Month: January 2006

Virtual world…coming to Linux

SlCory Linden with some details on the Linux version of Second Life previewed at 22C3, the Chaos Communications Congress hosted by Germany’s Chaos Computer Club in Berlin. “What made this talk especially exciting was that it was the first public showing of the Second Life client on Linux. On a laptop that arrived the day before leaving. With a version of the client that Icculus’ finished while I was waiting to board my flight our of SFO. With an ATI card.” Link. One step closer to having an embedded /appliance like VR device. And lastly, don’t forget to visit our area in world and try out a 3D version of MAKE.

Make your own imitation Floam…

Make your own imitation Floam…

FloamEllen writes “Children have been clamoring for Floam, a micro-beaded modeling clay that has been heavily and attractively advertised. Unfortunately, people who have ordered Floam report long delays and deceptive business practices. Instead, make your own Floamâ„¢-like clay in whatever quantities and colors you like. We found several anonymous recipes online. My husband Keith Golden tried three different recipes, then refined the best one. The result is virtually identical to Floamâ„¢ (except for smelling better).” Link.

The Origami PC

The Origami PC

Notepc Not CompleteEric writes “Tomohiro Tachi designs complex technical origami works- check out this design for a complete laptop PC, folded from one sheet of paper! He has a partially completed example shown on his site, as well as the full crease pattern to fold it. the attention to detail is mind-boggling; even down to the individual slots and shapes for the jacks on the sides of the laptop. It’s the best “geek” origami I have ever seen to date.” Link.

New LEGO MINDSTORMS!

New LEGO MINDSTORMS!

Lego Mindstorms News 2GoRobotics writes “LEGO is finally rehauling it’s Mindstorms kit. At the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January, LEGO Group announced LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, a new system that redefines the consumer robotics category which the company created in 1998. Robot Magazine has pictures and video. Press release here. My summary is here. Link to Robot magazine. Best feature? Download programs via Bluetooth! UPDATE: Wired has a preview of their cover story for next month about this [via] here.

Sony’s new eBook reader at CES…

Sony’s new eBook reader at CES…

0104Sonyebook 400X403Remeber when we posted about a new Sony eBook reader? Here’s a photo of the new Sony eBook (e-Ink) reader “The Sony Reader, an eBook device with electronic-ink technology created by E Ink. It’s similar to the Librie product previously distributed in Japan.” Link. I have a feeling that it might be a better idea to eBay one, mod it and then make your own books (HOW TO here) but I’m going to stay cautiously optimistic that the book purchasing might not be as dead on arrival as the previous version.

HOW TO – Make a RFID-Zapper

HOW TO – Make a RFID-Zapper

180Px-22C3 Mahajivana Img 0430 360X240The RFID-Zapper is a gadget to deactivate (i.e. destroy) passive RFID-Tags permanently. The development-team presently consists of two people. Goals are a proof-of-concept and the construction of at least one functioning and appealing prototype, as well as a documentation of the project, so that everyone can build an own RFID-Zapper. Thanks John! [via] Link.