Dead drops are small containers that are hidden in public places, which spies and other people can use to drop information (stored on microdots, rolled up handwritten notes, 35mm photo negatives) so that someone else can retrieve it. In this Make video, Jason Poel Smith shows how to make dead drops out of USB sticks mounted into walls, buildings, dead trees, and rocks. It's completely impractical (it's an art project!) but fun anyway.
Make a USB dead drop
- COMMENTS
- makers
Kilopixel: a 1000-pixel display made of wood
Kilopixel is a 1000-pixel wooden display, 40×25, and you can queue your own pixel art for the real thing to display at the official website. Check out the hall of… READ THE REST
Coffee table with live traffic map (video)
YouTuber Michael Rechtin had a problem. He kept rushing out the door for his morning commute without checking the traffic, often getting stuck as a result. Rather than waking up… READ THE REST
One-way cat airlock prevents kitties from bringing friends, dead or alive, into your home
The 2025 Hackaday Pet Hacks Challenge winners have been announced, and they range from the most innovative to the most practical. From Fytó, which gamifies plant care, to TinyML meets… READ THE REST
Save money on heating bills this winter with a smart thermostat
TL;DR: Get a refurbished 3rd generation Google Nest in near-mint condition for only $99.99 (MSRP $249). Want to stay warm and toasty this winter without driving up your heating bills? Save where you… READ THE REST
If you're still using Windows 10, you're about to be in trouble
TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro + The Essential Windows 11 Pro Course is available for only $19.97 (MSRP $237) until Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT. As of October 2025, Microsoft has phased… READ THE REST
For only $40 you can make Q4 a hit with Microsoft Office Professional 2021
TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is now $39.97 (MSRP $219.99). Ramping up for the most important quarter of the year for many industries, you're going to want to be organized… READ THE REST