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Mr. Georgi Bakalski writes:
Irdroid is a universal infrared remote control for smartphones, tablets and other devices, working with the Google Android operating system. To control your favourite TV, STB or DVD, you need to download the Irdroid APP for Android and to purchase a Irdroid module.
The Irdroid application is available for download from the Android Market and from Appslib (for android tablets) The biggest benefit of Irdroid is that it is compatible with the LIRC project in which database, there are a lot of supported equipment vendor’s some of the famous are Samsung, Sony, Motorola, LG, Panasonic, Philips and many, many more (see here – > http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/).
Another benefit for the Public is that the Irdroid application is free, open source and the source code can be downloaded from http://www.github.com/irdroid
Irdroid – universal remote control for Android - [Link]
A modular device, NODE communicates with smartphones via Bluetooth. Bluetooth requires less energy than Wifi and can send information directly to your Bluetooth enabled device. With new Bluetooth Low Energy, NODE can communicate with iPhone 4S and some Android phones at up to 50 meters with even less energy than conventional Bluetooth. With multiple NODEs networked in your home or office, you can control the different devices by your location.
NODE: a modular, handheld powerhouse of sensors - [Link]
Sony’s SmartTags could change phone habits @ Crave – CNET – [via]
Near field communication (NFC) technology enables smartphones to work with mobile payments and public transit systems, but a new accessory from Sony could make the wireless wonder much more personal.
SmartTags are small programmable tokens that give your NFC-equipped Android phone a series of commands to keep you from performing repetitive tasks.
For example, swiping your phone by a SmartTag placed on a nightstand could turn your phone silent, turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and activate your alarm for the following morning. While the aforementioned tasks are easy to do on your own, perhaps there is a certain charm in an automatic trigger.
“SmartTags” could change phone habits - [Link]
Photovoltaic polarizers enable devices to be powered by sunlight
New technology developed by researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science could finally help solve the problem of smartphones or laptops running down when there is no access to an electrical outlet.
UCLA engineers have created a novel concept for harvesting and recycling energy for electronic devices — one that involves equipping these devices’ LCD screens with built-in photovoltaic polarizers, allowing them to convert ambient light, sunlight and their own backlight into electricity. [via]
Phone LCDs charge … phone batteries! - [Link]
Do you know SocialCompare.com, a Flexible and Collaborative Comparison Engine ?
There are already many comparison tables in High Tech area, such as comparisons of Smartphones, Tablets, Ereaders, Android versions…
Actually, it is a kind of “Wikipedia” site since everyone can contribute by creating lists, interactive comparison tables… (data are published under open licenses).
It’s very easy to add, maintain data…, everything can be compared ! (not only high tech products.. but also business tools, video games consoles, crowdfunding sites, curation tools, politics, people.. and so on, the limit is only your imagination…)
Different table views of similar data can be saved (choosing the cells order of the table, the elements to be compared or the list of comparison criteria that can be: video, images, users ratings, users votes, text, yes/no…).
There is also a visual sizes comparison tool of objects when you click on a graphical icon in the top left corner of a table (containing the dimensions criteria, great to compare smartphones or tablets sizes for example).
It is also available as an independent and innovative visualization tool to compare sizes of various things (without building any matrix):
http://socialcompare.com/en/tools/compare-sizes
SocialCompare.com: Collaborative comparison engine - [Link]
These days, smartphones do just about everything, but what about opening your front door? On this week’s episode of element14’s “The Ben Heck Show,” Ben transforms everyday household products into time-saving and convenient solutions, including an automated door buzzer he controls from his smartphone. Ben also transforms a manual thermostat into an automated system that adjusts to pre-set temperatures at pre-programmed times. Check out the full episode at element14 when you have the chance, and see home automation at its finest.
In addition, show fans are invited to join the discussion online at element14 to engage with community members, submit project ideas for a future episode and enter for a chance to win one of Ben’s builds featured on the show, including his Xbox 360™ CD disc changer and portable 3D printer.
Modder master Ben Heck morphs his apartment into a “smart home” - [Link]
