Here’s a 3D version of one of the pixel ducks from Duck Hunt someone made – The Maker designed in 3D Studio Max and then contructed it out of a ton of wood blocks: Blocks used in 3D model: 1785, Blocks used in build: 1240, Approximate Weight: 17-20 ilbs, Length: 24″, Width: 17.25″, Height: 21″ Approximate Number of Hours to Create: 35-40. [via] Link.
We’ve covered the PEZ MP3 story for many months, and today (iPod day it seems) comes news of Patrick’s PEZ MP3 player! This may be stating the obvious, but this player has one feature that no other MP3 player can claim. It looks like a PEZ dispenser. In fact, it looks a lot like a PEZ dispenser. But, look a little closer and you will see where the headphones plug in, you will see a small play button. Pull on the toes and you will open up a battery door. I wanted the PEZ MP3 player to be as true to the PEZ dispenser as possible and still be an easy to use, inexpensive MP3 player. Link.
I downloaded the new iTunes and as far as I can tell it will be able to put videos from a podcast feed (RSS 2.0, video blogs, vlogs…) on an iPod. While I don’t have a new iPod yet, it does list movies I’ve sent via MAKE’s podcast feed, so it looks like we might be able to deliver our own TV-like content without paying the $1.99 per video. Oh, exporting a video for iPod in Quicktime 7 worked fine. Link.
Apple posted a HOW TO on getting videos on a new video iPod – With QuickTime 7 Pro, you can create your own videos that will play on the new iPod. Already have great home movies you want to play on your iPod? No problem. QuickTime 7 Pro helps you easily convert them to a format that iPod understands. Just follow these easy instructions and you’ll be watching your own video on your iPod in no time. Link.
Rumors were correct, a video playing iPod is here. While you could do this with iPod Linux (see our HOW TO) – Apple will provide videos in iTunes for fee/free. I’m curious if people will be able to convert their DVDs through iTunes, Apple could just add the iTunes DRM on the files. But for now, I think we can look forward to a couple HOW TOs on getting the content you already own or have recorded on these new iPods when they come out. Link. Apple also released new iMacs with built in sight and a remote too.
Doug writes “Caught this program on BBC2 in the UK last night, unfortunately information is scarce on the web “two mechanically minded families will go head-to-head designing and constructing mind-blowing inventions – using only the materials they have in their house!”. Last night the teams had to make a beer chilling and dispensing system and a contraption to smash crockery. Donor items from their houses included piping from central heating systems, living room door, cement mixer, kettle, microwave and a car to name only a few. A must watch for all the UK makers out there. Link.
Make pal Zach has a great resource for building things “We are a non-profit school dedicated to teaching kids and adults about electronics, robotics, and general building of cool stuff. In just a few weeks we are holding a four week class entitled “Making Stuff with Stuff”. It’s a mixture of materials science and practical techniques for designing and prototyping. We also have classes in electronics prototyping and programming microcontrollers. All the info is on our website” – Link.
