Fri 23 Dec 2005
from Windmeadow Labs
Ever wanted to make your own laser beam security system. You know the kind they have in the movies, with dozens of lasers and the thief has to limbo through them.
Well, I just made a simple laser beam break detector. My computer can now tell when the beam is broken. The parts I used are:
1. 5.6k resistor
2. photo diode, Digikey part #PDB-V107-ND
3. serial port from my PC
Fri 23 Dec 2005
from MetaGeek.Net
[via]
If you’re tired of getting your WiFi connection messed up every time someone microwaves a burrito or takes a call on the cordless, you might be interested in Wi-Spy, a 2.4 GHz spectrum analyzer for scoping out WiFi networks and related interference and viewing it all in a graphical interface. That way you can know which channel is optimum as opposed to just guessing a number from 1 to 11. Created by MetaGeek, they claim it’s the cheapest device under $2500 with it’s capabilities, and at a mere $99 for the USB dongle we think they might just be on to something.
Fri 23 Dec 2005
from Kotaku
Microsoft is slipping Xbox Live subscribers a little surprise Christmas present. At 3 p.m. PT, Microsoft will unveil the Xbox Live Diamond Card. The card gives Xbox Live paid subscribers exclusive benefits and discounts from stores, restaurants and retailers. The card is personalized with your Gamertag and is, wait for it, absofrigginlutely free to all paid Xbox Live subscribers who have subscribed or pre-paid for at least a one year account on the 360 or Xbox Old Skool.
Some of the retailers participating include Ticketmaster, Cambridge Soundworks, Timberland and McDonald’s.
Thu 22 Dec 2005
from mobilemag.com
More memory for your PSP is on the way, thanks to first generation flash card adapters on the way from Chinese manufacturers. There are three different models available, but all of them are limited to a maximum of 4GB of storage capacity. This limit is not due to the products, but rather to a firmware limitation with the PSP. 4GB is all that it will support.
The Neo2in1 and the Neo4in1 are kind of awkward because they just hang by the flat cable which attaches them to the PSP via the Memory Card slot. That makes it less convenient to use them on the go, though the manufacturers will apparently be including Velcro to attach the reader to the back of your PSP. The 2in1 is a Compact Flash adapter, while the 4in1 adds SD and MMC capabilities as well.
The Neo5in1 combines the capabilities of the Neo4in1 with an AA battery pack for backup power and 2 USB slots. The other big draw of this model is that it attaches to the PSP, making it much easier to use than the other two.
Prices for these readers range from $80 for the 2in1 to $100 for the 5in1.
Thu 22 Dec 2005
from Revision3
What is Asterisk? Asterisk is an insanely powerful, yet easy to use, open source voip telephony toolkit (server software) that runs on virtually any platform. It allows anyone to manage VoIP services in their own home in more powerful ways than the most expensive PBX (public branch exchange). For example, it can serve as a gateway from a VoIP service to your copper phone lines, forward calls to your mobile device from wherever you are, allow you to create VoIP connections to anyone on the Internet, manage voicemail, prompts … a virtually limitless capability depending on how far you want to take it.
Wed 21 Dec 2005
Wed 21 Dec 2005
from YouTube
The following text is from http://www.360insider.net
This video popped up all over the net today. It shows someone using a hacked PSP to run some Xbox 360 exploit. A burnt copy of Perfect Dark Zero proceeds to boot.
If you watch the video with your eyes open you will clearly see that this is FAKE. You can see the camera cuts right after he puts in the burnt DVD, and right before he takes it back out. Also, why the heck would the first Xbox 360 exploit involve a PSP? Seems a little too 1337 to me. So please, let’s stop this rumor in it’s tracks.
Wed 21 Dec 2005
Wed 21 Dec 2005
fro Slashdot
Almost exactly a month ago we asked you for questions to put to the Mythbusters, hosts of the Discovery show that explores urban myth and legend. The response was huge, with dozens of worthwhile questions posted to the story. Today, we have answers back from Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage. They’ve obviously taken some time to answer your questions, and discuss everything from their shot at the moon to Creative Commons. Read on for their answers, and many thanks to both gentlemen for their thoughtful and interesting responses.
Wed 21 Dec 2005
from PSP Hacks
UMDGEN v2.0 has been released - completely rewritten with some new additions!
New features include:
* Open existing PSP images (including VCDROMx images). UMDGen v2.00 will automatically re-calculate LBA positions to UMD standard positions and remove excess padding.
* Edit existing PSP images Delete folders/files, relink files, update/replace files, Add new files/folders, move file LBA positions.
* Extract the entire ISO or select Files/Folders to extract.
* Create IML/IMS Files From Existing ISOs and New ISOs. Usefull for RipKits.
* Automatically converts VCDROMx images to correct UMD Format when saved.
* Uses UMD-compliant padding for files (can be switched on/off)
* Firmware version detector. Displays required firmaware version for game to run.Great release by the UMDGen crew!