Awesome Stuff: Computers And Gesture Input Devices
from the fruit-ninjas-are-everywhere dept
Okay, I really thought this week was going to be the one where our awesome stuff posts didn't have a theme. But... because of some last minute finds, you not only get two separate themes, but also four projects, rather than our standard three. First up, we've got two different takes on a computer, and then we've got two projects that help you rethink how you input data into a computer.- First up, is the MiiPC. It's an Android-powered PC that's designed for family use. From the screenshots/video they show, they at least appear to have done a decent job making Android functional as a desktop OS. Some of the "family" features seem a little hokey and overhyped, but perhaps it appeals to some people.
- So that's a more modern take on a PC, but how about one that's a bit more retro? The the X500 is a modern computer case, but which takes its design cues from classic early 1980s gaming consoles like the Amiga, Atari and Sinclair. My first computer was an Atari 800, so I've got a soft spot for this style of design, even if it's probably not that practical these days.
- Since we're talking about DIY, howzabout the DUO, the world's first DIY 3D sensor. If you've been living under a rock for a while, you may have missed all the buzzy and hype about the Leap Motion controller for gesture recognition on your computer. The DUO, conceptually, is pretty similar to the Leap, except that this not about fancy shiny locked up boxes, but about making your own damn fancy gesture controller. Basically, the different levels get you started at different points along the process of making your own such device (though, yes, you can also purchase fully assembled ones, but they're much more expensive than the Leap).
- And since we're on the subject of gesture recognition for computers, how about the the NUIA eyeCharm, which is an add on to the Kinect (which we'll assume you already know about...), to make it so you can control your computer via eye movements. There were rumors that Samsung was working on something like this to be built into phones and tablets, but these guys are doing it as a simple add on to the Kinect.
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Filed Under: awesome stuff, computer cases, computers, crowdfunding, gesture, input devices
Companies: duo, miipc, nuia
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Re: Great Stuff
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With the success of Raspberry Pi, I think more people are taking a look at SOC and seeing how far it can go.
I think the quote I saw was the average cell phone has more processing power than it took to get to the moon, and people are starting to figure out you don't need to spend several hundred dollars to get connected to the internet.
One of the hurdles to getting more acceptance is overcoming the mindset that more is better. I've spec'd out several computers for people who "had" to have bleeding edge tech, and all they do is post on Facebook and look at funny cat pictures.
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Raspberry Pi Rocks
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Re: Raspberry Pi Rocks
http://apc.io/products/
Its a fun form factor, but now I'm waiting to see the first home tinkering Tegra 4 based system or whatever the competition rolls out to keep up with the market.
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Re: Re: Raspberry Pi Rocks
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Thirty Percent
There's apparently a Kickstarter rule of thumb that if your project hits 30%, it will most likely get funded.
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Re: Thirty Percent
you never know what'll do it...
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Re: Re: Thirty Percent
Found the source of the Thirty Percent Rule. Apparently if you hit 30%, your chances of success jump to 90%.
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Re: Re: Re: Thirty Percent
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Wth?
I may sound like a nitpicker but calling these computers gaming consoles is simply wrong. They were a whole lot more than gaming consoles and gaming alone was never their sole purpose, especially when it comes to the Amiga and Atari.
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Re:
What would really be exciting is if somebody did a Kickstarter for a retro-style console, either 8 or 16-bit. Technology isn't what makes games fun to play. Most of the very best software is for older consoles and computers.
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