tech.nocr.at » 3d

A Look At Android 3.0 – Honeycomb

Frank — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:17:27 +0000

Google gave everyone a sneak peak of the next version of Android (Honeycomb) at CES earlier this year. Today they released the SDK for the upcoming tablet geared OS. Here’s a look at what we all can expect from Honeycomb.

The biggest change is the UI. Older versions of Android weren’t geared towards tablets, Honeycomb changes all of that. You will now have more space on your home screen to accommodate more widgets and icons. As you can see from the image above, you will be able to fit all sorts of things on your home screen(s)

Home Screen(s)

The layout of the screens look much like older versions. There is a new 3D look to all of it that might cause problems with older hardware, the new Tegra 2′s should be able to handle it without much effort.

Notification Bar

The notification bar has been moved to the bottom ala Windows and they have added some new buttons that work like the capacitive hardware buttons on most Android devices. They have also added a recent apps button that will show you the current state of apps running the background.

Keyboard

The new keyboard is a great improvement over the older iteration with larger reshaped keys. They also include keys like “Tab” which should make the transition for desktop users easier. Copy and Paste has also seen some change. Much like iOS, a long press will select a word and you can drag the selector to choose more text.

Over all it looks like a great improvement, especially if you are running 2.2 on a tablet currently (like I am). A welcome upgrade if I ever saw one.

A Look At Android 3.0 – Honeycomb originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/26. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

iDos Returns To The App Store

Frank — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:36:25 +0000

If you have been holding on to the original iDos app that was released last year before being yanked from the App Store you can breath a little easier now that it’s back.

The new version has been updated and simplified and comes with some freeware classics like Wolfenstein 3D and the original Duke Nukem (the awesome 2D version). Adding additional software isn’t as easy as before, but you can still move stuff into the /Apps/iDos/documents folder and run them from there.

Maybe it’s time to dust off the old floppies and find my copy of Renegade BBS. The first BBS completely self contained in a mobile phone, how cool would that be.

iDos Returns To The App Store originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/20. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

$249.99 For The 3DS Starting March 27th

Frank — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:49:12 +0000

If you have been holding back placing a pre-order for Nintendo’s upcoming 3DS then you will be happy to know that Nintendo has finally announced that the upcoming 3DS will be hitting North American shelves on March 27th and will run you $249.99.

The unit will be available in Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black and by June there should be about 30 titles for the unit including an updated version of PilotWings, Nintendogs+Cats, a new Kid Icarus and of course a 3D version of the Nintendo mainstay Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

$249.99 For The 3DS Starting March 27th originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2011/01/19. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Even More Linux Distros That Don’t Suck

Frank — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:39:16 +0000

Following my first two distro lists; Linux Distros That Don’t Suck and More Linux Distros That Don’t Suck, I bring you the long awaited third installment in my distro lists; Even More Linux Distros That Don’t Suck.

As a fore-warning, this list is just what I have used in the past and what I have experience with. I know that talking Linux is like talking religion, everyone has one and not everyone likes the other guy’s. With that in mind you are free to comment and hammer me about my list, just know that it’s only my personal experience here.

Mint – What can I say, it’s Ubuntu done right. If what you are looking for is a solid desktop replacement OS, one the whole family can use then look no further. Based on Debian and Ubuntu, this distro comes with everything you need to get going and it looks sexy as well. It’s got full multimedia support right out of the box and it’s super easy to use. Perfect for grandma.

ZeroShell – This distro is awesome. I have used this multiple times on embeded devices and it’s always come through for me. It’s fully administered via a web page and it offer’s a host of network services like Load Balancing, UMTS/HSDPA 3G modem connections, QoS and Lan-to-Lan VPN just to name a few. If you need a solid industrial all around firewall/gateway this should be at the top of your list.

Tiny Core – If you think Damn Small Linux is bloated then Tiny Core is for you. At a whopping 10MB with a full desktop, this has to be the smallest release I have ever seen. If 10MB is too big for you, you can grab a 6MB version that is console only. This is an awesome distro if you want to start small and build on it. Perfect for those older systems.

Elive – Based on Debian, Elive looks to provide a complete desktop replacement while offering eye-candy with minimal hardware requirements. I have this installed on an older laptop that my daughter uses. She loves to work with multimedia and this distro scratches her itch perfectly. It’s runs well on older hardware while still looking good. If you like to work with video, 3D or audio then you should give this distro a once over.

Mythbuntu – It’s really not a distro per-say, it’s a custom roll of Ubuntu with MythTV built it. For years I used KnoppMyth for my MythTV needs and only recently did I switch to Mythbuntu. If you don’t feel like building your HTPC from scratch take a look at this, you won’t be disappointed.

