, but we can see plenty people falling in love with it on its own. The Oplab is a tinker kit and DIY platform, akin to Arduino or Microsoft's .NET Gadgeteer, but designed explicitly for generating and manipulating sound. The main board, which retails for $299, is home to a trio of USB ports (two of them hosts), three MIDI connections (one in, one out and one sync) and a pair of CV in and CV out jacks. There's also a bank of switches for changing settings and a host of connectors for plugging in various sensors. The Swedish company is offering a number of add-ons for $49 apiece: an accelerometer (Flip), a piezo microphone (Tap) and a pressure sensor (Poke). Strangely enough, there's also a $149 a sneaker that has a rubber pouch that you can slip one of the aforementioned sensors into. Hit up the source link for more details and to order yours now.

Teenage Engineering introduces Oplab musical prototyping platform originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diymusicmusical instrumentmusical instrumentsMusicalInstrumentMusicalInstrumentsOP-1Oplabprototypingteenage engineeringteenage engineering oplabTeenageEngineeringTeenageEngineeringOplabtinkerkitMon, 23 Jan 2012 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[NES controller lets you stomp Koopas, save Princess Peach in capacitive fashion (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/21/nes-capacitive-copper-circuit-controller-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/21/nes-capacitive-copper-circuit-controller-hack/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/21/nes-capacitive-copper-circuit-controller-hack/#comments Is your NES controller in another castle? Maybe you're just pining for your smartphone's capacitive game controls for some reason. Regardless, here's a little piece of tech that just might put the fire in your flower: the capacitive touch NES controller. This sucker is milled from a copper board using a device called the MezzoMill, which -- besides making turtle-stomping peripherals -- also can be used to produce guitar effect pads, virtual keyboards, bicycle rim lights and all sorts of circuits that might tickle your fancy. Unfortunately, the creator isn't as well-funded as this inkjet-based control circuit project so he's trying to raise money through Kickstarter to make the mill in a large enough run to lower costs. Given how Kickstarter generated nearly $100 million in funding last year, maybe he's got a fighting chance. See the buttonless controller work its capacitive magic after the break.

Continue reading NES controller lets you stomp Koopas, save Princess Peach in capacitive fashion (video)

NES controller lets you stomp Koopas, save Princess Peach in capacitive fashion (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circuitcontrol circuitControlCircuitcontrollercopper boardcopper circuitCopperBoardCopperCircuitdiygame controllerGameControllergamepadgaminghackhackinghomebrewhomemademodmoddingnesnes controllernes hackNesControllerNesHacknintendoNintendo Entertainment SystemNintendoEntertainmentSystemvideoSat, 21 Jan 2012 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Human Birdwings project takes flight... on video!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/human-birdwings-project-takes-flight-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/human-birdwings-project-takes-flight-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/human-birdwings-project-takes-flight-on-video/#comments Just now catching up with the Human Birdwings project? Nice timing. The human flight machine -- built by Jarnos Smeets to rely on a Wiimote and Wildfire S, among other niceties -- has just enjoyed its first moments of liftoff. In essence, the wings were strapped onto a willing Earthling, and as he began to flap his arms... well, it's a sight you need to see to fully appreciate. We'll confess that the "flight" didn't last long, but Jarno himself told us that it was but a first "test run." Promising? Oh, yes. Head on past the break for the vid.

Update: The project here has been underway since at least August of last year, but we've requested raw footage of the test flight here to further justify concerns. We'll report back shortly!

Continue reading Human Birdwings project takes flight... on video!

Human Birdwings project takes flight... on video! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birdwingsdiyflightflyflyinghackhackerhtchuman birdwingsHumanBirdwingsJarnos SmeetsJarnosSmeetsmodmoddervideowiiwii remoteWiiRemotewildfirewildfire sWildfireSFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Roll up, roll up for the magical mystery Arduino tour]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/roll-up-roll-up-for-the-magical-mystery-arduino-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/roll-up-roll-up-for-the-magical-mystery-arduino-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/roll-up-roll-up-for-the-magical-mystery-arduino-tour/#comments
If this news isn't as obvious as John Obvious: Professor of Obvious studies at Cambridge University: we love Arduino 'round these parts. Phil and Limor of Adafruit Industries took a tour of the Italian foundry's Turin factory and took a gallery of pics (and video!) on the way. It's a great insight into how the building process works for the modding tool, and you can head on down to our source link to check out the gallery in full -- we've also included a direct link to the video as the guys walk down the production line in our more coverage link. We're so good to you, you know.

Roll up, roll up for the magical mystery Arduino tour originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdafruitArduinoBehind the ScenesBehindTheScenesDevDevsDIYFlickrHackHackersItalyMakeModModdingPhotosTorinoTourFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Wooden Aerodyne PC makes you want to live in Rapture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/wooden-aerodyne-pc-makes-you-want-to-live-in-rapture/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/wooden-aerodyne-pc-makes-you-want-to-live-in-rapture/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/wooden-aerodyne-pc-makes-you-want-to-live-in-rapture/#comments
If we were blessed with a fortune, a mansion and a butler, the first thing we'd do is contact Jeffrey Stephenson -- maker of truly beautiful art-deco wooden case mods. He's produced another stunner with the Aerodyne: a fanless mahogany case with Rocketeer-style accents and a radio grille (picture after the break) we'd expect to hear Andrew Ryan barking out of. Unlike his other mods, the amazing Mr Stephenson is planning a small run of these cases for people to buy, so the only thing left to ask is -- can anyone lend us a tenner?

