From Open Source Software To Now Open Source Hardware (OSHW)

Computer programmers, engineers and all those folks attached with the computer industry are aware of open source software and its associated benefits. Open-source softwares allows programmers to modify the existing code based on their needs and even redistribute modified versions with or without attribution depending upon the open source software license agreement. With open source hardware, engineers will be able to copy, modify existing open source hardware designs. This will remarkably reduce the time engineers spend in reinventing the wheel. Not only that, engineers would be able to redistribute those modified designs under open source hardware license. This is an excellent idea but it will take some time to gain maturity. The core of open source hardware statement is:

Open source hardware is hardware whose design is made publicly available so that anyone can study, modify, distribute, make, and sell the design or hardware based on that design.

The future open source hardwares will be designed using materials, components, infrastructure, processes etc. that are available readily in the market especially in the open source software or hardware domain. The open source hardware logo is not final yet. Maybe we will see some changes in the upcoming years.

The Era Of Autonomous Fighting Machines Prototyped - What Is Holding It Back?

The era of Autonomous Fighting Machines (AFM) started long time back but now it has gain significant perfection due to advancement in A.I. (Artificial Intelligence), Robotics, Superior-Smaller-Processing (SSP) Chips, lighter weight motors, batteries etc. Most of start-up material for such projects are easily accessible in the market, google and it's just the matter of putting it together. Electrical Engineers from different universities have already designed great products. One such product is BigDog.

It was developed back in 2005 by Boston Dynamics in collaboration with Foster-Miller, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Harvard University Concord Field Station. The project was funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This robot is known to be the most advanced rough-terrain robot on the face of the earth. To read more about BigDog visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BigDog. You will find 100s of closely related examples on the same topic on Google and YouTube. Now let's come to the point of whats holding all these robots back? The answer is battery. Since we haven't developed a better battery yet so here comes era of Cyborgs.

Cyborg insects: This is an example of human's mercy-less face and courage to put it on YouTube as a pride or achievement, instigating others to embark on such mercy-less projects.

GE Endorsement Of ZigBee Hurts Wi-Fi Alliance Or Folks At Wi-Fi Alliance Have Lot Of Time

In a white paper, GE endorsement of ZigBee hurts Wi-Fi Alliance and I do not understand why? I guess Wi-Fi Alliance did not like the GE's Power Consumption Data over 24-Hour Period analysis as shown in the picture. Before I give my perspective, let's look at Wi-Fi Alliance response, they mentioned that in the test, GE used the 10 years old Wi-Fi protocol chip (b standard) and on the other hand GE used the older ZigBee protocol chip. Had GE used the latest WiFi 802.11n standard and latest ZigBee protocol chip, the results would have been totally different. A spokeswoman for the ZigBee Alliance responded that the technology has the ability to "securely transfer data at very low power rates." I think, both technologies have a different domain e.g. you will not use ZigBee to stream HD Video signal because it is not meant for this purpose. Similarly, using WiFi 802.11n standard for developing smart appliances which require less data intensive communication, will be a over kill as WiFi 802.11n standard are far more expensive and far more powerful for this task. It's like killing a housefly with an army tank. Dooes not make sense. ZigBee has far longer range than WiFi limit of 300 feet line of sight or normally 100 feet. To me it looks like folks at Wi-Fi Alliance has lot of time!

Netduino Mini - An Open Source Electronics Platform Using The .NET Micro Framework

Netduino is an open source electronics platform using the .NET Micro Framework. Visit http://netduino.com for details. This is a excellent solution for engineers and hobbyists. As shown in the picture, it designed for easy breadboard use and later PCB fabrication. It is having a Atmel AT91SAM7X512 32-bit Atmel 32-bit microcontroller having Speed: 48MHz, ARM7 with the Code Storage size of 152 KB and 64 KB RAM. It is having 48MHz speed. It can be programmed via RS232 serial port like BASIC Stamp 2 or via 3.3V USB-TTL cable like Arduino Nano. Another good feature is that it can be powered via 9V alkaline battery.

Tree Climbing Snakebot - Only Power Soruce Is Holding It Back, Why?

Developed at the Biorobotics Lab at Carnegie Mellon University, a snake robot (Snakebot) demonstrates how it can climb a tree and look around. In all the videos and images of this kind of robot you will notice that they will not show you the tail-end of this snakebot. This is because that the viewer will loose it's interest. Such robots are practically of zero value if they are not powered with energy source like what was shown in IRON MAN movie. The energy source that is having a small foot print, light weight and last for years. So until such energy source is developed such devices are not more than IRON MAN movie and fun to watch. Enjoy the video at URL.

General Purpose Light Dependent Resistance And Relay Circuit

LDR (light dependent resistor)also known as photoresistor is a resistor whose resistance decreases with increasing light intensity. It is used in electronic circuits as a light sensor. Read more about LDR at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoresistor. As shown in the circuit diagram above there is a variable resistor used right above the LDR to adjust the threshold of light intensity at which the relay will turn ON. Since mechanical relay is used in this circuit therefore we cannot used this particular circuit for high speed switching application but it excellent for having automatic light dependent intensity out-door electric light switch. Another application of this circuit will be to have automatic night light.

TASCAM Has Introduced 4-Track Digital PocketStudio Impressed By Easy-To-Use Potastudios

TASCAM's DP-004 Digital Pocketstudio is one of the most interesting musical instrument accessories. It is impressed by easy-to-use Potastudios. It comes with mounted knobs which are used to set levels and with the feature of four tracks of CD-quality digital recording. It can be perfect choice to record anywhere with its built-in stereo condenser microphone. It is made to record two sources at once to the included SD card offering 1GB capacity. It allows you to switch the inputs to guitar level for recording, transfer tracks and mixes to a computer over USB 2 for CD burning and sharing online and track editing. It can be consider as a good application for students, musicians, songwriters etc. This compatible small magic box is powered through AA batteries or optional PS-P520 power adapter having a battery life of 8 hours.

Two New PlayStation 3 Models By Sony With 160GB And 320GB Capacity

Two new Playstaton models have been released by Sony. These models are offering much more storage capacity then previous models of PS3 with 120GB and 250GB HDDS. The news regarding release of Sony's two new models of PS3 is confirmed by Sony computer entertainment Europe. They announced that these models will surely get maximum number of consumer in next couple of days. These models are featuring all the specifications relatively similar as of its previous models. The decided price of 160GB HDDS PS3 model is $299 and for 320GB PS3 is $400. 320GB PS3 will be launched with Playstation Move Controllers, Playstation Eye Camera, Sports champions on Blu-ray disc ,Bonus Blu-ray demo disc and other exciting features. All the game lovers are waiting for this exciting release.

Galaxy Tab First Tablet Computer By Samsung

At the IFA conference in Berlin Samsung unveiled their first tablet computer named as "Galaxy Tab". Samsung is now considers as a greatest rival of iPad generation. Galaxy tab will run by using Google's Android operating system having a 16 or 32 Gb capacity. It is 18 grams 7 inches gadget which is smaller and lighter than iPad. It can connect to 3G networks, bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It supports flash video and will be able to content to television. Samsungs Reader's-hub will be required for e-Books and Media-hub for videos. According to Samsung it is "the first of the company tablet devices". Vodafone announced that in October it would distribute in European markets including UK. Samsung believes that galaxy tab brings an open intention to market.

New Generation IPod Touch By Apple

Apple has launched iPod touch for new generation featuring all the major terms in the field of information technology and entertainment. iPod touch or iPhone 4 over Wi-Fi is stuffed with lot of features like "FaceTime" which allows users to interact with friends, family etc. To get started with fun you just need to create an email account. iPod touch supports highest-resolution iPod screen ever with four times the pixel count of previous models, two cameras focusing on front and back. It is featured with HD video camera which allows HD video recording and editing. Game center application on iPod is provided for the game lovers who can add or remove players to gaming network. With the feature of "Application Store" you can create an account and over Wi-Fi can shop for iTunes, iBooks, and iMovie. You can connect to internet any time to check your email, update your status etc. It is provided with many other options like movies, music, television shows etc which you can record and watch or listen afterwards. It is one of the world best magic of new generation.

ViewSonic Has Launched VFA724W-10 7" Cheery Wood Digital Photo Frame

ViewSonic has launched 7"Digital Photo Frame that supports a 480x234 resolution with 200 cd/m2 brightness with the contrast ratio of 500:1 for a stunning and loaded picture. It comes with on screen menus and controls with which you can change the display speed of slide show and can also add transition effects such as fade, shutter, mask brick, cross comb or random. The main features of this digital photo frame are Magic 4- Splits Random Picture Rotation and Slideshow Shuffle where the Slideshow Shuffle speed can be set by user. You can load your pictures onto the digital frame by using built-in 3-in-1 Card Reader and USB host port. This can be a best serving as a piece of decoration in your house,office etc.

Latest Low-Cost Convertible Classmate PC By Intel

Intel has come up with one more remarkable idea of introducing latest low-cost convertible classmate PC. Intel learning series aims to provide educational advancement in field of technology for children in developing countries at low cost. For this reason they have introduced this Low-Cost Convertible Classmate PC which is made to provide students with educational opportunities and helps in improving their mental capabilities. An integrated handle is mounted on it so you can take it anywhere and touch screen tablet made it more compatible. It allows students to write and draw naturally by using touchscreen mode. A rotate able camera is mounted at the top of the screen so students can enjoy capturing special moments as images or videos. It comes with integrated Wi-Fi technology with options of 3G, GPS, WiMax, and an optional 6-cell battery which provides 8.5 hours of running time,touch screen measuring 10.1-inches which is featuring 1024x600 resolutions and is powered by Intel Atom Processor. It comes with a vide range of software including eReader,camera applications,handwriting recognition, painting/drawing applications and pen- input support. Low-cost Convertible classmate PC features a flexible design to serve for local technology companies as a platform in a world of advancement.

Recharge Your Hand-Held Electronic Device Through Your Own Body Energy

Energy company"Tremont electric" have invented a device called nPower Personal Energy Generator that helps you to recharge your Hand-Held Electronic Devices through your own body energy i-e Kinetic Energy you generate while walking or running. You just need to connect it with your Hand-Held Electronic Devices like cell phone,iPod or iPhone etc and place it in your pocket, briefcase, purse or backpack. nPower Personal Energy Generator (nPower PEG) allows your Hand-Held Electronic Devices to get recharged 80% in one hour through your own energy. Tremont Electric is an alternative energy company is trying to bring more work on Kinetic Energy generation for future establishment.

pcb123 - One Stop Shop Solution From Design To Physical PCB In Your Hand

PCB123 is everything you need to design and order your prototype printed circuit boards. 145,000+ parts in the library. Two-, four-, and six-layer support with soldermask and silkscreen. Real-time parts pricing and availability as you design. Organizations such as MIT and Purdue University, research institutions such as Sandia National Labs and the US Naval Research Lab, and businesses including Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and General Electric use PCB123 Design Software.

JO-ZERO Robot Kit - ZigBee Based Wireless Communication

A machine designing another machine. How to design a machine which can design another machine. In this video clip on YouTube, I noticed ZigBee module in the remote control and I believe there is one on the back of the robot. Excellent design and implementation. I think humans have mastered to develop better human-like robot compared to decade ago but the biggest challenge for now is the energy source. Once we are able to develop energy source as it's shown in IronMan then it will be a whole new story and lots of fun.