trebuchet
Latest
Nexus Q hacked to launch apps, gets remote control web app
So, that first round of Nexus Q hacks? Impressive in terms of turn around time, not so much when functionality is your primary metric. But, a couple of weeks with the gorgeous, if questionably useful device, has started to produce some truly exciting results. The one that has our tinkering fingers itching most, puts a launcher and apps right at your finger tips... well, mouse pointer. The hack is hardly for the meek but, if you're already in possession of a Nexus Q, we're sure pushing a few .apks via adb won't unsettle you too much. The solution is far from perfect, but the Android foundation is able to recognize keyboards and mice it seems without issue. What really makes this a great hack, of course, is the ability to install apps like Netflix and Angry Birds finally freeing the Q from its arguably artificial shackles. If you're looking for something a little less involved (and decidedly less cool) there's also QRemote, an .apk you can push to your Q that lets you control it via a web browser. It doesn't expose any additional functionality, but at least it lets you skip tracks from your PC or other non-Jelly Bean device. You can see both in action after the break, and all the relevant files and accompanying instructions live at the source links.
ArcheAge explores the possibilities of an open world in a new video
Who would have thought that something as mundane as tractors could get us so excited? And yet ArcheAge does exactly that, as a new video from the closed beta shows off the latest model of drivable tractors, useful in both field irrigation and cargo hauling. Players are shown spraying down fields with a forward-facing nozzle, resulting in the quick growth of plants. In addition to the zen and art of tractor pulling, this video briefly highlights several other aspects of this gorgeous game. It illuminates the creation and use of a trebuchet in castle sieges, underwater exploration, housing decorations, and painstakingly animated dragon-lion mounts. While the video may not be in English, it's still a drop of cool water in the mouths of fans thirsty for this upcoming MMO. You can check out all of the lush goodness after the break. [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]
CM9 launcher available in alpha, ROM flashers tweak in anticipation
January's right around the corner and with the promise of a new year comes the anticipated release of CM9. So, to whet those ROM-flashing appetites, the CyanogenMod team's made an alpha of its Trebuchet launcher available as an .apk and .zip file over on XDA, bringing with it the ability to customize the number of homescreens, resize widgets and sort the app drawer, amongst other planned features. As is the nature of Android's underbelly, you'll need to have your device rooted, as well as running 4.0.3 in order to take part. And if you do decide to take the plunge, remember this is far from the final build, so things are bound to get buggy. Check out the source below to preview the ICS goods.
The Game Archaeologist uncovers Shadowbane: Talking with Josef Hall and Todd Coleman, part 2
Don't miss the first part of this interview with the makers of Shadowbane, which we posted last week! And now for the thrilling conclusion... The Game Archaeologist: What was the reason behind the free-to-play switch in 2006? Did this help the game's population any? Josef Hall: Todd and I left Wolfpack shortly after it was acquired by Ubisoft, so we don't really have insight into the decision-making process behind the switch. Todd Coleman: From what I have heard, it had a very positive impact on the size of the player population -- but yeah, I have no idea what it meant to the game monetarily.
Blocklets' Arduino-powered trebuchet could be your cat's worst nightmare (video)
We don't do a whole lot of reporting on ancient weaponry here, because, well, it's a little dated -- but throw in an Arduino and a servo, and you've got our attention. Take, for example, this miniaturized trebuchet. Constructed from a series of click-in-place pieces known as Blocklets, the little launcher is basically a standalone slingshot. With the addition of the aforementioned components, however, it becomes a motorized annoyance for anyone and anything that stands in its way. The folks behind the tiny trebuchet tested its capabilities against a sculpture similarly built from Blocklets, but we prefer the challenge of a moving target. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait to get all medieval with this thing, as Blockets haven't quite made it out of the funding stage yet.
Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, pie in the eye version
It seems Samsung has abandoned traditional methods to advertise its new Ultra handset line and decided instead to let the engineers loose to build trebuchets that fire 2 millimeter wide pies at flying insects. While no bees / wasps were harmed in the filming of the "Millimetres Matter" spot -- they apparently enjoyed cleaning up the sticky mess -- we really have to wonder why (aside from "because they can") they started this campaign, as it is almost hard to watch. With all that aside, the photography and super slow-mo is top shelf stuff, so check the vid after the break.[Via makezine.com]