Continue reading Wooden Aerodyne PC makes you want to live in Rapture

Wooden Aerodyne PC makes you want to live in Rapture originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AerodyneCase ModCaseModChassisDIYEnclosureJeffrey StephensonJeffreyStephensonLevel ElevenLevelElevenminipostWed, 04 Jan 2012 18:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Mimbo the iPhone robot will smile for you, still doesn't get your 'Seinfeld' references]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/mimbo-the-iphone-robot-will-smile-for-you-still-doesnt-get-you/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/mimbo-the-iphone-robot-will-smile-for-you-still-doesnt-get-you/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/mimbo-the-iphone-robot-will-smile-for-you-still-doesnt-get-you/#comments This here is Mimbo. He's the kindly sort. Smile and Mimbo smiles back. Sure, others in his place might let their cardboard bodies, iPhone faces and all of the male bimbo jokes stand in the way of having a good time. Not Mimbo. The happy little 'bot uses facial recognition to generation a corresponding emotion on that cardboard-wrapped iPhone head of his. His face is composed of four LEDs for eyes, an empty label eyelid and a mouth made from a multifader, all created using TouchOSC. And using facial tracking via a program like FaceOSC, little Mimbo can mimic your expressions. Check out the 'bot in a video after the break and find out how to manufacture your own Mimbo at home in the source link below.

Continue reading Mimbo the iPhone robot will smile for you, still doesn't get your 'Seinfeld' references

Mimbo the iPhone robot will smile for you, still doesn't get your 'Seinfeld' references originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecardboardcardboard boxCardboardBoxdiyinstructablesiphonemimboroboticstouchoscTue, 03 Jan 2012 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Luminch One: an Arduino lamp you control with the wave of a hand (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/luminch-one-an-arduino-lamp-you-control-with-the-wave-of-a-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/luminch-one-an-arduino-lamp-you-control-with-the-wave-of-a-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/luminch-one-an-arduino-lamp-you-control-with-the-wave-of-a-hand/#comments Luminch One A DIY lamp may not sound like the most thrilling project on Earth, but the Luminch One is special. Not only does this hand-made light from Francisco Castro provide illumination -- the most important function of any lamp -- but it does so while looking beautiful and providing a level of interactivity missing from most household lighting solutions. Underneath the pixelated-looking paper shade is an LED bulb controlled by an Arduino hooked up to an IR sensor. Simply wave your hand over the top to turn it on and off. You can also control the brightness by holding your hand above the stylized beacon momentarily to engage the dimmer, then moving your hand up and down to set your preferred lumen level. Check out the video after the break and head on over to the source for complete build instructions.

Continue reading Luminch One: an Arduino lamp you control with the wave of a hand (video)

Luminch One: an Arduino lamp you control with the wave of a hand (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfFrancisco CastroFranciscoCastrolamplightingluminch oneLuminchOnemakevideoTue, 03 Jan 2012 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[New Year reveler crafts Kanye-approved EL Wire glasses: light up as the bass pounds (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/kanye-west-el-wire-glasses-light-up-hack-mod-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/kanye-west-el-wire-glasses-light-up-hack-mod-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/kanye-west-el-wire-glasses-light-up-hack-mod-video/#comments The bar-laden spectacles that Kanye West popularized have just been reborn, and dare we say, they're harder, better, faster and stronger. YouTube user ch00ftech decided to borrow a few good great ideas while adding in a few twists of his own, resulting in the creation of EL Wire Kanye glasses that actually light up when the beat pulses. There's a deep, deep dive into the technicalities down in the source link, but for the 99 percenters in attendance, the video just below says it all.

Continue reading New Year reveler crafts Kanye-approved EL Wire glasses: light up as the bass pounds (video)

New Year reveler crafts Kanye-approved EL Wire glasses: light up as the bass pounds (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomecrazydiyel wireElWireeyewearglasseshackinsanekanyekanye westKanyeWestmodvideowearablewearablesMon, 02 Jan 2012 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[CyanogenMod Compiler project allows Android tweakers to easily make custom blends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/cyanogenmod-compiler-project-allows-android-tweakers-to-easily-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/cyanogenmod-compiler-project-allows-android-tweakers-to-easily-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/cyanogenmod-compiler-project-allows-android-tweakers-to-easily-m/#comments Ever wish that building your own personal ROM was as simple as placing an order at Starbucks? Well, an intrepid coder known as lithid-cm has taken that vision one step closer with the CyanogenMod Compiler (CMC), a command line utility that allows armchair mixers to remove unwanted features and then compile their own special blend of CyanogenMod. While CMC's functionality is currently rather limited -- which allows users to eliminate languages, wallpapers and tweak themes -- the developer will introduce new installation / removal features and additional plug-in support in future releases. The software is early alpha stage, which means its creator needs the help of others to identify and resolve the rough edges. So, if you aren't afraid to get your hands a bit dirty, CMC seems quite worthwhile. Just don't blame us when you break something.

CyanogenMod Compiler project allows Android tweakers to easily make custom blends originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappscmccyanogenmodcyanogenmod compilerCyanogenmodCompilerdiygooglelithid-cmmobilepostcrossmodmodsromromssoftwareutilityThu, 29 Dec 2011 01:18:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/mit-scholar-builds-a-self-balancing-unicycle-to-roll-fast-and-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/mit-scholar-builds-a-self-balancing-unicycle-to-roll-fast-and-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/mit-scholar-builds-a-self-balancing-unicycle-to-roll-fast-and-fu/#comments Sure, we've shown you the goofy SBU v2.0 unicycle, but what's better than a glorious DIY project? MIT student Stephan Boyer has built his own electrical uni-ride, which he's dubbing the "Bullet." The single-wheel transporter packs a custom MIG-welded steel body, two 7Ah 12-volt batteries, an ATmega328 chip and a 450-watt electric motor. While the Bullet isn't the speediest of solowheel demons (15mph max), it's on par with its $25,000 Ryno Motors counterpart. As far as power efficiency, the Bullet can go up to five miles on a single charge -- more than enough juice to hit a few classroom round-trips. There's some "Learning to Ride" tips from the creator himself at the source link, but in the meantime you can watch this unified purple rider in action after the break.

