HAL 9000 Garage Door Button Upgrade: I’m Sorry, Dave, I’m Afraid I Can’t Do That

Because garage door buttons are boring and demand a futuristic improvement, Instructable user danthemakerman went and created detailed DIY instructions for taking your garage door button to the next level with a 2001: A Space Odyssey-inspired HAL 9000 upgrade. “I am completely operational, and my circuits are functioning perfectly.” Are they, though, HAL, are they?

Dan’s original plan was to have the garage door be voice-activated, so he could say, “HAL open the pod bay doors,” and it would respond with the classic, “I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Unfortunately, after some research, he realized that it was going to be more difficult than he anticipated without getting Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assist involved (which he was trying to avoid), so he settled for a HAL 9000 push-button garage door opener instead. Settling during projects – I know all about it.

The final result is quite impressive, and it’s almost a shame HAL 9000 has to sit in the cold garage all day and night. I’d rather have it somewhere in the home where it’s on display all the time – like in the kitchen, where I spend most of my time. You know they say most accidents at home happen in the bathroom, but clearly, whoever said that has never seen me in the kitchen.

[via Instructables]

HAL 9000 replica’s crowdfunding project goes bust

Another high-profile crowdfunding project appears to have imploded, and supporters are paying the price. An Engadget reader and others who backed Master Replicas Group’s functional HAL 9000 prop on Indiegogo has receive a notice from the company indi...

Thomas the Tank Engine Meets HAL 9000: TMS 9000

If you’ve seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, you know how intimidating that the HAL 9000 computer can be. As he loses his digital mind, the stubborn computer takes over the ship and becomes a murderer. Peering out from its singular red eyeball, HAL will kill you with his blank stare and monotone voice. The only thing more terrifying would be if HAL 9000 had the face of Thomas the Tank Engine… so here you go.

In this era of hacks and mashups, it was only a matter of time before somebody combined this unlikely duo. Japanese maker Furisuku P combined parts from a HAL 9000 replica with a Thomas the Tank Engine candy container, and then rigged it up to emit steam from its engine. The TMS 9000 also doubles as an Amazon Alexa speaker, and has glowing red eyeballs.  Check out this monstrosity:

It’s especially creepy as it breaks into a rendition of “Daisy Bell,” the song that HAL 9000 sang as he went to sleep forever. I also found out today that this was the first song that a real computer ever sang – so you learn something new every day.

HAL 9000 USB Drive: Open the Drive Bay Doors, HAL

We’re big fans of 2001: A Space Odyssey around here. There isn’t nearly enough 2001 merch available for fans, so when we see something nifty, we’ve gotta post it. This sweet Hal 9000 USB Drive helps to rectify that situation.

Kubrick’s dystopian masterpiece is one of the greatest sci-fi films ever and one of the most influential films in history. Many of the film’s predictions have come to pass in the 50 years since it first hit movie screens, most specifically talking computers that don’t do what you ask them to.

The limited-edition HAL Mini USB drive from Master Replicas Group is a great way to show your love for the murderous computer from the movie. The drive looks just like the face of the HAL 9000 computer from the second act of the film. The red lens that represents HAL’s camera eye lights up on the USB stick, so that is already pretty eerie. I’m really hoping that this USB drive doesn’t go insane like the original HAL. It might just deny you access to your own computer.

“Let me in HAL!”

“I can’t do that, Dave.”

Let’s just hope that this drive is sane. It’s definitely worth buying, but watch it closely. Very closely. I’ll just use it for show. No way am I plugging this thing into my own computer.

HAL 9000 Christmas Ornament – 2001: A Spruce Odyssey

Aside from the neat glowing eye, this miniature HAL 9000 also plays some memorable audio clips from 2001, but we don’t know what those are yet. Hopefully, he sings “Daisy Bell” nice and slow like in the movie. Sure, he’s an evil computer, but that’s only because he was malfunctioning and possibly under orders from an alien intelligence, but he’s actually a nice guy who loves Christmas and wouldn’t hurt a soul. I think. I hope so.

The ornament will be available starting October 6 for $20. It makes you wonder what else Hallmark has in store for us this year. Hopefully, they’ll make the ship too, because I’d love to hang that on my tree right next to this one. Keep them coming, greeting card guys.

[via io9]

D-Link Komfy Switch with Camera Is HAL 9000

Nice try D-Link. Sure, you can call your new product the Komfy Switch with Camera, but I know HAL 9000 when I see him. You can give HAL a few new angles and take away the evil red glow, but I know this light switch secretly wants to flush me out of the airlock.

komfy-hal-1zoom in

Sure it might let me see what’s up in my house with its beady little 1080p camera and send me notifications if it senses motion or if it gets too hot in my house, but I know it’s only biding its time.

komfy-hal-2zoom in

I can only assume Komfy 9000 will take over my smartphone with its Komfy App letting me believe all is well right up until it goes insane and tries to kill me or at least turn the lights off right as I step over a big pile of LEGO in a sadistic attempt to cause grievous injury and save itself. I’d probably have to float through the attic to kill the Wi-Fi signal and disconnect Komfy to save myself. The brave can drop $299.99(USD) at the D-Link shop and install Komfy Switch with Camera 9000 in December when it ships.

[via D-Link]

Life-size HAL 9000 Replica is 100% Accurate


If you are a science fiction fan odds are you have watched the Stanley Kubrick classic 2001: A Space Odyssey. Easily the most memorable character in that movie wasn't a person, rather it was the...

HAL 9000 Life-Size Replica: Buy at Your Own Risk

Few villains enjoy a level of popularity as HAL 9000, which is why it’s not surprising that ThinkGeek’s newly released life-size replica of the computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey is already sold out despite its significant asking price.

hal 9000 life size replica by thinkgeek

The replica is based on “actual movie blueprints” and “original studio files.” I bet there were “geniune film documents” and “authentic cinema records” involved as well. The replica is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and of course has a red LED eye. It also speaks, cycling through 15 phrases taken from the movie. You can trigger its voice using the included remote control, but it can also be triggered by talking to it. The latter is way cooler, but don’t expect it to call you by any other name but Dave.

ThinkGeek is selling the replica for $500 (USD) each. I know you’re already throwing money at the screen and are raring to order the replica but as I said, it’s already sold out. ThinkGeek did say that it will be back in stock by January 15 so hold on to your money until then.

Life-Size Talking HAL 9000 Replica

hal 9000 Life Size Talking HAL 9000 Replica
Are you a big fan of the movie 2001? Are you a big enough fan to spend $500 on a Life-Size Talking HAL 9000 Replica Life Size Talking HAL 9000 Replica? This thing was created from the original movie blueprints. It has a red LED eye and when you talk to it, it will activate one of 15 different sound clips from the movie. Here’s a video clip:

Pretty cool stuff, especially if your name happens to be Dave. But $500 cool? Only if you’ve got money to burn. Yeah it’s a replica and not a toy, but it seems way overproduced for what it is. I’m sure hardcore sci-fi fans will dig it though.

buy now Life Size Talking HAL 9000 Replica

Life-Size Talking HAL 9000 Replica