Tinfoil Hat – For the truly paranoid. As their website says “The Illuminati are watching your computer, and you need to use morse code to blink out your PGP messages on the numlock key.”. This distro is perfect for those who fear for their privacy. It’s compiled with static libraries and ships on a single floppy.

LegacyOS – This was formally known as TeenPup which is based on PuppyLinux. The main purpose of this distro is to ensure a smooth user experience on hardware that’s 5-10 years old. If you have an old machine laying around and are looking for a decent suite of software then look no further. Don’t plan on doing any intense processing with it but basic usage it’s great.

As always this is a list of distros I have experience with, this by no means is a “perfect” or “greatest” list. It’s just stuff I have used and like, feel free to let me know what you think in the comments.

Even More Linux Distros That Don’t Suck originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/09/06. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

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Verizon and Google: Bed Mates

Frank — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:05:51 +0000

Earlier today Google and Verizon issued a joint policy statement surrounding net neutrality or what they refer to as a “Policy Proposal for an Open Internet”. I can’t even begin to lay out how wrong this is.

First, what the hell Google? Were you not one of the champions of an open a free internet? Did you not side with the masses in fighting for an internet that remained free from multiple tiers? What happened? Sleeping with Verizon will only lead to morning after regret.

Sure, you both state that this keeps the wired world free from your tyranny and it will only effect wireless networks. That’s like opposing fascism then coming around and saying it’s okay to be fascist in rural areas but not urban ones.

This does nothing more than open Pandora’s box, today wireless, tomorrow we will only get Google content on Verizon and Yahoo content on AT&T. WTF? Can you say AOL all over again.

I’m not sure how much money was exchanged or what drugs were smoked when you two got together but I sure do hope that the FCC and policy makers realize how detrimental this can be to the free and open internet we all enjoy.

Verizon and Google: Bed Mates originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/08/11. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Roll Your Own 3D Video For Under $300

Frank — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:53:08 +0000

You’ve gone out and seen Avatar and now your ready to summon your inner Cameron and shoot the next blockbuster 3D movie but you just can’t seem to come up with the millions of dollars needed to purchase the camera gear you would need, fear now more because you too can now create a super-duper 3D film for under $300 (how was my infomercial pitch there?).

Some great weekend hackers have put together a shopping list of materials needed to pull this off.

A couple Kodak Zx1 Digital Camcorders
L-Shaped bracket
Some nylon washers, wingnuts and screws
A basic tripod

I’m sure you could use other cameras and adjust the bracket to suit, but the concept is pretty simple. They have a full write up on how the pulled it off including all the editing that is needed to produce the stereo image. Check out the video after the break of some home made 3D footage.

Roll Your Own 3D Video For Under $300 originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2010/02/22. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

In Case You Missed It: Week 43 Round Up

Frank — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:35:51 +0000

In case you missed anything last week; we have everything from Metallica on your iPhone right through to a $1200 Mouse. Enjoy

Gadgets

Remote Controlled Tissue Box
Electronic Guitar Shirt
Sucker Alert: $1200 Mouse
Sucker Alert: Wattgate 381 “Audio Grade” Socket

Gaming

Nokia Kills The N-Gage – Are You Shocked?
Nintendo DSi Get’s Bigger
Quickdev16: SNES Developers Cart
Soccer Hero

Hacking and Security

Use Your iPhone To Control Your Car
Mr. Wake – The Uncatchable Alarm Clock
Crush Your Cans With Electricity
3D Video With One Camera
DIY: Tesla “Spooky Spirit” Radio
Phaser Boasts 300mW Laser
iPhone App To Crack Combination Locks

Mac

Tap Tap Revenge Metallica For The iPhone

Tech News

XBMC on ARM
Install 59 Apps Quickly And Easily
Water Drops At 2000 FPS

In Case You Missed It: Week 43 Round Up originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/11/01. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

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3D Video With One Camera

Frank — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:57:54 +0000

3D video has really started to make a strong comeback. I remember being a kid when the paper glasses with red and blue lenses were all the rage. Technology has changed a lot since then. The cost of creating 3D videos is so expensive that it prohibits the aspiring film maker from considering the option, but if you happen to have a CNC machine that you can access your on your way to brining that dream to life.

Gabriel, the crafty hacker, is using a SketchUp to plot the camera paths, a plugin to export those paths and automatically adjust them for perspective and a CNC machine to preform all of the movement. You take a pass at something for the left eye then the CNC machine takes a second pass at a different perspective for the right eye.

Simple eh, well it does have it’s drawbacks like the inability to shoot anything that’s moving. Although this isn’t the perfect setup, it does show you how creative some people can be. Maybe this would be perfect for stop motion 3D. Check out the two videos after the break. The first is the actually 3D video and the second shows a behind the scene on how the whole rig works.

