Tuesday, March 12th, 2013
Last time I went on about 3D Printers was back in October 2008. Time for an update.
There are more options out there than the RepRap. Engadet has a “consumers guide” to 3D printers.
What I found interesting is that there are some sub $1,000 models. Granted, most of those are Kickstarter projects, but it shows that these things are getting some traction in the geek hobby market.
That expanding base also means a greater number of programmed designs as people share their experiments.
One that is sure to cause a stir is Defense Distributed’s plan to design a 3D printable firearm. They have designed, and printed an AR-15 lower. They have put over 600 rounds though a firearm using that printed lower in a single day. They claim that it should be able to handle a 1,000 rounds.
The AR-15 was a good choice. It is one of the most popular civilian firearms in the US, and as Gun Geeks will tell you, it’s the general purpose PC of firearms. It is very modular, with the ability to change stocks and uppers easily. It also has a large market of add on accessories, including pink plastic parts for the female (or male who just likes pink) shooters.
The inter-changeable upper (which includes the barrel) is key. You can convert your .223 AR-15 to 5.55mm NATO, .308 Winchester, .22 LR or even .50 Beowulf. All the same firearm by current US regulations.
On the lower end of the 3D printing scale, is the EDoodler. A hand held devices that extrudes a steam of heated material that you can create whole pieces or parts of a larger object. This is another Kickstarter project which blew past its original goal of $30,000 pretty fast. They have pledges of over $2 million and still have three weeks to go for fundraising.
Going even lower end, you have InstaMorph. I know people who swear by this stuff for really Q&D projects. You heat the stuff up and then are able to mold it. When it cools, it hardens. Kinda like a gateway drug for 3D printing.
Originally posted at Urbin Technology
Update: Just how versatile is the AR-15 you ask, here is an upper designed for black powder use! There is even a crossbow upper.
Tags: 3D Printing, AR-15, RKBA, Technology, Urbin Technology
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Sunday, January 13th, 2013
Leo Leporte reports that Facebook has added a new “Feature”. Automatically uploading your mobile device photos to Facebook.
That’s right, all your photos, straight to Facebook.
If you were paying attention to the “user agreement”, Facebook reserves the right to use everything you load on it, including pictures, anyway they see fit.
That Facebook gets the right to use your stuff is nothing new. Been that way since just about Day One, if not before.
Here is a basic rule of the Internet you Coppertops need to understand.
If you aren’t paying for the service, you are the product.
Originally posted at Urbin Technology
Tags: Internet, Technology, Urbin Technology
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Sunday, August 30th, 2009
My brother liked my iPhone more than his smartphone, so he bought himself one yesterday.
More details over at Urbin Technology.
Tags: Apple, iPhone, Smart Phone, Technology, Urbin Technology
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Friday, August 21st, 2009
As my gentle readers may have noticed, I am a big fan of gadgets, from simple to bright & shiny electronics. This gadget falls under the simple, yet useful and cool category.
It’s a six in one multitool shaped like a key, and this fits very nicely on your key ring.
The small blade is very handy, and the design keeps it safe when it is on your keyring. This is one of my favorite multitools. It’s handy, I typically have it with me (the massive Swiss Army Multitool my brother gave me years ago did a lot of stuff, but it was too damn big to carry around. A tool you don’t have is of no use), and the tools on it (screwdrivers, small knife) are useful in everyday life.
Originly posted at Urbin Technology.
Tags: gadget, multitool, Urbin Technology
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Monday, August 3rd, 2009
Apple barred the new Google Talk App from the iTunes App Store.
The initial claim was that the app duplicated core services of the iPhone.
To get around Apple’s monopolitics ban, point your iPhone browwer to www.google.com/talk.
There has been other fallout from Apple’s ban, besides pissed off customers, the FCC is asking questions and Google CEO Eric Schmidt resigned from Apple’s Board of Directors.
Then there is also the added buzz about Google Talk this has generated. Perhaps it would have been better for Apple just to have allowed the app in the iTunes app store.
Originally posted at Urbin Technology
Tags: Apple, Google, Google Talk, Technology, Urbin Technology
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Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
Google announced an OS based on Chrome, this is supposed be a seperate OS than Android, which is already shipping on smartphones and has been ported to netbooks.
The Chrome OS is also based on open source LINUX code, and Google plans on freely distributing the OS. This can’t make Microsoft very happy.
Back in October 2008, I noticed that Chrome had the potential to be a thin layer OS.
One of the exisiting theories is that Chrome is the first componet of a Google OS. Chrome is supposed to be the interface to the applications. If you look under the hood of Chrome, it is built more like an OS than a browser.
All it will need is a thin layer to access the hardware (boot, and then interface with video/storage/audio/periferal I/O(USB for a start)/network interfaces) and it’s pretty much good to go.
This would a thin client model with most of the applications out in the cloud, and as much of the data. as well.
Originally posted to Urbin Technology.
Tags: Chrome, Google, Operating System, OS, Technology, Urbin Technology
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