Continue reading MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video)

MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydo it yourselfDoItYourselfelectricelectric unicycleelectricalelectrical unicycleElectricalUnicycleElectricUnicyclehackhacksmitself-balancedself-balanced unicycleSelf-balancedUnicycleself-balancingself-balancing unicycleSelf-balancingUnicyclestephan boyerStephanBoyerunicyclevideoWed, 28 Dec 2011 22:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit-tech's Mod of the Year contest underway: finally, something you're comfortable voting on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/bit-techs-mod-of-the-year-contest-underway-finally-something/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/bit-techs-mod-of-the-year-contest-underway-finally-something/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/bit-techs-mod-of-the-year-contest-underway-finally-something/#comments Like ponies to little girls, we always have a soft spot for mods here at Engadget. Who could forget Angel OD's liquid-cooled Wii, for example? Or Peter Brands' Frankendesk of a PC, the L3p D3sk? Well, it seems like we're not the only ones whose fancies got tickled by these things, as both made the list of nominees for bit-tech's Mod of the Year 2011 competition. The contest is serving up its biggest field to date with 25 projects. Entries include a PC that doubles as a mini Warhammer Dreadnought and another computer encased in a Star Trek Intrepid Mark II Class starship replica. If your tastes lean more toward the older than old school kind, Jeffrey Stephenson's got one of his wooden mods included in the bunch, as well. Naturally, you can check out the rest of the entries (and cast your votes) at the source below.

[Thanks, Antony]

Bit-tech's Mod of the Year contest underway: finally, something you're comfortable voting on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecase modCaseModchassiscompetitioncomputercoolercustomdiyenthusiasthomemadeliquid coolingLiquidCoolingmodmod contestModContestmoddingwaterwater coolingWaterCoolingMon, 26 Dec 2011 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Richardson turns Arduino, Twitter and lasers into art (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/matt-richardson-turns-arduino-twitter-and-lasers-into-art-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/matt-richardson-turns-arduino-twitter-and-lasers-into-art-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/matt-richardson-turns-arduino-twitter-and-lasers-into-art-vide/#comments Fade Away 1 Matt Richardson's genius has never really been in question. The Make Live host and compulsive hacker has built an impressive library of creations, ranging from a Google Reader pedal to an email-triggered Christmas tree. The man's works are definitely art, in their own way, but his new project, Fade Away 1, is the first that we could easily see taking up residence in a SoHo gallery. At the heart of the installation is an Arduino (of course) that pulls in posts from Twitter with the phrase "fade away" in them. The same AVR chip then "prints" those tweets on phosphorescent paper with a UV laser mounted on a servo -- as the energy dissipates, the messages slowly disappear. And, if you're wondering what the "1" at the end of the title means, Richardson plans to continuously improve the project. For some more details about the next iteration and to see the current one in action, check out the videos after the break.

Continue reading Matt Richardson turns Arduino, Twitter and lasers into art (video)

Matt Richardson turns Arduino, Twitter and lasers into art (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoartDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselffade awayfade away 1FadeAwayFadeAway1hacklaserlasersmake liveMakeLivematt richardsonMattRichardsontwittervideoMon, 26 Dec 2011 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacked Powermat lets you touch-to-charge your iPhone in stop-and-go traffic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/hacked-powermat-lets-you-touch-to-charge-your-iphone-in-stop-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/hacked-powermat-lets-you-touch-to-charge-your-iphone-in-stop-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/hacked-powermat-lets-you-touch-to-charge-your-iphone-in-stop-and/#comments When you're cruising down the highway, you've got much better things to do than fiddling with iPhone cables -- like, you know, texting and playing Angry Birds. Thankfully, this handy little Powermat hack brings the fun of wireless charging to the comfort of your mobile office, to help free up your hands a bit -- at least until Siri learns how to steer. Video after the break and instructions in the source link -- but please, pull over to the side of the road before attempting to install.

Continue reading Hacked Powermat lets you touch-to-charge your iPhone in stop-and-go traffic

Hacked Powermat lets you touch-to-charge your iPhone in stop-and-go traffic originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carchargingdiyhackinductive chargingInductiveChargingiphoneminipostpowermatvideowireless chargingWirelessChargingMon, 26 Dec 2011 05:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Human Birdwings combines Wiimote, smartphone in DIY flying initiative (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/25/human-birdwings-combines-wiimote-smartphone-in-diy-flying-initi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/25/human-birdwings-combines-wiimote-smartphone-in-diy-flying-initi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/25/human-birdwings-combines-wiimote-smartphone-in-diy-flying-initi/#comments Somewhere, somehow, the Wright Brothers are smiling. Jarnos Smeets, a mechanical engineer from the Netherlands, has been plugging away on his Human Birdwings project for many, many months now, and his latest breakthroughs are absolutely worthy of a peek. Put simply, the bloke has married an HTC Wildfire S, a Wii remote and bookoodles of software genius in order to create a set of wings that are controlled by a human waving his arms as if to fly. As these things tend to go, it's all better explained in video, two of which are hosted up after the break. There's no capture just yet of Jarnos taking off himself, but at this rate, he'll probably be giving Santa a run for his money around this time next year.

Continue reading Human Birdwings combines Wiimote, smartphone in DIY flying initiative (video)

Human Birdwings combines Wiimote, smartphone in DIY flying initiative (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birdwingsdiyflightflyflyinghackhackerhtchuman birdwingsHumanBirdwingsJarnos SmeetsJarnosSmeetsmodmoddervideowiiwii remoteWiiRemotewildfirewildfire sWildfireSSun, 25 Dec 2011 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/animoog-debuts-diy-synth-studio-for-iphone-4-byo-talent-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/animoog-debuts-diy-synth-studio-for-iphone-4-byo-talent-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/animoog-debuts-diy-synth-studio-for-iphone-4-byo-talent-video/#comments Hey kids, if you never thought you'd live to see the day that Animoog offered up its wares for your iPhone, then prepare to be dazzled. Previously available only for the iPad, Moog has successfully re-tooled its impressive synthesizer software for the smaller screen and has maintained the same powerful features as before. Based on Moog's Anisotropic Synth Engine, the app leverages multitouch input, which allows users to play a chord and then modulate each note independently from one another. With a wide array of timbre styles, polyphonic modulation and pitch shifting, the software even supports MIDI input for those looking to link Animoog with a more traditional synth keyboard. Available right now in the App Store for 99¢, the software will leap to a full $9.99 after its introductory period. So, if you're rocking an iPhone 4 / 4S, it seems wise to jump on this deal while it's nice and cheap. There's a full video after the break, for those looking to see Animoog's recital performance.

