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Archive: Computers
May 8, 2008
OS X overlapping gif screensaver hack
Bennett Williamson at FATLAB writes:
The default Mac OS X (I'm on version 10.4.11) screensaver picture slideshow function can read an alpha channel in a .gif file. That is to say, as the slideshow plays your images, a .gif with an alpha channel will appear to be "on top" of the previous image, and as the slideshow goes on, the .gifs will continue to "layer" on until an image of a different format is displayed, which has a default white or black background.
Take advantage of the randomizing function to create some home-made screensaver machinima art! The animation above is a sample implementation: The NEW Office Party Screensaver from FATLAB.
In the spirit of Men of the Internet, this screensaver is a series of carefully-sliced 800×600 .gifs, sourced from the faces of the hardest working local board members, regional vice presidents, administrative assistants, and other fruitful regular-dude-generating search terms on the internet. The .gifs layer over one another to hybridize these generic gentlemen into a randomly-generated ultimate budget-balancing force of suits.
Folder of gifs and screen saver configurations settings included.
Posted by Becky Stern |
May 8, 2008 09:00 PM
Computers, Imaging |
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May 7, 2008
Max 5 software released
If you've been put off by the complexity of the Max/MSP multimedia development software in the past, you might want to give the new version a looksee. The developers have given the software a pretty major overhaul, visually simplifying much of the interface. - Max 5
Of course, the $495 price tag still remains an obstacle for most of us - there's always Pure Data as a free alternative for your next interactive art installation.
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
May 7, 2008 03:00 PM
Computers |
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Access the web via physical RFID icons
As John Park puts it: "I took the whole art of double-clicking on an icon and made it really complicated and brought it into the physical world." He made a conveyor belt that has an RFID reader underneath. When you place a wooden icon tile for a website (which has an RFID tag on it), it brings up that page on your web browser. Obviously, this is not the likely application for such tech, but it's a cool proof of concept. It and John's other project, the "God Shot" espresso puck tamper, featured in MAKE Volume 12, garnered John three Editor's Choice blue ribbons at Maker Faire.
John Edgar Park's RFID Conveyor Belt
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
May 7, 2008 12:00 PM
Computers, Electronics, Maker Faire |
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May 5, 2008
Fractal Laptop Etch
This weekend at Maker Faire Instructables brought their laser cutter and was laser etching laptops, phones, and other things for free. My favorite is Alex Schlegel's fractal-etched Vaio (source image included). If you had your gear etched, add a picture to the MAKE Flickr pool!
Posted by Becky Stern |
May 5, 2008 07:00 PM
Arts, Computers, Imaging, Instructables, Maker Faire, Science |
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Paper Portraits by Bert Simon
Bert Simon has taken papercraft to a whole new level. His website has several other portraits and a lot of great photography. You can even download a 12 page PDF and make a paper clone of the artist.
Red more about Paper Portraits by Bert Simon - via designverb
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
May 5, 2008 02:00 AM
Arts, Computers |
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May 3, 2008
Digital interactive fireworks
Seb sent us this great interactive artwork that features a firework particle system created in Flash. Thanks Seb!
Pyro(technics) to the People was a massive interactive digital fireworks display that was here in Brighton last November 5th. (Which is Guy Fawkes Night for readers outside the UK). It was squeezed kicking and screaming into the world by my team at Plug-in Media, and it was made entirely in Flash.
Read more about the Digital Interactive Fireworks
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
May 3, 2008 06:33 AM
Computers, Culture jamming, Electronics |
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April 30, 2008
5-minute multitouch
Lo-tek multitouch using a Web cam, a cardboard box, and a sheet of glass.
5 Minute, Dirt Cheap Multitouch Pad
Related:
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 30, 2008 12:00 PM
Computers |
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Computerized Etch A Sketch @ Maker Faire
Never been able to realize your artistic vision on the old grey screen? Neil's project may be of help -
Anyone who has tried to use an Etch A Sketch knows that a good deal of co-ordination is needed in order to draw anything but horizontal and vertical lines. It quickly becomes obvious that a computer would be far better at controlling the horizontal and vertical knobs than a human.Come see the automated art at Bay Area Maker Faire - Computerized Etch A SketchAccordingly, I pulled the knobs off of an Etch A Sketch and attached it to two stepper motors which in turn are attached to the parallel port of a computer. This gives one the ability to control the plotter's movements with a standard mouse or analog joystick (more intuitive interfaces than the knobs). Having a computer in the loop also allows one to record what movements are done, so one can edit them and play them back.
Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset May 3rd and 4th at the San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA (Upcoming.org). It’s for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. Buy tickets now and save, discount ticket sales end on April 25th, 2008.
If you're in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add "makerfaire" to your Twitter, we'll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Apr 30, 2008 04:00 AM
Computers, Toys and Games |
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April 29, 2008
Keyboard Guitar
Students at Georgia Tech's music technology and digital media groups have some new music performance work, including wireless computer keyboards worn as guitars for use with custom software for rockin' out. Scott Driscoll writes:
There was a multi-touch table with a variety of games and interactive movies, two Indian songs involving computers writing their own accompaniment based on real-time analysis, a virtual world where your movements create music, and a bit of wii art. And I almost forgot the computer-keyboard band...
Posted by Becky Stern |
Apr 29, 2008 09:00 PM
Arts, Computers, Music |
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DIY picture frame with Skype notifications
This is a nice DIY picture frame that will light up when you receive a Skype call or Instant Message. The schematics are available on the website, but unfortunately the code was lost during a re-install. If you want to make this project you need to be able to program the PIC18f2220 and create the Visual Basic program from scratch.
Don't want to get off the couch to se who's online on Skype or MSN? Me neither! That's why I've built myself a LED illuminated picture frame that indicate who's online on my instant messenger.
Via Engadget - DIY picture frame with Skype notifications
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 29, 2008 03:00 AM
Computers, DIY Projects, Electronics |
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Tangible Table
I want one, and I want it now! There are a lot of these types of interactive displays under development, and hopefully a few will be reasonably priced when they hit the marketplace.
Our goal was to build a working prototype of a tangible table-based user interface. In contrast to a simulation, this environment facilitates the evaluation and testing of user interactions. That's why the visual components on the table surface (such as scales) are quite basic and rough. The principles of interaction and graphical behavior had higher priority.
Learn more about the Tangible Table
Related:
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 29, 2008 02:00 AM
Computers, Electronics |
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The Pylofon
Moritz sent in his latest project called the "Pylofon". It's a wireless robotic xylophone that can be controlled via the Internet, a cell phone, or a Wiimote.
We build it in two nights at Easter 2008, using 2 Graupner Servos, a 99c-xylophone, a cardboard-box, an Asus WL500gP-wlan-router with OpenWRT Kamikaze and Python 2.5, SSH, a Pololu Serial 8-Servo Controller, an USB to Serial-Adapter, a Bluetooth-Stick and a USB-Memory-Stick.
More about the Pylofon
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 29, 2008 01:00 AM
Arts, Computers, Electronics, Robotics |
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April 28, 2008
Optimus maximus OLED keyboard
Brendan tipped us off - The Optimus Maximus dynamic display keyboard is available for ownership, a steal @ only $1,589.99 (!) -
As you should know by now this amazing keyboard features a tiny screen on each key... that's 113 screens in all. What can you do with these tiny screens you ask? Well each key can change it's image dynamically depending on what you doing. Hold down SHIFT and all keys go uppercase. Run Photoshop and you can set it so each hotkey has an image representing it's function.Sounds like you'd be stuck designing the key/image layout for most apps - but at that price, you may just pay someone else to do it for you
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Apr 28, 2008 03:00 PM
Computers |
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MAKE Interview: DIY video mixers and more with Karl Klomp
"OSD-glitcher", (Klomp, 2006, 2007)
Interview/Article by Jonah Brucker-Cohen
In the multifarious world of circuit bending outdated audio and video sampling devices, there is a strong community of artists and makers who are pushing the envelope on their designs with each new incarnation of their work. One of these impresarios is Dutch artist and maker, Karl Klomp. Klomp's work includes modded video samplers and intricately bent video descramblers and sync generators that change their visual output based on audio feeds and are completely customizable through many switches, knobs, and other sensor inputs. Make recently caught up with Klomp to discuss his approach to building these devices and to discover exactly how many custom knobs are necessary to generate the optimal bent performance.
More images and full Interview at the link below.
Read full storyPosted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Apr 28, 2008 07:00 AM
Arts, Computers, Electronics, Music, Remake, Reviews, The Maker File |
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April 26, 2008
Tootsie Roll Flash drive
That is SO wrong.
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 26, 2008 10:20 AM
Computers |
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April 25, 2008
Strut your USB drive modding skills
This Flickr contest challenges you to create the most off-the-wall USB peripheral you can think of. Check out the URL above and tag your photos for the USB Flickr group. Note - it should say "prizes" not "prices" above.
