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Although this is a pretty old hack, we still like it because of its simplicity. This maker decided to put IKEA furniture to good use and build a PC mod out of a glass-top coffee table. Also check out the chair with a console embedded inside at the link below. make your own ikea video game furniture Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in Computers | Digg this! Read More

Jun 12, 20080

Traditional Chinese instruments played by robots

Keywords: 2008, blog, computer, os

Simon writes in about his robot that plays a traditional Chinese Dulcimer. It is controlled by (2) Arduinos, which receive data via motion controllers and soil sensors. Yep, plants have a say in how the instrument is played!

It’s an interactive musical installation called “Three Pieces”, that’s our attempt to create something in keeping with the natural environment of the beautifully restored Victorian Palm House in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. Rather than use computers and a PA, we decided to try and build something completely acoustic. In the end, we’ve got a traditional Chinese dulcimer and 12 chimes spread throughout the plants and foliage of the Palm House. The instruments are played robotically, controlled by two Arduinos.

LEGO Turing machine

Keywords: 2008, access, blog, computer, download, mac, microsoft, os, web

Turing Top
Turing Middle
Turing Bottom
Here’s a great LEGO based Turing machine, Denis writes -

I chose to implement in Lego a slightly different version of the original Turing machine. Instead of having a bi directional tape, it uses a stack. When the symbol beneath the stack is read (and removed), the machine changes “states” and can add zero, one or two symbols on top of the stack.

This variation is maybe very different yet it is possible to show that this simple machine has the same capabilities than a Turing machine. Among other things, it can emulate a Turing machine placed on the stack.

I programmed a small interface (through an Access database so Microsoft Access must be installed on your computer) to enter an test simple Automaton With Append (AWA or AAA in French). Follow this link to download the demo: AAA.zip.

One reason to build the automaton with append instead of the original Turing machine was that I avoided building a bi directional (near) infinite tape.

Data Deluge and a Startup’s Glassdoor

Keywords: 2008, blog, blogspot, computer, google, hardware, information, internet, office, online, opera, os, source, web, wordpress, xp

These days, we are deluged with data, and as a result we’re confusing noise with information, and information with useful information. But what many companies fail to realize is that what matters is what you do with that data — and as a result, they are missing out on a tremendous opportunity.

Yesterday was one of those days when I was dragging my feet, mostly because I stayed up way past my bedtime for the launch of NewTeeVee Station and then woke up at my usual time — before sunrise. The foggy state of my brain reinforced how necessary sleep is for connecting the dots and being productive. With the sun shining brightly, a walk along the Embarcadero to the office seemed like the perfect antidote. As Celine Roque writes on WebWorkerDaily, “Being exposed to ... Read More

Jun 12, 20080

Melting down your data

Keywords: 2008, blog, computer, os

If you’ve read any of the scary articles or seen segments on TV news magazines about ID theft and data piracy, you know that, somewhere in some heavy-metal-polluted shanty town on the south China coast, someone might be scanning a hard drive you threw out years ago, looking for marketable data before they boil out the metals in fuming drum vats.

So, what do you do? Here’s one extreme solution (if you have a crucible and furnace handy): drive slagging.

Recover This! [via]

If you've read any of the scary articles or seen segments on TV news magazines about ID theft and data piracy, you know that, somewhere in some heavy-metal-polluted shanty town on the south China coast, someone might be scanning a hard drive you threw out years ago, looking for marketable data before they boil out the metals in fuming drum vats. So, what do you do? Here's one extreme solution (if you have a crucible and furnace handy): drive slagging. Recover This! ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

A Sneak Peek at Spore, EA’s Ultra-Web 2.0 Game

Keywords: 2008, access, blog, computer, design, games, mac, office, os, release, software, source, web, web 2.0, wordpress, xp

I finally understand why Spore has been delayed for so long. Originally expected for a 2007 release, the simulated evolution game from Electronic Arts (ERTS) studio Maxis was suddenly withheld, much to EA’s chagrin. Maxis head Will Wright explained the delay, saying that the company wanted to make the follow-up to its wildly successful […]

I finally understand why Spore has been delayed for so long. Originally expected for a 2007 release, the simulated evolution game from Electronic Arts (ERTS) studio Maxis was suddenly withheld, much to EA’s chagrin. Maxis head Will Wright explained the delay, saying that the company wanted to make the follow-up to its wildly successful Sims franchise more accessible. That turns out to be an understatement, as I found out yesterday at an advance press peek hosted at Maxis’ Emeryville, Calif. office. ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

Killer Tools to Get The Most Out of Your USB Thumb Drive

Keywords: computer, free, os

If you’re a freelancer, I’m pretty sure you know the importance of a USB thumb drive. At a basic level, it helps you store important data and transfer files related to your projects from one computer to another.
If you’ve only ever used your thumb drive for the entry-level tasks of storing and transferring data, it’s time to unleash the hidden potential of this tiny device.

If you’re a freelancer, I’m pretty sure you know the importance of a USB thumb drive. At a basic level, it helps you store important data and transfer files related to your projects from one computer to another. If you’ve only ever used your thumb drive for the entry-level tasks of storing and transferring data, it’s time to unleash the hidden potential of this tiny device. Read More

Jun 11, 20080

LED spinning globe will dazzle you

Keywords: 2008, blog, computer, os

We saw this project recently displayed at the “Evening at Maker Faire” event at the Saatchi Gallery in NYC, but here’s a link on the production of this spinning 3D screen that can display both static and video imagery in 8 bit clarity. Really nice project, and lots of great info at the link below.

Persistance-of-vision LED Sphere, [via]

We saw this project recently displayed at the "Evening at Maker Faire" event at the Saatchi Gallery in NYC, but here's a link on the production of this spinning 3D screen that can display both static and video imagery in 8 bit clarity. Really nice project, and lots of great info at the link below. Persistance-of-vision LED Sphere, [via] Read more | Permalink | Comments | Read more articles in Computers | Digg this! Read More

Jun 11, 20080

Ebay data as music

Keywords: 2008, application, blog, computer, free, os, software

Soundofebaylogo

The Sound of Ebay project generates an audio sequence from your auction history -

EBAY’S CONCEPT IS BASED ON TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BUYERS AND SELLERS – TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS, NOT CONSUMERS AND COMPANIES. THE EBAY-GENERATOR SOFTWARE REFLECTS THIS CONCEPT IN A WAY THAT IT DOES NOT ONLY GENERATE YOUR FREE PERSONAL SONG, THE GENERATOR ITSELF SHALL BECOME A FREE APPLICATION THAT ANY USER CAN INSTALL ON HER/HIS COMPUTER TO PRODUCE AN ENDLESS STREAM OF BUBBLING EBAY-GROOVES.

(fyi - In addition to a lot of capitalization, the site features some NSFW pixel-art) - The Sound of Ebay [via Boing Boing]