Continue reading Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video)

Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Animoogappapp storeappsAppStoreDIYelectroniciOSiphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4siTunesmobilepostcrossMoogmusicsynthsynth keyboardSynthesizerSynthKeyboardvideoFri, 23 Dec 2011 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/portable-jaguar-modder-gives-ben-heck-a-run-for-his-compact-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/portable-jaguar-modder-gives-ben-heck-a-run-for-his-compact-gami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/portable-jaguar-modder-gives-ben-heck-a-run-for-his-compact-gami/#commentsportable Atari Jaguar modWe bet you thought Ben Heck's Atari Jaguar mod would be the first and only portable hack of the ill-fated "64-bit" game system you'd ever see. Well, you were wrong. User Evil Nod, over at the Made by Bacteria forums, has whipped up a rather impressive compact console using the seemingly ubiquitous PS1 screen as a display. At about 1.75-inches thick, it's a bit bulkier than Heck's build, but it also doesn't have a giant battery or cartridge slot hanging off the back -- everything is tucked neatly away inside the textured black shell. Check out the source links for a build log and a few more photos of the finished product. You'll also find a bonus video of the prototype after the break.

Continue reading Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video)

Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari jaguarAtariJaguarconsoleDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfevil nodEvilNodgame consoleGameConsolehackhackedjaguarmodmoddingportable gamingPortableGamingvideoThu, 22 Dec 2011 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: 5 megawatt solar roof, driverless electric cars and ten of the world's craziest Christmas trees]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-5-megawatt-solar-roof-driverless-ele/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-5-megawatt-solar-roof-driverless-ele/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-5-megawatt-solar-roof-driverless-ele/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
Solar-powered buildings heated up this week as Inhabitat reported that Apple will crown its new Cupertino headquarters with a 5 megawatt solar roof, and we took a peek inside a sun-powered prefab pod home set in the Italian Alps. We also showcased several fresh examples of wintry architecture this week as we brought you six amazing buildings made from ice and snow and we learned that BIG's waste-to-energy ski slope incinerator was scrapped due to environmental concerns. We also showcased an innovative shelf for interiors made from movable pins, a set of awesome night lights made from retrofitted vintage cameras, and since the holidays are on the way we shared a kit that will help you make your own geodesic gingerbread house!

Speaking of the holiday season, this week we rounded up the world's 10 craziest Christmas trees made from recycled objects, and we brought you photos of a massive luminous Xmas tree in Lithuania made from 40,000 plastic bottles. We also brought you a guide for making your own DIY terrarium Christmas ornaments, and if you're looking for cool techy gifts to stick beneath the tree you won't want to miss Theo Jansen's 3d-printed miniature Strandbeest wind walking robots and this fun wooden iPhone toy for tots.

In other news, eco transportation blasted off to the future as Zapata Racing unveiled a set of insane water-propelled rocket boots that will send you soaring like a superhero and Audi and BIG unveiled plans for a network of driverless electric cars and luminous high-tech roadways. We were also excited to announce that the Nissan Leaf was named Japan's Car of the Year at the Tokyo Motor Show, we saw Daimler unveil plans for a new E-Cell hybrid with inductive charging, and Smart shared a sneak peek of their upcoming "For-US" compact electric pickup truck.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 5 megawatt solar roof, driverless electric cars and ten of the world's craziest Christmas trees originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleAudiBIGDIYE-Cellelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehiclegreeninhabitatinhabitat.comNissanNissan leafNissanLeafrecycledsolar powerSolarPowersun-poweredthis week in greenThisWeekInGreenTokyo Motor showTokyoMotorShowSun, 11 Dec 2011 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Step aside Arduino, TinkerForge is the new sheriff in mod-town (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/step-aside-arduino-tinkerforge-is-the-new-sheriff-in-mod-town/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/step-aside-arduino-tinkerforge-is-the-new-sheriff-in-mod-town/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/step-aside-arduino-tinkerforge-is-the-new-sheriff-in-mod-town/#comments
Does Arduino coding bring you out in a cold sweat? Perhaps what you need is the new open-source gear from TinkerForge. The modular system is designed for even novice users to whip up fully functioning robots in a matter of minutes hours. You start with a 4 x 4cm Brick, which you program over USB, but it won't do anything until you add accessories in the form of Bricklets: switches, joysticks, motors, accelerometers and LCDs. You can stack up to eight Bricks to expand the potential of your projects, including a step-down transformer and a (forthcoming) WiFi unit. If the rules-based programming software is too easy for you, the hardcore can bust out their mad C, C++, C#, Java and Python skills. The first models are available today, Bricks cost between €30 ($40) - €50 ($70) and Bricklets cost €3 ($4) - €20 ($25). Head on past the break to catch the press release and a video of some of the brilliant ways you can use this technology, including an infra-red theremin, self-positioning telescope and robots -- so many robots.

Continue reading Step aside Arduino, TinkerForge is the new sheriff in mod-town (video)

Step aside Arduino, TinkerForge is the new sheriff in mod-town (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArduinoBrickletsBricksDIYHackHackersHackingKitMakeModModdingModsTinkerForgevideoFri, 09 Dec 2011 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/retro-gadget-orchestra-nails-house-of-the-rising-sun-puts-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/retro-gadget-orchestra-nails-house-of-the-rising-sun-puts-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/retro-gadget-orchestra-nails-house-of-the-rising-sun-puts-your/#comments Retro tech plays House of the Rising Sun YouTube user BD594, also known as James Cochrane, is no stranger to pushing retro tech to its musical limits. Back in 2009 he coaxed a scanner, an Atari 800XL and a host of other antiquated gadgets to perform Bohemian Rhapsody. The results, while certainly enjoyable, were a tad tone deaf. Well, in the years since he's tweaking his "musicians" and his orchestra has just issued its second single -- a stunning rendition of House of the Rising Sun, in the style of the Animals. Seriously, this staple of '60s high school rockstar wannabes is absolutely nailed by the assortment of hard drives, oscilloscopes and the scanner. Cochrane isn't alone in his quest to turn obsolete tech into musical magic. Christopher Mitchell managed to hack a Ti graphing calculator and floppy-disk drive into a monophonic media player. While his accomplishment is impressive, he loses this round for wasting his skills on the saccharin stylings of Cold Play. Check out both videos after the break.

