Semantic Dreamer » Gadgets

Project Sun SPOT – small programmable object technology by Sun

matthias — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Project Sun SPOT – an initiative of Sun Microsystems Laboratories to make sure that the next generation of gadgets is based on Sun technology.
The Vision: Programming the Real-world
Inspiring Java developers to create a whole new breed of devices and technologies – and accelerating the growth of the “Internet of Things” (Project Sun SPOT)
What is a Sun SPOT device?

“The Sun SPOT Device is a small, wireless, battery powered experimental platform. It is programmed almost entirely in Java to allow regular programmers to create projects that used to require specialized embedded system development skills. The hardware platform includes a range of built-in sensors as well as the ability to easily interface to external devices.” (Project Sun SPOT)
What I like about it?
Well, …

first of all the vision itself: “accelerating the growth of the “Internet of Things”.
the focus on Java: allowing “developers to write a program in Java, load it on a device, run it, and debug it with standard Java IDEs”. Which is exactly why I personaly think the Google’s Android will be a huge stakeholder in the mobile industry to come.
the open philosophie allowing to leverage the technology in which ever context you like, reaching from education to hoobyists.

Ever wanted to build your very own gadget? "Go, get the BUG!"

matthias — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:25:00 +0000

The BUG itself as well as the additional modules for the BUG, provided by it’s manufactorer Bug Labs, is best descriped by the title of an CNET article:

“Bug Labs: The Lego of gadgets.“

“It’s a fully programmable and “hackable” Linux computer, equipped with a fast CPU, 128MB RAM, rechargeable battery, USB, Ethernet, and a small LCD with button controls. It also has a tripod mount because, well, why not? Each BUGbase houses four connectors for users to combine any assortment of BUGmodules to create their ultimate gadget.“

Any hey, didn’t we all love Lego in our younger days – or some of us even still today ;-)?

Broad hint: wouldn’t this be a nice present? :-)

To bad that we have to wait quite some time until christmas…

Chumby – a personalized, always-on internet player

matthias — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:09:00 +0000

Have to say that I really like both – the idea in general as well as the actual implementation of the chumby.

“The chumby is a compact device that displays useful and entertaining information from the web using your wireless internet connection. Always on, it shows — nonstop — what’s online that matters to you.“

The foundation of the chumby is a Linux-based, hackable mini computer. Besides the more kind of geeky hacking of the Linux stack the device can also be easily customized using – yes, of course you already guessed it – “widgets”.

“A widget is a mini application that runs on your chumby. It can be a photo slideshow, animation, weather report, today’s news headlines, webcam… and more.“

Widgets can be easily shared on the chumby network.

“The Chumby Network is the free service that delivers widgets to your chumby.“