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Apr 25, 2008 07:00 AM
Arts, Computers, Crafts |
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Wind-Powered WiFi repeater
These students came up with a great solution for expanding their wireless network. Apparently there wasn't any power source available for the network repeater, so they build a wind turbine. These should be on every rooftop, in every city.
Dan built the charging circuit himself. Essentially the windmill recharges two 12V batteries and the circuit exists to make sure it does not over charge them. The wireless AP/repeater (not in the picture) is connected to the battery terminals. We "waterproofed" it using plumber's putty, the plastic tuperware box, and that metal box that Dan got off ebay).
Read more about the Wind-Powered WiFi repeater
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 25, 2008 01:00 AM
Computers, Electronics, Green |
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April 24, 2008
Datamancer works his magic, on desktop, at Maker Faire
Besides the venerable Jake von Slatt, one of the other retro-tech fabricators whose work always tickles my brass is Richard "Doc" Nagy, who self-deprecatingly introduces his online moniker with: "Datamancer" is my dorkish, haXor-sexy, 1337 Interweb nickname. Yeah I'm a dweeb..." Honestly, I don't know many dweebs with such serious shop chops. What is a dweeb, anyway?
Datamancer's latest project is a brass-cased 22" wide-screen LCD monitor on a marble and brass stand. It's made to go with one of his amazing retro keyboards. He made the monitor as a prop in an upcoming film, an indy remake of Nosferatu. After the shoot, the monitor will be auctioned off on eBay.
Datamancer at Maker Faire!:
Richard Nagy will be at the Bay Area Maker Faire showing off his amazing wares. He is co-hosting "The Contraptors' Lounge," an outdoor Victorian sitting room and cabinet of curiosities. As one of the on-site activities, he and Jake von Slatt will be double-teaming the build of a special Maker Faire edition retro/steampunk keyboard in the Lounge. It may be raffled off or auctioned for charity at the end of the Faire. He and Jake will also be giving a talk, on the main stage, about their work. We'll have more details on all this leading up to the Faire...
Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset May 3rd and 4th at the San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA (Upcoming.org). It's for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. Buy tickets now and save, discount ticket sales end on April 25th, 2008.
If you're in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add "makerfaire" to your Twitter, we'll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 24, 2008 04:08 PM
Computers, Maker Faire, Retro |
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Victorian all-in-one PC
Jake looks to the future of making modern tech look like it's from the past, and as usual, the attention to detail from his Steampunk Workshop is stunning.
The inexorable march of technology has rendered my 4:3 aspect ratio 19" LCD mod and my pump-less water cooled PC obsolete, so when I saw at 24" wide screen monitor on sale for $299.00 I grabbed it with the intent on making a Victorian All-in-One PC.
The first step was to strip down the monitor and trim it into a nice clean and even rectangle. I taped some paper over the face to protect it from scratches and removed the base and back before cutting it to the desired height on my table saw.
I'm guessing that removing the electronics before cutting the bezel was not possible, or perhaps he just likes the excitement?
View the elegant pictorial - Victorian All-in-One PC
Gareth Branwyn Adds:
We're thrilled to announce that Jake von Slatt will be at the Bay Area Maker Fair. He, along with other well-known steampunk artisans, scriveners, and fabricators, including Datamancer, Molly "Porkshanks" Friedrich, Libby Bulloff and Magpie Killjoy of Steampunk Magazine, and others, will host "The Contraptors' Lounge," an outdoor Victorian sitting room and cabinet of curiosities. Jake and Datamancer will also be giving a talk, on the main stage, about their work. On Saturday Night, the band Abney Park's pirated airship, the HMS Ophelia, will touch down on the main stage and disgorge its sketchy crew for an awesome night of post-apocalyptic belly dancing music. We'll have more details on all this leading up to the Faire...
Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset May 3rd and 4th at the San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA (Upcoming.org). It's for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. Buy tickets now and save, discount ticket sales end on April 25th, 2008.
If you're in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add "makerfaire" to your Twitter, we'll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
Apr 24, 2008 03:00 AM
Computers, Maker Faire |
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| Comments (1)
April 21, 2008
Prototyping boards from Wright Hobbies
uC Hobby has a review of six prototyping boards available from Wright Hobbies. Wright is a new sponsor of uC Hobby and the boards will be given away as prizes for contests on the site.
The board seen here can either be used in its square format or broken into a round board for round robot platforms. Nifty.
Six Prototyping boards from Wright Hobbies
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 21, 2008 05:00 PM
Computers, Electronics |
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The Best of Maker Faire 2008
Check out all the fun and excitement at this year's Maker Faire in San Mateo, California. People from all over the world came to experience this amazing event. Take a look at some of the highlights and make plans...
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