Continue reading Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video)

Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalsatariatari 800atari 800xlAtari800Atari800xlbd594chris mitchellChrisMitchellchristopher mitchellChristopherMitchellcold playColdPlaydiygraphing calculatorGraphingCalculatorhard driveHardDrivehewlett-packardhouse of the rising sunHouseOfTheRisingSunhphp scanjethp scanjet 3cHpScanjetHpScanjet3cJames CochraneJamesCochranemusictexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentsti-83ti-83 plusTi-83Plusti-99ti-994avideoMon, 05 Dec 2011 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[eSleeper combines cats, Arduino and Twitter in an eMac shell (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/esleeper-combines-cats-arduino-and-twitter-in-an-emac-shell-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/esleeper-combines-cats-arduino-and-twitter-in-an-emac-shell-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/esleeper-combines-cats-arduino-and-twitter-in-an-emac-shell-vi/#comments eSleeper If we had to imagine our dream DIY project chances are it would involve Arduino, Twitter and, of course, cats. How we'd combine those things we're not sure, but we'll admit to being big fans of Samuel Cox's eSleeper, which turns a hollowed-out eMac into a bed for his feline. Inside the shell is an Arduino Ethernet connected to an IR sensor, some LEDs and a sound shield. When the cat breaks the infrared beam it triggers the iconic Mac chime and turns on a series color-shifting LEDs for a little mood lighting. From there the clock starts ticking. When little Fluffy (Captain Whiskers? Matlock? Penny? Greg?) decides she's had enough napping and leaves the white plastic cocoon, tripping the IR sensor again, a random phrase is tweeted, along with the length of the cat's siesta. Check out the video after the break to see the eSleeper in all its adorable DIY glory.

Continue reading eSleeper combines cats, Arduino and Twitter in an eMac shell (video)

eSleeper combines cats, Arduino and Twitter in an eMac shell (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applearduinoarduino ethernetArduinoEthernetcatcatsDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfemacmacsamuel coxSamuelCoxtwittervideoThu, 01 Dec 2011 06:34:00 EST<![CDATA[HandyNES mod shrinks console, makes light gun look like light cannon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/handynes-mod-shrinks-console-makes-light-gun-look-like-light-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/handynes-mod-shrinks-console-makes-light-gun-look-like-light-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/handynes-mod-shrinks-console-makes-light-gun-look-like-light-ca/#comments

Vita schmita. This red mushroom-themed portable NES is the latest gaming tribute from modder LovableChevy, combining the original Entertainment System's innards with a 3.5-inch LCD screen, built-in controls and a rechargeable battery. The tinkerer has taken the time to include an AV out, headphone jack and an extra USB port for either a light gun or a second controller. However, the old tech involved takes its toll: the whole thing weighs in at around one pound (sans game) and offers up only three hours of play from a single charge. Think you can handle this portable heavyweight? Then check out the video after the break.

Continue reading HandyNES mod shrinks console, makes light gun look like light cannon

HandyNES mod shrinks console, makes light gun look like light cannon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolediylight gunLightGunlovablechevymodmoddingnesnintendoNintendo Entertainment SystemNintendoEntertainmentSystemportableportable consolePortableConsolevideoTue, 29 Nov 2011 23:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Wallet unofficially finessed into Galaxy Nexus, complete with complimentary cash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/google-wallet-unofficially-finessed-into-galaxy-nexus-complete/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/google-wallet-unofficially-finessed-into-galaxy-nexus-complete/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/google-wallet-unofficially-finessed-into-galaxy-nexus-complete/#comments Galaxy Nexus owners may start looking to their phone whenever that pesky bank account is dying for some hurt. Although Google's latest smartphone doesn't officially support its mobile payment scheme, a few clever developers have introduced a functional workaround. Early reports suggest that Citi MasterCards can't be added (yet), but thankfully, the gratis Hamilton courtesy of Mountain View comes without a hitch. To get started, you'll need to unlock your phone's bootloader and install MoDaCo's custom ROM. From there, a Google Wallet patch must be applied, and its permissions then changed. The process isn't exactly for the faint of heart, but we know our readers are more than capable -- you'll find instructions in the source. Best yet, the crew at BGR verified this newfound functionality by purchasing enough sugar to make our teeth hurt. And why not? After all, it was on Google's dime.

Google Wallet unofficially finessed into Galaxy Nexus, complete with complimentary cash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappscustom romCustomRomdiygalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgooglegoogle walletGoogleWallethackhackedhacksmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsmobilepostcrossmodmodacomodsnfcsamsungsmartphonesmartphonesMon, 28 Nov 2011 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: Twine connects your whole world to the internet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/insert-coin-twine-connects-your-whole-world-to-the-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/insert-coin-twine-connects-your-whole-world-to-the-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/insert-coin-twine-connects-your-whole-world-to-the-internet/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Wouldn't it be great if your laundry emailed you when it had finished? You got a tweet every time the room got too cold, or your basement sent you a text if it began to flood? "Easy," says the Arduino expert in the peanut gallery, but what about those with neither the time nor inclination to solder and program it from scratch? Fortunately, the gentlemen who founded Supermechanical feel our pain and have just the tonic for our maladies -- head on past the break to find out more.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Twine connects your whole world to the internet