[Link to 3D with CNC]

3D Video With One Camera originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/28. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

VMWare Fusion 2.06

Frank — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 03:53:56 +0000

VMware rolled out another update today to their uber popular virtualization software for the mac, Fusion. The update, which was officially released yesterday, includes multiple fixes for running Fusion in a 32-bit Snow Leopard environment. Besides the usually assortment of bug fixes the release also includes enhancements for better 3D performance on Macs with Nvidia cards who run Snow Leopard.

Registered Fusion users can grab the hefty 289 MB update here. Users should note that VMWare Tools on the guest OS doesn’t upgrade automatically when you install the update. You will have to install the tools for the menu bar manually.

VMWare Fusion 2.06 originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2009/10/02. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

3DS Max Now Owns Softimage

Ryan Yewell — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:38:48 +0000

You’ve probably heard of 3DS Max, the software suite that creates a lot of the visuals you see in games these days (and other media). You may have heard of Softimage as well, another software suite that is used in making games (and film/television). Well, Autodesk (maker of 3DS Max) just bought up Softimage’s business for the price tag of $35 million.

Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment, states in the official press release that both products will “help us accelerate the work of our Games Technology Group, as we build the next-generation of real-time, interactive 3D authoring tools for games, film and television.”

Not sure if this is good news or not. Competition is healthy, but having the best of both worlds (and hopefully not the worst of both) being used in our entertainment mediums could be cool…

Autodesk plans to keep Softimage in the market, and continue to develop for it. Of course they also plan to take some of the Softimage technology and put it in their own product, 3DS Max. It remains to be seen how Autodesk will keep the 2 product lines both distinct and innovative.

You can tell that Autodesk senses some apprehension out there, and Marc Petit concluded the press release with these words, to calm those who use Softimage products… “we know users invest a lot of time and energy into mastering their favorite 3D product. To all 3D artists out there, I want to tell you that we understand your passion for the creative tools you use daily, and that with Autodesk, you can choose your passion.”

More info at http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?id=12022457&siteID=123112]

3DS Max Now Owns Softimage originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/10/25. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

HTC Touch Pro

Frank — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:17:21 +0000

HTC has just unveiled their new HTC Touch Pro. It looks like one hot unit with all sorts of neat things packed into a small unit.

2.8” VGA display
Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional with HTC TouchFLO 3D interface
3.2 megapixel camera
512MB internal memory
288MB RAM
microSD memory card slot
GPS navigation
TV output (WooHoo)
Bluetooth connectivity
GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA/HSUPA connectivity

It looks like a money dropper to me.

HTC Touch Pro originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/06/05. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Nintendo DS Game Teaches You How To Dress

Frank — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:30:34 +0000

Letâ€™s be honest, most geeks out there lack some sort of fashion. Most of them will walk around in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt every day, all day. Itâ€™s not exactly the best way to attract people of the opposite sex (or the same sex for that matter).

This Japanese import for the Nintendo DS will teach you how to dress properly. The game features over 200 recorded lectures on how to dress yourself and includes a 3D model to show you how to dress and coordinate.

Itâ€™s unsure if this game will ever make it out of Japan, but itâ€™s good to know that help is available for the fashionably challenged.

[Via Joystiq]

Nintendo DS Game Teaches You How To Dress originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/01/31. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

3D Scanning With Milk And Legos

Frank — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:22:28 +0000

What do you get when you mix Legos and some Milk? Yes, you do get a 6 year olds dream, but you also get a 3D scanner. Just take some Lego, milk, and a web cam and use the software from Moviesandbox to input the image to your computer. Itâ€™s so simple that you end up slapping yourself in the head wondering why you didnâ€™t think of it yourself.

[Via Newscientist]

3D Scanning With Milk And Legos originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/01/28. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Nikon D60 Leak

Frank — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:17:28 +0000

Since the arrival of the interweb itâ€™s pretty hard to keep a secret, unless your Apple of course who threatens their employes so that any leak is quashed. Either that or they sick their insanely huge team of lawyers on you that you just give up.

Nikon is set to release itâ€™s new D60 DSLR at PMA. The D60 features a similar body design to the D40, a 10.2 megapixel sensor, Nikons famous 3D colour matrix metering system, active D lighting for adjustable shadow detail, and some form of dust prevention that chambers the air sway from the imagining sensor.

I love my old D70. Maybe itâ€™s time to invest in the D40!

Nikon D60 Leak originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/01/28. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Easy To Build CNC Machine

Frank — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:33:14 +0000

Have you ever wanted your very own CNC machine but just never been able to pony up the money needed to get one? Have a peek at this one that Tom McWire slapped together. Video after the jump.

