Guess what? I’m using Google’s “talk” IM service right now. It’s pretty simple, just added the server in iChat, used my google username and pass and now I’m using google’s jabber server (you can add me, torrone@gmail.com). Adding the account, I needed to try connect with and without SSL, and finally me online using their server. Here’s another HOW TO – Link. UPDATE: Get the Google client with VOIP and more here! Wow!
These dolls are blank and come with markers so your kids (or anyone else) can draw their own designs, faces and more on them. They’re $40 which isn’t too bad, but I bet you could get a doll pattern and make your own DIY Draw-It-On Dolls. Could be fun for kid’s parties and such. My version might have a LCD as a head and you could draw on that… [via] Link.
It’s fireworks time! Skylighter.com has a recipe for a more powerful version of those balls that bang when you knock them together. You paint smooth rocks with a mixture that contains powdered glass, potassium chlorate, and sulfur (all disclaimers in place). Then let dry. Drop or throw the rocks, and they’ll “bounce” repeatedly with a loud explosion each time.
Link (scroll down to middle of page).
I’m hoping the author can release/post the source in another country where the law permits more fair use (Google cache is still up)….The DVD Decrypter author has announced that he has been served with an order to cease his development of DVD Decrypter. The developer has been forced to hand over all source code and the domain that he was using. It is thought that it could be Sony who have served this notice, as it is rumoured that he broke their new copyright protection within 72 hours of its release. [via] Link.
Oldie, but goodie- XboxMediaCenter is a free open source (GPL) multimedia player for the Xbox™ from Microsoft. Currently XboxMediaCenter can be used to play/view most popular video/audio/picture formats such as MPEG-1/2/4, DivX, XviD, MP3, AAC, JPG, GIF plus many more less known formats directly from a CD/DVD in Xbox DVD-ROM drive or of the Xbox harddrive, XBMC can also play files from a PC over a local network and even stream media streams directly from the internet. Link.
Sony is introducing “Sterile Burning” where owners of CDs can only burn one copy, but not copy of copies. Holding the shift key on CD insert or using a non-Windows OS will likely get around all this. The technology Sony is testing, which was developed by a UK anti-piracy firm, First4Internet, allows for copying ripped and burned tracks from a copy-protected disc to a blank CD in WMA format. The DRM on the disc remains intact and prevents the CD from being duplicated. Link.
Our TVs are safe for now! Maybe (Previous info and interview here). The Motion Picture Association of America is unlikely to push for a broadcast flag component in DTV legislation establishing a 2008 hard date because the bill’s main author, House Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX), is against the provision. Meanwhile, the MPAA will keep briefing House and Senate members on a broadcast flag bill’s importance and seek other ways to get the content protections it wants. [via] Link.