Insert Coin: Twine connects your whole world to the internet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccelerometerArduinoCrowdsourcingDIYFundingHackHackingHTTPInsert CoinInsertCoinKickstarterProgrammingSensorSupermechanicalThermometerTwineTwitterWiFi SensorWifiSensorThu, 24 Nov 2011 12:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Googly Eye Arduino Shield proves geeks just wanna have fun (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/googly-eye-arduino-shield-proves-geeks-just-wanna-have-fun-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/googly-eye-arduino-shield-proves-geeks-just-wanna-have-fun-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/googly-eye-arduino-shield-proves-geeks-just-wanna-have-fun-vide/#comments Googly Eye Arduino Shield Look, not every Arduino accessory has to be useful. Heck, some of them don't have to do anything at all except, perhaps, make you smile. And that's all the Googly Eye Arduino Shield promises to provide -- a little cheer and personality to add to your latest hack or project. The $7 shield is simply a platform with stacking headers, so you put another shield on top if you like, that sports a pair of googly eyes. Best of all, it's completely customizable. The kit comes with two pairs of different sized peepers which you can place wherever you want. Add all four if you like! The blank white slate leaves you plenty of room to doodle, add a smile, eyelashes or, if you simply must ruin it by adding functionality, a mini breadboard. You can see the Evil Mad Scientist-made shield in action after the break but, honestly, if you're not sold yet you never will be (also, you probably don't have a soul).

Gallery: Googly Eye Shield for Arduino

Continue reading Googly Eye Arduino Shield proves geeks just wanna have fun (video)

Googly Eye Arduino Shield proves geeks just wanna have fun (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoarduino shieldArduinoShieldDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfEvil Mad ScienceEvil Mad Science Googly Eye ShieldEvil Mad Scientist Laboratoriesevil mad scientist labsEvilMadScienceEvilMadScienceGooglyEyeShieldEvilMadScientistLaboratoriesEvilMadScientistLabsGoogly eye arduino shieldGoogly Eye shieldgoogly eyesGooglyEyeArduinoShieldGooglyEyesGooglyEyeShieldshieldvideoWed, 23 Nov 2011 04:16:00 EST<![CDATA[VIA's ARTiGO 1150: a $265 barebones nettop with big potential (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/vias-artigo-1150-a-265-barebones-nettop-with-big-potential-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/vias-artigo-1150-a-265-barebones-nettop-with-big-potential-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/vias-artigo-1150-a-265-barebones-nettop-with-big-potential-v/#comments That VE-900 mini-ITX kit still too big for you, eh? Then check out VIA's latest pico-ITX alternative: the ARTiGO 1150 DIY nettop. It improves on last year's 1100 model with a dual-core Eden X2 processor clocked at 1GHz and a VX900H media system processor for accelerated decoding of video up to 1080p. The palm-sized chassis houses the usual HDMI and VGA outputs, gigabit Ethernet and four USB 2.0 host ports, while also leaving just enough room for you to install up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM, one 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD, plus optional WiFi and SD card reader modules. We've found the 1150 selling for $265, which strikes us as appropriately diminutive, but there's a promo video and press release after the break to help you weigh it up for yourself.

Continue reading VIA's ARTiGO 1150: a $265 barebones nettop with big potential (video)

VIA's ARTiGO 1150: a $265 barebones nettop with big potential (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtigoArtigo 1150Artigo1150barebonescustom PCCustomPcDIYnettopPCpico-itxSFFSFF PCSffPcsmall form factorSmallFormFactorVIAVIA artigo 1150ViaArtigo1150videoWed, 23 Nov 2011 01:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino geek develops Cold War Angst, starts spying on satellites (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-geek-develops-cold-war-angst-starts-spying-on-satellite/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-geek-develops-cold-war-angst-starts-spying-on-satellite/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-geek-develops-cold-war-angst-starts-spying-on-satellite/#comments Start with some Arduino and Gameduino hardware, add a splash of PLAN-13 satellite tracking software from 1983, and finish with a healthy dose of libertarianism. The result? A neat little hack called Angst, designed and built by Mark VandeWettering (aka Brainwagon). It can store details of up to 750 satellites on 128KB of EEPROM memory and display their predicted orbits in all the glory of SVGA. Don't get lazy though -- the most reliable way to track those pesky snoops in the sky is still to don your anorak, step outdoors and snoop right back.

Continue reading Arduino geek develops Cold War Angst, starts spying on satellites (video)

Arduino geek develops Cold War Angst, starts spying on satellites (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angstromarduinobrainwagoncustomDIYgameduinohackhackerhackingmark vandewetteringMarkVandewetteringorbitsatellitesatellitesspy satelliteSpySatellitesvgatrackingvideoTue, 22 Nov 2011 21:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino kit beams low-fi Google Weather to VGA screens]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-kit-beams-low-fi-google-weather-to-vga-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-kit-beams-low-fi-google-weather-to-vga-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-kit-beams-low-fi-google-weather-to-vga-screens/#comments

Looking for another way to use that aging VGA CRT screen hogging space in the closet? Try making your own dedicated weather screen by mixing together Google's meteorological data stream and some Arduino magic. It looks like parsing that Google Weather data was a bit of a challenge on the miniscule 2KB of RAM, but a tinkerer going by the handle Zmashiah has managed to do it. He's even managed to cram in a few extra graphical flourishes, including icons and background themes that change depending on the temperature and time of day. The entirely PC-free device grabs the data through an Ethernet connection and flashes up all the weather goodness in stunning VGA. Any meteorological mavens reading this can grab the full shopping list and procedure at the Instructables link below.

Arduino kit beams low-fi Google Weather to VGA screens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoDIYgooglegoogle weatherGoogleWeatherHackhackslow-firetrovgavga displayVgaDisplayweatherweather forecastWeatherForecastxmlyboxTue, 22 Nov 2011 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[SparkFun announces $80 Electric Sheep development board for Android accessories]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/sparkfun-announces-80-electric-sheep-development-board-for-andr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/sparkfun-announces-80-electric-sheep-development-board-for-andr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/sparkfun-announces-80-electric-sheep-development-board-for-andr/#comments
Looking for an alternative to the Google-approved Android Development Kit? Then you now have another fairly inexpensive option to consider courtesy of SparkFun. It's officially announced its new Electric Sheep development board, which costs just $80 and will let you build your own Android accessories using the Open Accessory protocol. That means it and any accessories built with it will work just fine with your Nexus One, although there's of course no guarantees it'll work with, say, a future Nexus-6 model -- we hear those might be a bit unpredictable. Press release is after the break, and you can find some additional specifics and an order button at the source link below.