“Here is a way to make a computer controlled milling machine. That puts the real power of a computer control machining into the hands of the average human. Small enough to set on the desk but scalable to any size. As inexpensive as possible without sacrificing accuracy (too much). All most all the parts can be purchased in local retail stores. And above all CHEAP you can be up and running for well under $200. With it you can do 2 Dimensional engraving and PC board etching and 3D milling and modeling in Foam, Wood, Plastic and other soft materials.”

Easy To Build CNC Machine originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/01/27. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Maxed Out Mac Requires A Mortgage

Frank — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:21:57 +0000

Since Apple announce earlier this week new Desktop machines, and since I’m due a new Desktop to work on, I figured what the hell lets hit the Apple store online and see what I could build.

They offer so much, so many options, so many toys, so many bells and whistles. I figured let’s load this baby up, I mean let’s really see what type of bang we can get. I was floored when my sub-total hit over $23,000, that’s about the same cost we paid for our Xserve and XRaid unit combined!

I know I was dreaming, but I really did want to see how far I could push the envelope, how much Apple greatness could I get in a single box. So you must be asking, what the hell do you get for $27,000? I’m so glad you asked because here’s the list of all the goodies.

Two 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon (8-core)
32GB (8 x 4GB)
Mac Pro RAID Card
4 x 300GB 15,000-rpm SAS
NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600 1.5GB (Stereo 3D, two dual-link DVI)
2 x Apple Cinema HD Display (30â€³ flat panel)
2 x 16x SuperDrives
AirPort Extreme card
Quad Channel 4Gb Fibre Channel PCI Express Card
Apple USB Modem
Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse
Apple Wireless Keyboard
Mac OS X
Mac OS X Server (Unlimited-Client)
iWork â€˜08 preinstalled
Final Cut Express preinstalled
Aperture 1.5 preinstalled
Logic Express preinstalled
Canon PIXMA MX700 Office All-in-One Printer
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro

I really don’t think this one is going to get by the wife.

Maxed Out Mac Requires A Mortgage originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/01/12. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

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PSP To Get GPS

Frank — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:09:40 +0000

Looks like Sony is at it yet again, adding more functionality to it’s PSP line of portable gaming units. The GPS reciever for the PSP is about to leave it’s Japanese stomping ground and make it’s way over to North America. Sony has posted on it’s CES 2008 page that “Your PSP will provide 2D/3D locations, driving directions, POI’s, and even downloadable city guides.”

With the hacking community being a buzz of homebrew activity to add more functionality to the already fledging portable system, maybe Sony has woken up and smelt the coffee with regards to the units potential.

Pricing and shipping dates haven’t been released yet, but in Japan you can pick this bad boy up for about $50.

PSP To Get GPS originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2008/01/07. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

Poor Mans 3d Scanner

Frank — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 20:40:29 +0000

Don’t have $4000 + to purchase a high end 3d scanner? Using a simple web cam, a free (as in beer) piece of windows software and a laser line level you too can achieve the same stunning results. The David Laserscanner does just that. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

- A camera (e.g. web cam)
- A hand-held line laser
- Two plain boards in the background
- A Windows PC
- DAVID-Laserscanner software (free)

Once you’ve got your equipment together, print off the calibration sheets that are included with the David Laserscanner software and apply them to you 2 plain boards.

Your two boards must form a perfect 90 deg right angle, this is key to the scanning process.

Next, point your webcam at your calibration boards and turn off any image enhancements that your camera might have (i.e., ambient light boot, auto exposure, etc).

Next we fire up the David Laserscanner software and auto calibrate our calibration boards. You must have as bright a room as you can get for this step, you almost want a complete washed out look for perfect calibration.

Once your done grab your line laser and turn all of the lights off, you want to make sure that the room is a pitch black as possible, all we want the camera to do is see the laser. Then, at a high angle, slowly pass your line laser over the object from top down, repeat the scan until you have a solid mesh form of your object.

Export your scan into an .obj format and load it up into your favorite 3d modeling program and enjoy.

Although it does take a while to get a decent scan out of the thing it sure is cheaper than some of the solutions out there. If you have the interest and some free time, it is a definite check out item.

Poor Mans 3d Scanner originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2007/12/29. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.

tech.nocr.at IT Helpdesk Policy

Frank — Unknown, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The IT department here at tech.nocr.at has taken up a new policy on help desk questions. I better get my fire retardant suit on before calling them

[Via flickr]

tech.nocr.at IT Helpdesk Policy originally appeared on tech.nocr.at on 2007/08/27. Reproduction of content not allowed without consent.