Wireless devices as informational art, redux.
August 30, 2009 8:13 PM Subscribe
What non-computer wireless devices are available for displaying information? I already know about Ambient Devices, Nabaztag, and Chumby. What else is out there?
I asked this once before, 2 years ago, but I think sufficient time has passed for technology to have progressed. I'm looking for 802.11 devices I can put on my home network that are quirky and maybe even beautiful, but still serve some information function. Key features should include an open API like Nabaztag, 802.11 (not ambient's pager network thing), and preferably no subscription service required. Something funky like a weather orb or a picture frame that shows random webcam shots from around the world. I know I could build something, but I want plug and play, and I want to know what other people would think is a cool data to display.
I asked this once before, 2 years ago, but I think sufficient time has passed for technology to have progressed. I'm looking for 802.11 devices I can put on my home network that are quirky and maybe even beautiful, but still serve some information function. Key features should include an open API like Nabaztag, 802.11 (not ambient's pager network thing), and preferably no subscription service required. Something funky like a weather orb or a picture frame that shows random webcam shots from around the world. I know I could build something, but I want plug and play, and I want to know what other people would think is a cool data to display.
FYI, Nabaztag just went bankrupt.
Any PDA could be considered, Windows Mobile devices, iPod touch, the plethora of Android non-phones coming out (Creative Zii, new Archos PMP)
Squeezeboxes can run plugins to check for mail, display tickers.
posted by wongcorgi at 10:26 PM on August 30, 2009
Any PDA could be considered, Windows Mobile devices, iPod touch, the plethora of Android non-phones coming out (Creative Zii, new Archos PMP)
Squeezeboxes can run plugins to check for mail, display tickers.
posted by wongcorgi at 10:26 PM on August 30, 2009
Dammit, that Linux-running iGala looks like the picture frame I've been wanting forever: no stupid service to use. Thanks, eponymous pwnguin.
I use an iPod touch to do nothing but control music in my kitchen (connected to speakers and the home-wide shared iTunes library). I've often thought about wall-mounting it, but haven't found the right (cord-hiding, flush to wall) bracket yet.
posted by rokusan at 5:04 AM on August 31, 2009
I use an iPod touch to do nothing but control music in my kitchen (connected to speakers and the home-wide shared iTunes library). I've often thought about wall-mounting it, but haven't found the right (cord-hiding, flush to wall) bracket yet.
posted by rokusan at 5:04 AM on August 31, 2009
It appears the iGala does push a service. I don't own one, but the ThinkGeek page suggests it can be directed at Flickr RSS.
posted by pwnguin at 3:17 PM on August 31, 2009
posted by pwnguin at 3:17 PM on August 31, 2009
And apparently, it might be a bit too easy to hack for a wifi device:
[I]t’s already running a telnet server, an rsh server, and an ftp server. The rsh server doesn’t seem to accept much of anything, the ftp server accepts a username of ‘root’ and a password of ‘uClinux’, and the telnet server is running on port 65534.posted by pwnguin at 3:27 PM on August 31, 2009
« Older How do I convince my cat her litter box is not a... | Need Moar Advice on Being a Competent Para Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
There are wifi picture frames these days that are wildly configurable. Like this Linux device.
posted by pwnguin at 8:45 PM on August 30, 2009