Continue reading SparkFun announces $80 Electric Sheep development board for Android accessories

SparkFun announces $80 Electric Sheep development board for Android accessories originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesadkandroidboarddev kitdevelopmentdevelopment boardDevelopmentBoardDevKitdiyElectric SheepElectricSheephomebrewmobilepostcrosssparkfunWed, 16 Nov 2011 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploit discovered in Siri servers, promises cross-platform access to the foolhardy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/exploit-discovered-in-siri-servers-promises-cross-platform-acce/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/exploit-discovered-in-siri-servers-promises-cross-platform-acce/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/exploit-discovered-in-siri-servers-promises-cross-platform-acce/#comments
A few clever folk have had some fun with Siri lately, first by making it do the time warp with the Fat Mac and then by shoehorning it into an iPhone 3GS. Neither development is quite so intriguing, however, as a purported exploit that enables any device to access to Siri's remote server. While this certainly holds great potential for Siri apps on numerous platforms, the mystical floodgates to the masses are unlikely to open any time soon. You see, the hackers have since learned that for seamless communication to take place, a unique identifier from an iPhone 4S must be provided to the mothership in Cupertino. While it's certainly feasible to spoof these bits from an existing device, it's also likely that Apple would simply blacklist any "unique" identifiers submitted en masse. In other words, unless you have a very trusting friend who's willing to risk her handset join the naughty list, your best bet is to purchase an iPhone 4S -- simply for the identifier alone. At any rate, it seems like a steep price to find a locksmith.

Exploit discovered in Siri servers, promises cross-platform access to the foolhardy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applediyexploitexploitshackhackedhackinghacksiosios 5Ios5iphone 4sIphone4smobilepostcrosssirismartphonesmartphonesMon, 14 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/add-lasers-to-a-tennis-ball-drive-your-dog-crazy-video/#comments
It's a "programmable disco ball," a "cat toy for humans," and a "personal laser light show," all rolled into one. That's how one Matt Leone describes his latest creation, aptly known as the Laser Ball. To realize his dream, Leone drilled a set of holes into a garden variety tennis ball, and inserted about 14 laser diodes, each with an attached strip of diffraction grating. Said diodes were then synced up with an Arduino-equipped Teensy microcontroller nestled within the ball, alongside a rechargeable battery. As a cherry on top of this DIY sundae, Leone then incorporated an infrared remote package from Adafruit, allowing him to remotely jump start his next house party. The result is a cyborg-like ball that makes any LED cube look... square. Check it out for yourself, in the video after the break.

Continue reading Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video)

Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitarduinoDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfinfraredIRlaserLaser Balllaser diodeLaserBallLaserDiodematt leoneMattLeonemicro controllerMicroControllerremote controlRemoteControlTeensytennis ballTennisBallvideoMon, 14 Nov 2011 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[VIA offers $89 processor and motherboard combo for custom HTPCs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/via-offers-89-processor-and-motherboard-combo-for-custom-htpcs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/via-offers-89-processor-and-motherboard-combo-for-custom-htpcs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/via-offers-89-processor-and-motherboard-combo-for-custom-htpcs/#comments If you're looking to craft a small form factor HTPC to an equally small budget, then VIA's own-brand internals deserve some serious consideration. The company's 1.4GHz dual-core Nano X2 CPU was recently put to good effect in Zotac's ZBOX Nano VD01 and is now available as part of a DIY combo called the VE-900, which puts the processor on a compact mini-ITX motherboard alongside a VX900 dedicated media accelerator for smooth video handling up to 1080p. The board has a single PCI slot, room for up to 8GB of DDR3, two SATA pin headers and four USB 2.0 ports. The rear panel adds to this with HDMI and VGA video outs, three analog audio jacks, Gigabit LAN, four more USB 2.0 ports and other standard fare -- but alas, it seems that the $89 price tag won't fetch you digital audio outs or USB 3.0. You'll find a full PR and promo video after the break, plus some Nano X2 benchmarks at the More Coverage link.

Continue reading VIA offers $89 processor and motherboard combo for custom HTPCs

VIA offers $89 processor and motherboard combo for custom HTPCs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecombocomedycustomcustom-builtDIYhdpostcrossHTPCmedia system processorMediaSystemProcessormini-itxmotherboardnano x2NanoX2VIAvia nano x2VIA VE-900VIA VE900via vx900via vx900 media system processorViaNanoX2ViaVe-900ViaVe900ViaVx900ViaVx900MediaSystemProcessorvideovx900Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai Science and Technology Commission proposes 100 'innovation houses' for DIYers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/12/shanghai-science-and-technology-commission-proposes-100-innovat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/12/shanghai-science-and-technology-commission-proposes-100-innovat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/12/shanghai-science-and-technology-commission-proposes-100-innovat/#comments Shanghai Hackerspace Here we call them hackerspaces and generally they're sustained through the contributions of paying members. The Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality has decided to go with the more esoteric "innovation house" and is expecting support from the government, but the concept is the same -- a pubic place where those with an idea can go and make it a reality. The commission is proposing building 100 such studios equipped with wood and metal lathes, drills, saws and milling machines. Shanghai may be a sprawling city of over 23 million (the largest in the world), but if even just half of those hackerspaces are eventually constructed it would have one studio for every 460,000 citizens and become one of the most DIY-friendly metropolises in the world. By comparison, New York City's roughly 8 million residents share just eight.

