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Build your own multi-touch sensitive surface

I remember Jeff Han‘s talk on TED, introducing to the crowd his stunning demo of a multi-touch and multi-user screen interface. It was the first time I had heard of such screens and naturally, my first thought was: Minority Report has finally arrived. The technology is already being commercialized and we start witnessing the emergence of products using these new interfaces, such as Microsoft Surface or even the iPhone with it’s two fingers multi-touch. For those who are unfamiliar with multi-touch I added a link to Han’s demo.

Although, this technology did seem quite complex to me at first, I discovered that a few people were already trying to build their very own surfaces at home. Information about such projects is somewhat scarce but I’ve found a video I thought was most helpful and self explanatory. What is missing in the video is the rear projection mechanism that normally projects the computer screen back on the multi-touch surface. To clarify such aspects, not encompassed in the movie, I’ve also included a link to a step by step explanation on how to build the complete multi-touch screen. I wasn’t able to verify the validity of certain links to the required software, so if you think you can help please dont hesitate.

In the meantime, enjoy the show…

Bluetooth headsets for motorcycle riders

Riding a motorcycle myself, I am aware of the desire to make and receive calls on the bike. Every once in a while, we receive a call while riding and are unable to answer it when we would like to. In fact, actually answering is sometimes dangerous and not always possible, so having a good headset on your helmet would help.

Benchmark Helmets design helmets and accessories for motorcycle riders. They have helmets with built-in Bluetooth connectivity with your cell phones, and attachments to most other helmets. These products grant the ability to talk on your cell, listen to MP3s, and hear your GPS directions while riding. Since we are in need of hands-free communication, voice dial is also available.

The Sony PSP Slim is now available in Europe

Sony released its newly improved PSP Slim in Europe, shortly after its North American launch.

Besides remaining an attractive portable game console, the PSP has improved on its predecessor. This new system has enhanced WiFi connectivity and quicker loading times for games and movies. It has a brighter screen, more internal memory (from 32 to 64MB), and two-thirds of the weight. In addition, there is a video-out port to connect it to a Television for your home viewing of movies and pictures. A few things were relocated, such as: the stereo speakers, WiFi switch, and the external memory slot. And lastly, the infra-red was removed.

If any of you got your hands on these new Slims, let us know how you feel about them.

Picture by shadowkris (Creative Commons)

Build a laptop station above your bed yourself

We all dream of working from bed, emailing friends or clients without having to get up, or maybe even watching Youtube while still under the sheets. For that, a laptop station that hangs above your bed can help. A step by step guide to do it yourself may be found here. By an easy glide, you can bring your computer within your reach, and move it away when in need of rest. Anyone may also use an auxiliary keyboard and mouse (preferably wireless) and have even more freedom. This will also prevent a lack of blood flow.

The video below shows the amazing final project and its creative mobility. I wish I’d done this project during my college years. Well, now you can do it yourself. Have fun!

Via: Instructables

IPhone surviving the ultimate scratch & crash test

When I first removed my new black video iPod out of the box, I couldn’t help wondering at the elegance of the design and the nobility of the materials used by Apple. Nevertheless, such beauty comes with a high purchasing price and maintenance risk, and I realized that my investment needed protection. Thus, before even switching on my newly acquired device, I ran to the nearest computer shop and purchased a silicon case with a plastic front shield, the one that seemed the most resistant. Although I was happy I’d be able to keep my iPod shiny and scratch free for a prolonged period of time, I also realized the absurdity of the situation. While preserving the aesthetic look of my iPod, I was taking away the very sight of it’s beauty. In fact, I wasn’t any different from those people who wrap up their remote controls or their furniture with nasty plastic sheets to keep them safe from wear and tear.

A couple of years later, when I watched Apple’s Keynote and the iPhone’s introduction, I thought the problem is here to stay. This time it was even worse because the whole front side is a touch screen. Since the new device is a phone, it would be confronted to increased usage inside pockets or handbags. Apparently, as the video below reveals, Apple has finally decoded the curse that lies upon external beauty. They understood that beauty deteriorates when exposed but its essence is to be seen. As a matter of fact, iPhone customers will enjoy a screen that is
scratch free and a phone that is crash proof.

This time I won’t need to rush to the shops to buy the latest iPhone casing.
Check out the video (by PC World)  to see for yourself.


Is this beautiful or blasphemous?

What is wrong with the picture below? Is it that an Apple iPod is connected to a Microsoft Xbox 360. or the other way around?

Perhaps it is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Picture by /maple (Creative Commons)

How To Break Your Computer

Always a fun one to watch!

Easily charge your electronics from your plane seat, actually the headphone jack

Inflight Power have miniature charging boxes that attach to the plane headphone jack. In turn, they can power your portable electronics, such as: media players, cell phones, PDAs, game players, and more. Unfortunately it will not charge big devices such as a laptop. The different products are shown here. How many times has your iPod or other music players ran out of power in the middle of your flight? or has your Sony PSP ever lost its power while it was so required? These little boxes would help at a time like that.

Via: Lifehacker

Price protection for iPhone with American Express

Early iPhone customers hear this:

If you purchased your iPhone using an American Express with the price protection plan, you are entitled for the entire $200. American Express is aware of this.

Just call their return number of 800-297-8019 and mention the subject. As long as your purchase date been under the 90 day limit, you are good to go. By the way, the iPhone was released less than 90 days ago, so we are ok.

I must admit, this is awesome.

Via: Gizmodo

Picture by antinous0283

Fight global warming from your desktop

LocalcoolingWe have all heard about global warming and its threat. As good individuals, I guess we all have the same question: What can we do to help? Well, now there’s a way to fight global warming right from your desktop.

Localcooling is a free desktop application that lets you manage your PC’s energy usage. One hour after installing it, I had already saved .001 Trees, .011 Gallons of water and .024 KWh of energy. Not bad for one hour. The program tracks your usage, analyzes it and gives back detailed reports. Besides helping you fight against global warming, this free application will reduce your energy bill dramatically. For now this only works on a Windows Operating Systems.

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