Here is a super simple phone busy indicator. It should only cost a few dollars to build!

“Have you ever been using the modem or fax and someone else picks up the phone, breaking the connection? Well, this simple circuit should put an end to that. It signals that the phone is in use by lighting a red LED. When the phone is not in use, a green LED is lit. It needs no external power and can be connected anywhere on the phone line, even mounted inside the phone.”

Could this be the Gym of the future? It is an interesting idea.

“What about creating green gyms where people pay their memberships as normal, but then use swipe cards before and after they get on the machines. The difference here is that the machines would all be linked to a large central generator, so if you are really working out you will be generating much more energy than is needed to power the machine display.

The swipe cards would monitor how much time you spent on each machine then - depending on the efficiency of the machine - calculate whether you were a net user or contributor of energy to the building. At the end of the year, people get a rebate on their membership depending on how much energy their use of the treadmills and cardio machines has generated for the gym.”

The Miuro is a crazy gadget that takes mobile media to the next level. Looks like a cool hackable robotics platform. The price is a bit too steep for the casual hardware hacker though…

“A new, $930 robot from Japan’s ZMP Inc. called Miuro is designed around the Apple iPod. Built in partnership with audio giant Kenwood, it basically transforms an iPod — which clips into the top of the robot — into a remote-controlled BOOMBOX ON WHEELS, rolling around and blasting music. Its movements can be pre-programmed, so you can teach it to make an entrance or dance to the music it’s playing. No iPod? No problem! It also streams music wirelessly from the installation of iTunes on your PC. Various options, including a camera and other sensors that help the robot get around on its own, are sold separately. It comes in white, black, yellow or red. Miuro went on sale today in Japan, and should become available in the U.S. later this year.”

Via: The Raw Feed

(more…)