Shanghai Science and Technology Commission proposes 100 'innovation houses' for DIYers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaDIYgovernmenthacker spacehacker spacesHackerSpaceHackerSpacesinnovation houseinnovation housesInnovationHouseInnovationHousesScience and Technology Commission of Shanghai MunicipalityScienceAndTechnologyCommissionOfShanghaiMunicipalityshanghaiSTCSMSat, 12 Nov 2011 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Digidrench whets our appetite for water-based Arduino adventures (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/digidrench-whets-our-appetite-for-water-based-arduino-adventures/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/digidrench-whets-our-appetite-for-water-based-arduino-adventures/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/digidrench-whets-our-appetite-for-water-based-arduino-adventures/#comments

Wondering what you get when you mix an Arduino kit with some food coloring and plenty of water? Well, the Digidrench team came up with the concept of developing a media controller that mimics the flow of water in and out of three separate containers. The pay-off? Seeing three of the team get coated in a brightly colored mess. An Arduino kit is connected to a sensor that gauges the amount of water in the tanks and transmits the watery action to a corresponding video slice. Take the water out, and the deluge reverses. Pour faster, and the test subjects get poured on faster. Pour slowly and, well, you get it. You can laugh at their cheerfully colored misery right after the break.

Continue reading Digidrench whets our appetite for water-based Arduino adventures (video)

Digidrench whets our appetite for water-based Arduino adventures (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoarduino kitArduinoKitconceptdigidrenchDIYdrenchfood coloringFoodColoringmedia controllerMediaControllervideowaterwater sensorWaterSensorThu, 10 Nov 2011 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY unmanned airship soars 95,000 feet above Earth, lays claim to new record (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/diy-unmanned-airship-soars-95-000-feet-above-earth-lays-claim-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/diy-unmanned-airship-soars-95-000-feet-above-earth-lays-claim-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/02/diy-unmanned-airship-soars-95-000-feet-above-earth-lays-claim-t/#comments
Are you entertaining dreams of launching your own private spacecraft? All you need is about 30 grand in your bank account, and lots of spare time. Last weekend, a company called JP Aerospace sent its unmanned Tandem airship 95,085 feet above the ground -- a height that, according to the company, establishes a new record for remotely controlled airships. In fact, JP Aerospace says this altitude is a full four miles higher than any other airship has ever flown. To pull this off, the team strapped its 30-foot-long aircraft with two balloons, and packed it with a pair of electric motors that manipulated the Tandem's specially designed propellers. It's a relatively simple method, and one that didn't exactly break the bank, either. All told, it took about five years and some $30,000 to launch the aircraft, as part of the company's Airship to Orbit project. The long-term goal is to use the Tandem or similar airships as a launch pad for rockets or other interstellar aircraft. No word yet on when that could happen, but you can float past the break for a brief video on the Tandem, coupled with a brief PR.

Continue reading DIY unmanned airship soars 95,000 feet above Earth, lays claim to new record (video)

DIY unmanned airship soars 95,000 feet above Earth, lays claim to new record (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerospaceaircraftairshipairship to orbitAirshipToOrbitaltitudeDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfflightJP AerospaceJpAerospacelaunchlaunch platformLaunchPlatformprivate spaceflightPrivateSpaceflightrecordspacespace flightSpaceFlighttandemunmannedunmanned aircraftunmanned airshipUnmannedAircraftUnmannedAirshipvideoworld recordWorldRecordWed, 02 Nov 2011 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Tweephone is a rotary phone Twitter client, even your grandma could love]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/tweephone-is-a-rotary-phone-twitter-client-even-your-grandma-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/tweephone-is-a-rotary-phone-twitter-client-even-your-grandma-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/tweephone-is-a-rotary-phone-twitter-client-even-your-grandma-co/#comments Tweephone The collectives behind the Tweephone, UP digital Bureau and Unteleported tech agency, claim that it's the first analog Twitter client. We find that hard to believe but, while we've seen rotary phone-based Twitter tools before and analog meters that measure microblogging activity, we couldn't come up with a single example of a client that lets you punch in messages through non-digital means. Even if it's not the first of its kind, the Tweephone is still a pretty neat hack. Inside the old-school chassis is the ubiquitous Arduino, which interprets your pulls of the dial as letters. Like a phone with only a dial pad, you'll have to ring up numbers multiple times to get the right letter (i.e. dial "2" three times to get a "c"). It definitely not the most efficient method for sending out 140-character missives, but certainly one of the more unique. Check out the video after the break to see it in action.

Continue reading Tweephone is a rotary phone Twitter client, even your grandma could love

Tweephone is a rotary phone Twitter client, even your grandma could love originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analoganalog twitter clientAnalogTwitterClientarduinoDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfrotaryrotary phoneRotaryPhonetweephonetwitterunteleported tech agencyUnteleportedTechAgencyUP digital bureauUpDigitalBureauvideoTue, 01 Nov 2011 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY wrist-mounted crossbow gets you one step closer to being a super hero (or villain)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/diy-wrist-mounted-crossbow-gets-you-one-step-closer-to-being-a-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/diy-wrist-mounted-crossbow-gets-you-one-step-closer-to-being-a-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/diy-wrist-mounted-crossbow-gets-you-one-step-closer-to-being-a-s/#comments DIY Wrist-mounted Crossbow When it comes to all things DIY we tend to be drawn in by odd, internet-connected esoterica and Arduino-powered beer distributors. But, we won't lie, nothing gets us going like a home-crafted instrument of destruction. And, in that vein, may we present you with the wrist-mounted crossbow from homebrew weapon artisan Patrick Priebe. Usually Priebe sticks with lasers but, for this project, he went old school -- as in medieval. The bolt firing wristband isn't without its modern accouterments, though -- a pair of AA batteries and toggle switch are hidden in the palm which power a laser sight for better targeting. We won't waste any more of your time, everything you want to see is contained in the video after the break.

Continue reading DIY wrist-mounted crossbow gets you one step closer to being a super hero (or villain)

DIY wrist-mounted crossbow gets you one step closer to being a super hero (or villain) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossbowcrossbowsDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfpatrick priebePatrickPriebeweaponweaponswrist-mountedwrist-mounted crossbowWrist-mountedCrossbowTue, 01 Nov 2011 17:52:00 EST