My friend Zach Supalla is the founder of Particle, which makes easy-to-use, inexpensive Internet of Things hardware for enthusiasts and professionals. For years, one of the sticking points for IoT has been wireless connectivity. WiFi is good for indoor applications, but if you want to put sensors in remote locations, you need a SIM card, which means a data plan. If you have a lot of devices, that can add up to a hefty bill. Today, Particle announced EtherSIM, which offers global cellular connectivity with no monthly data plans or device fees for up to 100 devices. This is exciting and is going to open a lot of new possibilities for IoT.
Particle introduces a new free cellular IoT platform
Amazing art deco Raspberry Pi game controller/console
I think Jam Hamster might have made the most beautiful game controller/console ever. You can catch the work-in-progress photos on Twitter: practically every part and feature is handmade, including the circuit board. Not their first rodeo, obviously. See also these plans for putting an Arduino in a tape cassette, which may then be used as… READ THE REST
Someone made a terrific tiny replica of The Simpsons' purple TV that randomly plays episodes from the series
Software engineer and maker Brandon Withrow used a 3D printer and electronics ingenuity to create a terrific tiny replica of The Simpsons' purple TV set! It even plays random episodes from the series' first 11 seasons—no Internet connection necessary! Withrow promises a build guide will be coming soon so you can make your own. From… READ THE REST
Tragic Fate Ball: DIY digital Magic 8-Ball predicts how you're going to die
How will you die? Running with scissors? A whale falling on your head? Learn the future cause of your own untimely demise with maker Stuart Gorman's Tragic Fate Ball, a DIY take on the Magic 8-Ball that's darker and more digital than the original toy that inspired it. Details in the video below. From Hackster.io:… READ THE REST
Edit content like a pro with over $50 off PowerDirector and PhotoDirector 365
From social media posts to YouTube videos, you've got a lot of content to create these days. But sometimes the abundance of editing tools available today can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you don't have an art background. But perhaps it's just that you're not using the right software. No matter your experience level,… READ THE REST
See the world from a new angle with this must-have drone
You can watch every movie streaming on Netflix and even travel the world, but until you see the world from new heights, you don't know how much you're missing. That's just one of the reasons drone photography has become so popular — with over 900,000 currently registered in the U.S. — as it allows you… READ THE REST
Bring peace, freedom, justice, and security to your new Empire with this Cyber Blade
Just as Lord Vader disarmed Mace Windu at Sidious's behest, you too can stand up to your enemies, whether it be your annoying boss or nosy mother-in-law, lightsaber in hand. Okay, so you're not actually allowed to go into battle with your so-called mortal enemies, but just like you were told as a kid, it… READ THE REST
