It must be a week for Wiimote hacks, as there are two interesting implementations of Nintendo’s wireless motion-sensitive controller on offer today. First up comes a hack using DarwiinRemote, that allows you to play World of Warcraft using the Wiimote; then, there’s a self-balancing robot made of LEGO NXT, that can be remotely controlled with it.
Video demos of both projects after the cut
Details of the latest remote control aircraft in WowWee’s FlyTech range have emerged, describing a plane that’s begging to be crashed into the ground. The WowWee FlyTech CrashFX is of a more traditional design than, say, the WowWee Dragonfly, but uses a new Easi-Snap system whereby the wings and tail section are designed to be easily broken off and then quickly clipped back on.
We already know the Sony Rolly speakers got a remote control. That’s old news. However, it was only to be available in Japan. But now, U.S. Rolly users can rejoice. Now, you too can get your hands on a remote for your Rolly.
Celio, best known for their controversial REDFLY smartphone companion devices, have released the first beta of their REDFLY Mobile Viewer. The app, currently for Windows XP or Vista systems only, allows Windows Mobile smartphones to be connected to a standard PC and their software used at up to 1024 x 768 resolution.
Most car computers concentrate on adding internet access, big sound systems and complex GPS, but Jon Oxer went a few stages further. His 2004 Mazda RX-8 is connected to the internet 24/7, can be remotely controlled via an iPod touch or iPhone, and unlocked via an RFID tag implanted in his arm.
Video demo after the cut
Hacking together remote control weaponry seems to be a common pastime, and incorporating a nice, innocent Wiimote an ideal way to aim it. Jay decided his office was missing an airsoft robot with IP webcam and internet-based remote control, so put together the pretty intimidating setup you see here.
Video demos after the cut
If you’ve always wished you could use your Logitech Harmony remote for just about everything, your wish might just come true. Or close to it, anyway. Logitech just announced this weekend that they have an adapter in the works that allows the Harmony remote to control the PS3.
After speculation that Apple was using the new iPod shuffle 4GB to launch an “authentication chip” which only licensed headphones would offer, Apple themselves and a number of third-party accessory manufacturers have spoken up about the smallest iPod’s hardware. V-moda, Monster Cable and Scosche have all described it as a “control chip”, which uses the microphone channel in the four-channel headphones to send multiple commands: play, pause, volume control and more.
As the old saying goes, give them an opportunity to sell accessories and they will come. Apple’s new iPod shuffle 4GB has only been on sale since yesterday, and already Scosche has a trio of compatible headphones with that all-important in-line remote.
Automotive parts supplier Denso Corporation have been demonstrating their latest remote control system, Yubi-Nya, which uses minute electric currents in the fingers to trigger central locking or other aspects of their vehicle. Unfortunately, to operate it you need to wear a huge cat-faced ring.
SlashGear Japan
