EspressoMachine
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TextSpresso machine brews caffeinated goodness via text messaging (video)
The folks at Zipwhip may have unwittingly discovered a new business model. While the company is primarily focused on cloud messaging services, it's recently created an espresso maker that allows employees to whip up custom brews from the comfort of their mobile phone. Known as TextSpresso, it's based on the Jura Impressa XS90, but unlike the retail model, the machine accepts orders via SMS. As if that weren't enough, it's part of a larger system that's capable of printing employee names onto the foam (using edible ink) and then placing the drink onto a warming tray. TextSpresso is very much a custom job, but if you'd like an inside peek of the system -- complete with servo motors, an Arduino microcontroller and a retro-fitted Canon printer -- be sure to hop the break and dream of what could be.
Racespresso racing helmet / espresso machine might've been Top Gear's The Stig, after all
Turns out he survived driving off the HMS Invincible -- and didn't spill a single drop. The suped-up Jaguar? Still not so lucky.
NES gamepad-controlled espresso machine
We've touted the benefits of espresso machine modding in the past, but Tim Herzel has taken the dark art to even geekier caffeine-fueled heights with his latest contraption, an espresso machine controllable by an NES gamepad. That bit of retro engineering alone would be enough to get our attention, but the machine (a Rancilio Silvia number) has also been outfitted with an array of other "improvements," including the ever-present PIC microcontroller, a 20 character VFD display, three zero-crossing solid state relays, an IC thermometer, and a laser cut acrylic top to put all that hard work on display. Not present, unfortunately, is an actual NES embedded in the machine to let you squeeze in a bout of Punch-Out!! while you wait for your brew, though maybe we can convince our pal Ben Heckendorn to hook us up with that feature.[Via MAKE:Blog]
