Re: Example of accelerometers utility
On Mon, 3 Dec 2007, Stroller wrote: > On 2 Dec 2007, at 15:42, Steven Le Roux wrote: > > >Here is a video which shows some applications for accelerometers in a current > >phone use: > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWc-j4Xs5_w > > I _love_ the ball-bearing inbox and the way that a message from your g/f might > have a different timbre from one from your bank. That feels VERY innovative to > me, and more than compensates for the stupid name (Shroogle? WTF?) and the > dull video. > > ISTM the problem with accelerator-UI applications is that it's difficult - if > not impossible? - to convey more than one kind of information. > When I pick the phone up & shake it, how does it know whether I want to rattle > my inbox or hear my battery-level in splashiness? You obviously choose the application you want by tilting the screen so the marble rolls through the maze to the application's icon. Actually, more seriously, you slosh liquid in a bottle by shaking sideways slowly, and rattle ball bearings by shaking vigorously up and down. Detecting the difference between these is much easier than detecting the difference between either of these and random other activity, and much much easier than calculating the correct response, so having a bunch of different kinds of "thing" inside the phone isn't actually difficult compared to doing that at all (and getting it to respond with the natural timing). -Daniel *This .sig left intentionally blank* ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Re: Application idea: Bicycle computer
On Sun, 2 Dec 2007, hank williams wrote: > > - external sensors (cadence, heart rate) Many bicycle computers show > > cadence and heartrate, based on input from external sensors. Could > > something like that be done with the Neo? > > > > I am a cyclist and these inputs would be critical for me. All that > stuff is wireless. I wonder if it would be possible to create a > wireless interface for these things, or a bluetooth interface for a > heartrate and cadence monitor. Actually, bluetooth heart rate and > cadence devices would probably hurt polar (the leader in the field) > since open source software for these things would be much better than > what they produce, and at a far better price. You can get receivers for Polar chest straps that signal beats with gpio-accessible pulses. If the Neo1973 isn't completely packed inside, it should be an easy add-on. And Polar doesn't seem to mind other people doing better and cheaper software, so long as it requires buying Polar hardware. -Daniel *This .sig left intentionally blank* ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Re: CAD files for the case of the Neo will be made available
On Mon, 14 Jan 2008, Michael Shiloh wrote: > > great, now we can swing into action and get al those alternative cases > > designed and built > > I personally look forward to non-traditional materials. I have an obsession > with concrete, which I'm trying to figure out how to apply in this situation. > > Anyone have access to useful manufacturing tools? I have friends with CNC > mills and lathes, and one with a water jet cutter. I have indirect access to > 3D printers. Anything else interesting out there? http://www.candyfab.org/ Other phones make their owners angry. Ours is good enough to eat[*]. [*] Do not eat electronics or battery in phone. -Daniel *This .sig left intentionally blank* ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
RE: Steve on V5 versus v6
On Sun, 20 Apr 2008, steve wrote: > The pouch, alas, did not fit into the box. When Michael gets his photos > done, or my spawn get their video done, then you will see that we have > greatly reduced the size of the box. Partly for aesthetics, and partly to > create a product where I could pack 10 phones boxes in a bigger box, and > then ship that bigger box efficiently. So, I had to optimize some things. > > Now, I realize that people want accessories. So As this launch gets going > I'll put together some ideas, for accessory packs > > Fundamentally, I would rather that some community member build a business > around this. Our marketing materials are open source. So, you can build > your own pouches, use our brand, and make a business from accessories. No, no, you should include a sewing pattern for the official pouch in the box. It would be neat to have an official Openmoko pouch for your phone, but it would be even better if that pouch was handmade by each owner for their own phone. Especially if the instructions have configuration options. -Daniel *This .sig left intentionally blank* ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
RE: Stylus Recommendation
On Mon, 5 May 2008, steve wrote: > I looked at emachines a few years back for doing some custom car parts. The > CAD tool was a bit funky. The price was not hobby friendly as you note. > My friend owned a machine shop so he just CNCed the thing since he wanted it > too. I never tried a plastic part with emachine, but its all about the set > up cost and the tool you use. material is immaterial ( or should be) The material (between metal and plastic, anyway) greatly affects your tool choices, and there are big differences on whether the cost is dominated by set-up costs or per-unit costs. If you want just one of something, I think the "rapid prototype" process for an ABS plastic part is way cheaper than anything that you can get for metal. -Daniel *This .sig left intentionally blank* ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community