Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, May 19, 2008

New Arduino Nano: DIY Electronics in Gum-Sized Board [DIY]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/293396179/new-arduino-nano-diy-electronics-in-gum+sized-board

We've shown you lots of weird and wonderful gizmos that DIY electronics fans have made using the powerful Arduino board, and now there's a new option: the Nano. It's not very much bigger than a stick of gum, and comes with full USB support and almost the same functionality as the bigger Diecimila board: immediately I start to think of the potential uses that makers will put this to. Its diminutive size means it'll fit in more pocketable devices, I suspect. Available in June for $44.95. [Makezine via Crunchgear]

Sunday, May 18, 2008

FCC Filing Teases WiMAX Option for Future Apple MacBooks [Apple]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/292560437/fcc-filing-teases-wimax-option-for-future-apple-macbooks

A new FCC filing for an Intel 5350 WiFi/WiMAX combo card that fits into Mini PCI Express slots is probably the best evidence yet for future WiMAX functionality in Apple MacBooks, but it's still far from a confirmation. The bottom line is that with the new card, the WiMAX option officially exists for MacBooks, but as of yet there are no drivers written that would allow it to work with Apple's line of laptops. You could actually hack your laptop and plug the card in just fine as it is now, but without the drivers (which do exist for Windows), it's pretty useless. That said, the drivers—especially with Intel Macs—are a mere Leopard update or MacBook redesign away. [FCC Filing via ComputerWorld]

Planika Fires Lets You Stoke the Flames Without the Smoke [Yeah, Baby]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/292930918/planika-fires-lets-you-stoke-the-flames-without-the-smoke

Nothing screams impeccable taste like having a fireplace in the middle of your coffee table and now, thanks to Planika Fires, you can keep the flames roaring without worrying about smoke or soot. The company makes the magic happen using a proprietary liquid biofuel called Fanola, which burns completely smoke and smell free.

Fanola, the company says, is a biologically clean product which emits nothing but water vapor and CO2. Heating inserts ensure that the only thing burning in your shag pad, besides the fireplace, will be the flames of love. The fireplace technology comes in a variety of designs, so you can mix and match with every piece of Ikea furniture ever created.

Pricing info was not available, but can you really put a price on staying classy? [Planika Fires via greenupgrader]

HTC Touch Diamond unboxed, packaging worthy of the phone

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/291758675/

Filed under: Cellphones

Nothing new to report on the Touch Diamond's tech here, but wow, look how fun the box is! Of course, we know you're all waiting to see what they stuffed in the wedge-shaped package, and the answer is a charger, headset, USB cable, a manual or two, and the software. The charger appears to be a universal job with a swappable plug for travel, and the headset a typical example of an HTC pack-in -- albeit with a dash of fun and angular design. Hit the link for the pics.

[Thanks, SlashPhone]

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Salling's interactive window tech is interactive

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/292887929/

Filed under: Displays

We've seen all sorts hip-cool interactive window installations, usually comprised of a camera for a modicum of interactivity and a projector or a display for screening the results. The Salling store in Arhus, Denmark is taking things a bit further and making the window itself interactive. There's still a camera to sense motion, but instead of a display there's some fancy window tech that makes sections of the glass transparent or not based on where the person is standing. Sure, the idea of having to walk up to a window and wave your arms around to reveal what's behind it might seem a bit counter-intuitive, but at least it'll give the loiterers something to do. Video is after the break.

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