Category: Gadgets

Linux Unwired, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPRS on Linux

oreilly.com — Online Catalog: Linux Unwired
Anyone want to buy this book for me?
From the description:
Linux Unwired is a one-stop wireless information source for on-the-go Linux users. Whether you’re considering Wi-Fi as a supplement or alternative to cable and DSL, using Bluetooth to network devices in your home or office,or want to use cellular data plans for access to data nearly everywhere, this book will show you the full-spectrum view of wireless capabilities of Linux, and how to take advantage of them.

Blind users can see with a camera and laptop

Wright State University Communications and Marketing
No not really, but this is an interesting project. From the article:
Tyflos, the Greek word for blind, is the name of the portable, wearable device Bourbakis has developed. The partnering project at ASU is called iLearn. A tiny camera is mounted to glasses and connected by a thin wire to a modified lap-top computer the individual carries on his or her back. The Tyflos system operates by identifying the images “seen” by the camera and converting this to audio information the subject hears from small wires connected from the backpack to the ear. A small microphone is attached for receiving commands or requests from the user.

Cell phones supporting interactive FM radio

Nokia, HP ‘Visualize’ Mobile Radio
Nokia is apparently making a couple of handsets that are capable of receiving FM broadcasts and synchronizing visuals and other media elements. Very interesting…
From the article:
“The FM radio capabilities are based on standard tuners embedded in the handset. The Visual Radio service picks up a user’s location over GPRS and is able to pinpoint which radio stations are in the area,” Reidar Wasenius, Nokia senior project manager told internetnews.com.

Now THESE are TV’s

transvision
Chekout the Flash version of this site as well: http://www.transvision.us/
From the site:
Transvision’s intent is to change you’re relationship with what you are seeing rather than simply mindlessly relaying information. Each of the fully functional televisions proffers new prototypes for watching and reconceptualizing our ideas about television. These new schemes of interface problematize the act of watching TV by imbedding interaction into a medium traditionally resolved to the goal of complacency. The individual transformations in Transvision expose the power of the mediating object, reanimating both the content and the viewer while cutting through the static and stasis of media. Whatever you do, don’t sit back and relax.

A new phone platform (based on Java)

SavaJe – Company
From the site:
SavaJe OS is an operating system and applications platform for mobile phones and wireless devices. Key design goals for the platform are:
ï A universal, open platform for mobile phones
ï The optimal platform for running Java applications
ï Provide complete security for resident, distributed and downloaded applications
ï Enable a deep and richly customizable user interface and allow application branding by OEM and/or operator

Sharp to release a new Linux PDA

Sharp launches “Enterprise” Zaurus to boldly go… anywhere
From the article:
Sharp plans to ship its Linux-based Zaurus SL-6000 PDA early in 2004, supported by IBM middleware and Sprint wireless services for connecting with enterprise apps from most anywhere. Sharp’s new 640×480 high-brightness VGA display tops the list of hardware enhancements, along with “laptop-like” performance and a ruggedized case.

Includes 64mb flash memory, 400mhz xscale, 802.11 wireless networking, linux, java and more..