Mick Darling's posterousAll my blogging in one spot. (mostly)Show HN: MadeiraCloud lets you draw AWS architecture and clone apps in minutes
Comments
from Hacker News http://www.madeiracloud.com/
Shapeoko, the Affordable CNC Mill Kit
On April 1, Inventables made Shapeoko kits available for the first time. No fooling! This low-cost CNC mill comes in three versions and each features the MakerSlide system. This inexpensive kit is quite an achievement and drives home the fact that MakerSlide is an empowering building block for makers. For Edward Ford, the inventor of Shapeoko, this is a watershed moment but it’s been a long time in coming. Edward’s CNC odyssey started in 2004. While in college, he worked part-time at a manufacturer where he spent his days at a punch machine performing a boring, repetitive task hour after hour. Just across the aisle from him was a giant plasma CNC machine that captivated his imagination with its precision, power, and speed. Weeks went by. The boredom was stifling but the allure of the plasma CNC was intoxicating. His conclusion? “I’ve got to have one of those!” Who among us hasn’t been caught up in watching CNC perform its magic? While many of us wish for such empowering tools, few of us will set out to build one from scratch. Yet within six months of falling in love with CNC, that’s exactly what Edward set out to do.
On this journey, his first lesson was to get the hardware right. His first CNC project was done with the resources of a student and the result was his first CNC frame, cut and assembled with hand tools in his father’s workshop. While building it was a major achievement, the result was disheartening. Hand-cut hardware assembled imprecisely. Keeping everything square proved a major challenge. If it had been completed and powered with motors then it would have torn itself apart. In despair Edward shelved the project. His second lesson was to get the electronics right. With new-found access to a laser cutter at work, it became possible to produce precision parts and build a quality frame, which he did. Moving to the next stage, he bought a kit from Xylotek to handle the electronics. It came with stepper motors, controller boards, and a power supply which would bringing his new CNC mill to life. While the electronics would readily perform their function, they had to connect to the hardware which presented new challenges. Establishing good mechanical coupling wasn’t easy. Getting the electronics to drive hardware correctly also didn’t come easy. It took a year of tweaking to get the electronics working well with the hardware. By the end of it, he had climbed major learning curves and was well on his way to conquering CNC.
At this point it was 2007 and Edward was years into the process of mastering CNC building. He had learned about hardware and electronics; it was now time for his third major lesson in getting the software and operations right. He installed EMC2, ran his first test, and experienced the joy of success! He had managed to draw a straight line. Drawing that line was a major milestone, but obviously only a start. There would be many things still to learn about operating the mill. The concepts of homing, backlash, and learning G-code had to be mastered. He had to familiarize himself with different materials, their speeds and feeds, and much more. As he learned, he realized the many things he’d need to improve on his mill and this increased awareness became a growing burden. So much so that he tabled the project for almost two years.
A Fresh Start: Building on lessons learned In Edward’s life, SketchUp had been replaced by Autodesk Inventor, so now full 3D prototyping was both possible and powerful. He designed a completely new CNC mill in software. Before cutting even a single piece of wood, he tested the assembly thoroughly in Inventor. When he was confident of his design, he sent the files to Ponoko to be cut. When he received the cut wood, it fit together precisely and assembled perfectly. When it came to electronics, Arduino and the shields ecosystem were now available to provide controller systems. G-code interpreters such as Grbl made it easy to control CNCs. Together they make it possible to quickly and cheaply build the rest of the mill and put it to the test. With high hopes he ran a test print of the SparkFun logo and he achieve fantastic results!
Open Source CNC Mill Kit Of all the costs of mill-building, the cost of the rails stood in the way his goal. With cheap enough rails a mill could be built for $300. He looked around and found new sources that might work. He didn’t want to pour his own money into testing these options but decided if he could get the work funded then he’d take the time to do the prototyping. Enter Kickstarter, the crowdfunding service where he posted his CNC project. If the community would fund his test of three different prototypes then he committed to release the results as open source hardware, providing a build of materials (BoM), and drawing files for free to all. A schedule of awards tied to funding levels was set; top contributors would receive complete CNC mill kits of the selected design. The campaign started on June 28, 2011 and ran for 30 days. Coincidentally, just as the Shapeoko campaign began on Kickstarter, the MakerSlide campaign ended. Since Edward was looking at rail systems, he was naturally interested and after talking with Bart Dring of MakerSlide, he became a big fan. His mill prototypes started to use MakerSlide, and as its structural properties became better understood, Edward used more and more of it. Below you can see renderings of several prototypes: earlier versions on the left, later versions on the right. Note the last two use MakerSlide exclusively. The end version is the Shapeoko.
