Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

DIYer uses mountain bike to pedal around Google Earth

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293946601/

Not quite sure what's up with the recent influx of bicycle-related DIY jobs, but nevertheless, we've another one on our hands here with Mike's Flying Bike. Essentially, Mike utilized a SunSPOT as well as a plethora of other sensors in order to modify his mountain bike for use as a Google Earth controller. In ET-like fashion, he's now able to pedal around various locations in the world, simultaneously burning through excess calories, opening his mind to new locales and monumentally inflating his ego. If you've got seven minutes to spare, you can check this thing out in action just beyond the break.

[Via Google Earth Blog, thanks Roger]

Continue reading DIYer uses mountain bike to pedal around Google Earth

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Roku reveals first Netflix set-top-box, reviews flow in

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/294002573/

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Well, would you look at that? After a mildly uncomfortable wait, the very first Netflix set-top-box has landed (the Xbox 360 with plug-ins notwithstanding). Thanks to Roku, users can finally tap into (a portion of) the Netflix library without having to wait for physical discs to arrive -- and for just $99.99, no less (though unlimited access to online films still requires an $8.95 or higher monthly fee for the traditional service). Better still, the HDD-less Netflix Player can even utilize a wireless signal to pull in streams, though your miles may vary on actual performance. As for ports, you'll find HDMI, component, composite, Ethernet, S-Video and a Toslink optical audio jack. Initial reports are looking pretty positive from here (save for the glaring lack of HD support), but feel free to dig into the reviews below to get a better feel of what this box really has to offer.

Read - Roku Netflix Player officially introduced
Read - PCMag review (4 out of 5)
Read - CNET review (7.7 out of 10)
Read - Wired review ("...just shy of totally amazing.")

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Monday, May 19, 2008

Turn a Hallmark Music Card into a Cereal Box Speaker [How To]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/293036254/turn-a-hallmark-music-card-into-a-cereal-box-speaker

Instructables poster Justin Seiter didn't let a slightly cheesey but expensive Hallmark card with audio go to waste. Using a glue gun, a junky set of old headphones, electrical tape, a utility knife and a mini-cereal box, he created a speaker for his iPod (or any stereo-jack-accepting device). It might not power your home theater, but it gets stereo sound from the headphone wires and might make for a geek-pride spare speaker in a bedroom or bathroom. Hit the link for full instructions on piecing your childhood breakfast favorites and throwaway electronics into modern audio accessories.

Make an iPod Speaker from a Hallmark Music Card [Instructables]

Xziex makes water out of thin air, angers Harkonnens

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293242224/

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

We don't know what's going on here exactly, but we're fairly certain they need a load of these on Arrakis, ASAP. Sure, Muad'Dib may be able to summon sandworms and lead an army of Fremen into battle, but he can't make drinkable water out of thin air, can he? That's where the Xziex comes in. Basically, this intimidating "atmospheric water generator" siphons moisture out of the air and converts it into water -- delicious, clean, healthy water. It may not actually live up to the company's claim of "The Most Exciting Product Ever," but if it does what they say, it's a pretty amazing device. Honestly, the Xziex website does cause a little concern, with its calls for readers to "lock in" their "position," and excited passages about earning potential -- but hey, who can blame them for trying to make a buck?

[Via Gearlog]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

ASOCS unveils MP100 Multicomm processor -- add LTE or mobile WiMax via software update

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/293393773/

Filed under: Cellphones

Remember how the BlackBerry Thunder (RIM's rumored touchscreen device) was said to possibly come LTE-ready? An eye-brow raiser for sure since the US networks won't deploy LTE until 2010. Nevertheless, here's how it could be done. ASOCS and Fujitsu just announced what they are calling the "world's first wireless Multicomm processor." The system-on-chip can run up to three wireless air interfaces such as GSM/EDGE/GPRS, WiFi, HD Mobile Digital TV, and GPS concurrently. Better yet, device manufacturers "using ASOCS ModemX technology can ship a single-chip mainstream MultiComms baseband solution in parallel with LTE development and later add LTE as a low-risk software upgrade." Get that? LTE or pretty much any other wireless service added via software update. Hot damn!

[Via Thumb Report]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments