Monthly Archives: May 2013

Build Your Own Xbox 360 Laptop with the Darkmatter Kit

Posted on by

It’s time to put your Ben Heck hat on. A company called Photon Gaming is raising funds for Darkmatter, an open source DIY kit for converting an Xbox 360 console into a laptop. Photon Gaming even claims one variant of their kit will allow you to convert an Xbox One into a laptop. I wonder if early adopters will be willing to risk losing an Xbox One for that.

darkmatter xbox 360 laptop kit

The kit is available in various models depending on how much you want to pay, from just the electronics to a finished and ready to use Darkmatter Xbox 360 laptop.

Head to Kickstarter to support the world’s first open-source, hacker-friendly, 3D printed, laser-cut, honey glazed, butter side up DIY Xbox 360 laptop kit. If you pledge at least $499 (USD), you’ll qualify to get the full kit; all you’ll need is an Xbox 360 and a few hours to put the two together. But if you have more money than tinkering skills, pledge at least $999 and you’ll get a full Xbox 360 laptop as a reward.

Editor’s Letter: Windows 8 gets its start back

Posted on by

In each issue of Distro, Editor-in-chief Tim Stevens publishes a wrap-up of the week in news.

DNP Editor's Letter Windows 8 gets its start back

There are times when you need to stay strong, ignore the criticism and do what you know is right. Then, there are some times when the masses are right and listening is the smart thing. With Windows 8, Microsoft made many radical changes, not the least of which being the deletion of the fabled Start button. This week we got our first taste of that operating system's first major update, Windows 8.1, and it includes a number of notable upgrades and improvements. Perhaps the most notable? The return of a Start button. Well, sort of.

It's now called a "Start Tip" as it isn't a proper button, but you can click on it and bring up the tiled Start Screen interface. So, the Start button is back, but not the Start menu. That's fine by me, as I don't think hidden, contextual elements make much sense in a keyboard-and-mouse environment. And the other tweaks are nice, including a far more comprehensive Settings section, a functional lock screen and, finally, the ability to adjust the size of applications that you've snapped to either side of your screen. Maybe in Windows 8.2 we'll get fully resizable windows!

Filed under: ,

Comments

Shapeways intros squeezable Elasto Plastic 3D printing material for makers

Posted on by

Image

See that squeezable bunny up there? It was created in a material 3D printing mail-away company Shapeways calls Elasto Plastic. The substance is the latest medium offered up from the organization, currently available exclusively to makers to help test out its effectiveness. The resulting 3D printed objects can be squeezed, squished, twisted and can hold liquids. It does have some shortcomings, however, as it dislikes high temperatures, fire and isn't so great for printing small objects. To see the material in action -- and to hear a grown man utter the phrase "flexible squishy goodness," check out the video after the break.

Filed under:

Comments

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Shapeways

RaccoRack Phone and Notepad Holder

Posted on by

racco rack phone holder RaccoRack Phone and Notepad Holder
Whether you want to hold your phone or just some old fashioned paper notes, the RaccoRack can do it. Made from recycled leather, this bizarrely unspecific creature holds notes in his folds or phones atop them. He may look like he’s lounging, but he’s really working hard at holding your stuff. $30, imported from Japan.

RaccoRack Phone and Notepad Holder

Nick brings full episodes streaming to iPhone now, Xbox 360 next month

Posted on by

Nickelodeon brings full episodes streaming to iPhone now, Xbox 360 next month

Nickelodeon released an iPad app with full episode streaming back in February, but now an update has opened things up to the iPhone and iPod touch as well. Version 1.1 also promises more music videos and less crashing, among other tweaks. However, if you have an agreeable cable or satellite provider, then the ability to watch video on-demand is the headliner. There are a few episodes available without logging in, but subscribers to DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, U-verse, FiOS, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Hawaiian Telecom, Suddenlink and RCN will get the most mileage. Of course, if the kids (or, adult Big Time Rush fans, whatever works) prefer to watch their TV on TV, they may prefer the Xbox 360 app -- like Windows 8 and other platforms, the current app brings mostly clips and other tidbits -- that's on the way. Variety indicates it will hit the console June 25th, but, despite its post-E3 launch, its Xbox One launch plans are "not determined." There's a quick video preview embedded after the break, or you can hit the source link below and grab the free app for yourself.

Filed under: , , , ,

Comments

Source: iTunes, Variety

LOL: R. Kelly ‘Ignition Remix’ Apron

Posted on by

Etsy shop LucilleMaul is selling this amazing apron. It says ‘Hot and Fresh Out The Kitchen’ a line from the song ‘Ignition Remix’ by R. Kelly. Oh god, an R. Kelly inspired apron? Please don’t make a pee-pee joke, please don’t make a pee-pee joke, please don’t make a pee-pee joke. Um, uhhh… ♫Baby gimme dat toot-toot, and lemme give ya that beep beep♫ Okay, phew! The urge has passed to make any kind of urine-related jokes, guys. We’re in the clear. That was a close one.

August Smart Lock: Hope My Front Door Doesn’t Get Hacked

Posted on by

Keys have evolved over the last few years, quite significantly. There are cars which no longer require keys at all, starting at the touch of a button when the key fob is nearby. These days, people like controlling all of their stuff via smartphones, and I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to control door locks with them. Or not.

The August Smart Lock is a system that allows anyone to enter your home, if they’ve been granted a virtual key.

august smart lock yves behar

It was designed by Yves Béhar. It’s supposed to provide a seamless way of entering one’s home. The lock works with existing deadbolts, and a companion app. You’ll still be able to unlock your door the old fashioned way. The virtual keys are naturally encrypted, and cannot be copied. If you lose your phone, you can kill your key remotely through the website.

The feature I like is the auto-unlock, which automatically unlocks the door when you come to your house, and then locks it up again once you’re inside. You can also create invite codes to your front door for parties, allowing friends a temporary way of getting in.

august smart lock yves behar keychain

The August Smart Lock is supposed to sell for $199(USD) once it’s launched later this year.

august smart lock yves behar open

[via designboom]

Twitter adds inline profile editing, drag-and-drop photo uploads

Posted on by

Twitter adds inline profile editing, draganddrop photo uploads

Twitter has made it just a tad easier to tweak your profile information by offering the option of changing them inline. The feature, which is available through both the website and its official mobile apps, enables faster changes to your account bio, as well as drag-and-drop upload capability for your header and profile photos. It's a small change, but ultimately it's meant to encourage users to keep their accounts fresh and relevant. Check out the video below the break to see exactly how it works.

Filed under: , ,

Comments

Via: TheNextWeb

Source: Twitter

Corey Feldman Reunited with his $100,000 Jacket

Posted on by

Corey Feldman got his $100,000 jacket back. He wore that apparently priceless jacket in the movie Dream a Little Dream. The jacket got stolen in 2011 and appeared recently again on a flea market. The...
    


Hulu Plus update brings enhanced UI and controls to Roku, Smart TVs and Blu-ray players

Posted on by

Hulu Plus update brings enhanced UI and controls to Roku, Smart TVs and Bluray players

Hulu Plus has been on a roll in the mobile world this month, dishing out a brand-new Windows Phone app and updates to its Android UI. Fortunately, the service is pushing out similar efforts to the home entertainment side as well: a new refresh is rolling out to Samsung Smart TVs, select Blu-ray players and newer Roku hardware, with the Wii getting the update treatment in the near future. Enhancements in the new "experience" include a new tray-style user interface with a "shows you watch" feature, simplified controls, better search and Hulu Kids. Sounds like a pretty solid effort by the company, but if you're not convinced, head to the source link for the full list of changes.

Update: A post on the Roku blog indicates the new UI is coming to the Roku HD (2500) and later models including the Roku 2, 3 and Streaming Stick. Earlier devices will still get the old UI.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Source: Hulu Blog, Roku Blog