The campaign goal had been to raise $1,500 to fund the prototyping. He easily exceeded that and raised a total of over $11,000 with 14 people paying $500 for the CNC kit. Six extra kits had been assembled so Edward offered them for sale to Kickstarter supporters. All six were gone within 15 seconds of sending the offer email and almost 50 people were left wanting. So Edward did what any good businessman would do, he made more. He made 20 more and sold out in an hour. So he made 30 more… and sold out in an hour. There was obviously demand but only so much time available in Edward’s life to supply kits. With a second baby having recently arrived in his life, Edward needed help. Referencing MakerSlide’s Bart Dring as a role model and Inventable’s Zach Kaplan as a prospective partner, Edward was soon on the path to getting relief. Shapeoko is now available through Inventables who builds kits, does online sales, and performs fulfillment.
Edward is in the process of getting his life back. Without the burden of selling Shapeoko, he can focus on the many ideas he has for Shapeoko add-ons. He wants to design, build, test, and share them with others. He also longs to spend more time in the CNC community forums to help newly excited members learn about CNC. It’s been many months since he could run regularly, ride his mountain bike, or simply watch TV with his wife. Life with his family will soon become more sane… as sane as life gets with two kids under the age of three. Rumor: YouTube Rentals Coming to Google TV SoonYouTube is working hard to transition for an amateur video sharing site into a full-blown TV network and first-run movie-consumption destination. It’s creating its own TV shows and has made big deals, including one this morning with Paramount, for scads of tasty filmic content. But there is one big problem. You can rent YouTube movies in the one place you most want to: your big-screen TV. Obviously, you could hook up your PC to your TV, but the quality and dependability (DRM could block the film from playing over your HDMI connection completely) could be suspect. Wouldn’t it make far more sense to rent digital movies directly through YouTube parent Google’s own living room product, the Web content/broadcast TV hybridGoogle TV? Yes it would. Now rumor has it that Google TV will soon support direct YouTube movie rentals. There’s no timing, official announcement or statement from Google, but sources are telling Mashable this is a possibility. The use of the word “soon” is enough to give credence to the possibility that Google and YouTube might finally crack this all-important nut. The reality is that, right now, for all the content YouTube is collecting, it simply is not on a level playing field with Apple and Apple TV, Netflix and Amazon’s Prime. These services are on set-top boxes (Apple has its own) that plug directly into your HDTV. No concerns about whether or not DRM rights will prevent movie playback. The experience for renting a movie on any of them is seamless. If YouTube does go this route, though, it’s hard to imagine that it will even be able to introduce a subscription service alongside the premium movie rentals. YouTube’s legacy is free, bite-sized content supported mostly by ad overlays, no one will want to pay for content that was originally free on, say, broadcast television on YouTube – unless, of course YouTube offers an ad-free network. Then viewers might pay a monthly fee for the privilege. YouTube has another problem, though. It needs more people to buy Google TV. Logitech walked away from the first Google TV after dumping millions into the program. However, at CES, a bunch of new manufacturers lined up with brand new Google TV hardware, so the future could be bright for YouTube Rentals. On the other hand, Google still has a lot of work to do on Google TV. The Sony Google TVs we have in Mashable’s office feature a compact, yet often inscrutable remote. I could go into all the myriad issues, but suffice to say that it often switches “enter” back and forth between two physical controls. As most know, regular YouTube is, in addition to being on Google TV, already on set-top boxes like the Roku2, but it’s unclear if these partners will ever get YouTube Movie rentals or if Google wants to save that all for itself. For now, YouTube is still a great platform for finding the best one-minute viral videos. Getting consumers to see it as more, no matter how many content partners and original programing YouTube adds could be a challenge, unless and until YouTube Movies finally arrive on Google TV. Do you own a Google TV? Would the addition of YouTube Movie rentals change how you feel about it? Would you buy a Google TV just to have this feature? Tell us in the comments. More About: Apple TV, Google, google tv, logitech, Movies, netflix, sony, YouTube For more Entertainment coverage:
An Animated History of the MBTA [Map]
Andrew Lynch is a New York-based photographer, freelance web designer and hobby cartographer who wants to answer those questions for you. Lynch created an animated map showing the history of the MBTA, which looks at the chronological evolution of the system from station names and tunnels to now-defunct lines. “I got the idea when I saw a simple map depicting the MBTA back in 1912, and I realized what a great idea it would be to show the system from the past, but updated the way we are used to seeing the map,” Lynch tells BostInno in an email. “Historical transit maps aren’t the stripped down modernist diagrams we see today. The MBTA map we are used to seeing didn’t come into being until 1967.” Describing the creation process for his map, Lynch explains:
So, why this map?
Lynch sums it up nicely: “Boston is far more dynamic than people give it credit for, and I hope this is one small way to depict that.” Check out his Animated History of the MBTA map below, and for more, check out his blog. Map via Andrew Lynch from BostInno http://bostinno.com/2012/04/05/an-animated-history-of-the-mbta-map/Sponsor post: Super lineup of super sessions at the 2012 NAB ShowThe 2012 NAB Show®, the world’s largest gathering of media and entertainment professionals, is more than a hands-on proving ground of 1,600+ exhibiting companies. It’s a global knowledge base to help you leverage today’s media to create actionable intelligence. This event offers world-class education for the entire digital media industry: 7 conferences, 2 training programs, general sessions, super sessions, info sessions, content theater and tons of on-floor sessions. See full education details here. Super sessions:
Featuring James Cameron and Vince Pace
Featuring Sinclair Broadcast Group, Dow Lohnes PLLC, Mobile Content Venture, MobiTV, Qualcomm Inc., Syncbak, DVB Project Office
Featuring GigaOM, Harman, Aha Radio, Rovi Corporation, PlayStation Digital Platforms, Digital Living Network Alliance, SocialGuide, Simple.tv, Strategy Group
Featuring the Los Angeles Times, Debmar-Mercury, Warner Bros., CBS Television Distribution
Featuring Broadcasting & Cable Magazine
Featuring Sundance Media Group, Original Productions, Contour, Donald Schultz
Featuring The Shindler Perspective Inc., Piper Jaffray & Co., Wedbush Securities, Roth Capital Partners, LLC Register for an education package to attend super sessions. Special offer: Register using code EP46 for a free exhibits-only* pass! *Processing fee applies. NAB Show | April 14–19, 2012 | Las Vegas, NV Millions of Subscribers Leaving Cable TV for Streaming Services
suraj.sun writes "Netflix and Hulu are convincing millions of cable, satellite and telco subscribers to cut the cord and dive into video streaming. That's the conclusion of a new report released this week by the Convergence Consulting Group, which finds that 2.65 million Americans canceled TV subscriptions between 2008-2011 in favor of lower-cost internet subscription services or video platforms. Though Convergence co-founder Brahm Eiley projects that the number of people opting out of TV subscription services will begin to slow in 2012 and 2013. Part of the problem, Eiley argues, may be the rising price tag for streaming rights to programming which could cause fiscal fits for Netflix."
Read more of this story at Slashdot. Millions of Americans Cut the TV Cord [STUDY]Users aren’t completely ditching pay-TV subscriptions, but a new report says 3.58 million people in the U.S. will have cut the TV cord by the end of 2012. A report entitled “The Battle for the North American Couch Potato: Online & Traditional TV and Movie Distribution” [PDF] is just one indicator that paid online streaming TV and movie services are growing and pay-TV subscriptions are slowing. From 2008 to 2011, the Convergence Consulting Group estimates 2.65 million — 2.6% of the U.S. population — ended their pay-TV subscriptions and replaced them with online streaming services such as Netflix. More than 40% of U.S. pay-TV subscribers became non-subscribers by dropping their service in 2011. According to the report, Canadian TV services have seen a slower bleed — about 83,000 Canadians, or .7%, dropped their pay-TV subscriptions in 2011 to watch online subscription services. Compared to 2010, U.S. TV services added 160,000 fewer subscribers in 2011. The number dropped from 272,000 in 2010 to 112,000 in 2011. Convergence Consulting estimates 185,000 people will start new TV subscriptions in 2012. “Kiosk, mail and now streaming rental (assuming sufficient usage) offer a lower-price value proposition and have radically altered the rental channel while negatively impacting DVD/Blu-ray/Download sales, and encroaching on TV subscription,” the report said. Online TV watching is expected to increase in 2012 and years to come. In 2011, about 18% of U.S. broadcast specialty-network viewers watched an average of one to two shows online per week — an increase from 16% in 2010. Advertisers are following their viewers onto the web. The research firm says online ad revenue is increasing. Broadcast and cable network’s online TV advertising revenues reached $1.9 billion, or 2.8% of U.S. Broadcast/Cable Network TV advertising revenue, in 2011. Online TV network’s ad revenue is expected to climb 3% in 2012, Convergence Consulting estimates. Which do you prefer to use: TV subscriptions or online subscriptions? Tell us in the comments. More About: cord cutting, netflix, online tv, trending, TV, TV Ad For more Entertainment coverage:
Time Warner Cable app for Android tablets with live streaming is (still) right around the corner
To be fair, when we heard that Time Warner Cable's TWC TV app for Android tablets might add live TV streaming by the end of March it was described as a "very loose" projection, so it's not much of a surprise we're still waiting for it now, in April. It is still coming however, and a new post is up on the blog teasing the above image of the app in action and promising to make the feature available in the next few weeks, certainly by Memorial day. we should also note, it's for Ice Cream Sandwich loaded tablets only -- they have the required "security and stability" (read: DRM) necessary. Also noted is that developing a live video streaming app for iOS was easier simply because of the limited number of manufacturer, OS and hardware combinations, which mirrors what we heard previously from Netflix. Still, it's on the way, so if you're looking to use your slate as an extra TV screen in the home, you should look next to your manufacturer to make sure it's been updated with ICS.
Time Warner Cable app for Android tablets with live streaming is (still) right around the corner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | TWCable Untangled | Email this | Comments
from Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/twc-tv-android-live-streaming-soon/
Comcast confirms full HBO Go access on Xbox 360 coming next week
Just as the rumors indicated, Comcast has revealed its subscribers will be able to access the standard HBO Go app on the Xbox 360 starting "early next week." The only bad news? There's still no news on when / if those Comcast logins will ever give HBO Go streaming access through other connected TV platforms like Samsung's Smart TV apps or the Roku box, and Time Warner cable customers are still on the outside looking in altogether. That's the business for now, Comcast customers can check out the app's video preview after the break to see what they've been missing
Continue reading Comcast confirms full HBO Go access on Xbox 360 coming next week Comcast confirms full HBO Go access on Xbox 360 coming next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Comcast voices | Email this | Comments
from Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/comcast-confirms-full-hbo-go-access-on-xbo...
How Oprah is Revolutionizing Social TV in Real-TimeOprah may have retired from her daytime talk show nearly a year ago, but she’s hardly out of sight from her fan base. In fact, her latest series airing on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network is perhaps one of the most advanced shows in the social space right now, as she connects with her home and live audience in almost unprecedented ways. Oprah’s Lifeclass — which is currently in its second season, airing on Monday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT — features various motivational speakers and guests who aim to help viewers overcome challenges. Last season recapped lessons, revelations and aha moments over the past 25 years on The Oprah Winfrey Show. But this isn’t your typical Oprah show. She is incorporating social media and interactivity into every episode across various platforms, from Facebook and Twitter to Skype and Instagram. For example, Oprah encourages viewers at home and in the audience to live tweet responses to the topics mentioned on the show and then discusses them in real-time with her guests. “We have a team backstage that monitors the tweets that come in, and we push out some for Oprah to see and discuss live on the show,” a spokesperson for the OWN Network told Mashable backstage at a live taping. “We tell the audience and everyone at home to use their phones and interact with the show as it airs, and people couldn’t be more excited to do so.” During most episodes, Oprah is positioned in front of several TV screens that display the tweets. Backstage is a room dedicated to what the show calls “Skypeville,” where fans can be Skyped in to the live show and interact with Oprah. During last week’s episode — which was filmed live at Radio City Music Hall in New York City as part of a multi-city tour — several viewers were Skyped in from Australia and London to parts of the U.S. to discuss some of their biggest fears. “It allows Oprah to truly interact with her audience in new ways, and makes her feel that much closer to her audience — and they feel the same way,” says the spokesperson. “It creates for a much deeper on-air discussion, too.” Oprah’s Lifeclass also incorporates Facebook polls into the show and offers real-time results. Those viewers tuning in online are awarded with a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks. In essence, the camera never stops rolling, and only those watching online are privy to that footage. Fans can also post comments on the site and interact with others watching the show. To make the experience even more personal, Oprah snail-mailed journals to her fans so that they could take notes during episodes. Apart from the show, Oprah is extremely active on social media, especially Twitter. “Every tweet she sends is hers — the marketing team isn’t allowed to go anywhere near her Twitter account,” says the spokesperson. Although Oprah’s Lifeclass doesn’t have too much formal marketing, it relies mostly on word-of-mouth marketing. It invites a traveling blogger corp. to its live shows to tweet during each episode and feature behind-the-scenes commentary. As OWN aims to boost viewership of the show and its network, its buzz on social networking sites is thriving. The Oprah team says in the last week alone there were 414,780 mentions on Facebook and 3,026 answers posted to the Lifeclass wall on Oprah.com, along with over 29,000 views to the wall. Meanwhile, the web cast brought in nearly 2.6 million viewer minutes from 149 countries. What do you think of Oprah’s use of social media to interact with viewers in real-time? Should other shows be taking a similar approach? Let us know in the comments. Image courtesy of Harpo Inc./George Burns More About: Entertainment, Facebook, instagram, Marketing, oprah, Skype, social tv, trending, Twitter For more Entertainment coverage:
|
|