Netduino and WP7 used to remotely control sprinkler system, show off Microsoft's DIY credentials

WP7 and Netduino controlled sprinkler
Arduino, Android and the iPhone usually get all the DIY love, but Mike Linnen, he has taken the road less traveled by -- turning to Windows Phone 7, Azure and a Netduino Plus to get his home hacking on. The .NET-powered microcontroller is the heart of Linnen's new sprinkler system which can be scheduled to turn on and off automatically or manually triggered remotely from his WP7 handset. The system also monitors weather forecasts and, if the chance of rain is above 39-percent, any sprinkler activity for the day is canceled to avoid over watering the grass and plants. It's all pretty neat, and there's some DOS command line action thrown in for good measure. Check out the lengthy demo video after the break, and hit up the source for more detail and the necessary code to set up your own.

Continue reading Netduino and WP7 used to remotely control sprinkler system, show off Microsoft's DIY credentials

Netduino and WP7 used to remotely control sprinkler system, show off Microsoft's DIY credentials originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink WMPoweruser, WPSauce  |  sourceProtosystems, 2  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/netduino-and-wp7-used-to-remotely-control-sprinkler-system-show/

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Add a Windows 8 user tile to your Windows 7 taskbar

Now that Windows 8 images have begun leaking out, it's only a matter of time until developers start releasing mods for Windows 7 which mimic upcoming features. Over at Into Windows, they've spotted one such mod already.

In the earliest Windows 8 images, we saw Windows Live integration on the taskbar. In the far right corner, there's a user tile displayed. If you'd like to do the same on Windows 7, download Taskbar User Tile from DeviantArt user AngelWZR.

Once installed, your current picture will appear on the taskbar. Click it, and a menu appears which allows you to log off, switch users, and access the control panel. Right now, the mod only works if your taskbar is displayed on the bottom of your Windows desktop.

Add a Windows 8 user tile to your Windows 7 taskbar originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/add-a-windows-8-user-tile-to-your-windows-7-taskbar/

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Free iPhone 3GS at Best Buy

If you’d like an iPhone and you don’t mind an earlier version, you can get an iPhone 3GS for free today at Best Buy.  It will use AT&T service, of course, and it will require a 2-year contract and a $15/month data plan.  Apparently this special deal is available in stores today only.  You’ll need [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/08/22/free-iphone-3gs-at-best-buy/

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iOS 5 beta 6 gets a Sn0wbreeze jailbreak, iPad 2 still stuck behind bars

Apparently, the iOS hacking community is not working for the weekend, judging by the two days it took to crack Apple's latest beta wide open. Available as of this morning, the Sn0wbreeze 2.8 Beta 6 unlock tool can now give those of you with developer credentials jailbreak access to iOS 5 beta 6. From the looks of this release, the hack works on most iOS devices with the sole exception of the iPad 2. Already itching to get that custom firmware on your Ive-designed iSlabs? Then hit the source link below, and let us know how things turn out.

iOS 5 beta 6 gets a Sn0wbreeze jailbreak, iPad 2 still stuck behind bars originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/oslot8y7W_s/

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Verizon strike to come to an end August 23rd

Verizon workers are scheduled to return to their jobs Tuesday, after more than two weeks on strike. Some 45,000 union members left their posts August 7th, after contract negotiation between the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the company came to a halt two days prior. A statement from the union said it had reached an agreement with Verizon, but that "The major issues remain to be discussed." The union's claim, among other things that Verizon demanded "cuts in compensation of $20,000 per worker per year." Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Verizon strike to come to an end August 23rd

Verizon strike to come to an end August 23rd originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 21:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/2Nb014BNy8Q/

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Verizon officially unveils Verizon Video - more than 250 TV shows for $10 a month

Verizon Video

Those of you with Verizon Android smartphones might have noticed a Verizon Video app pushed out over the past few days (yeah, we didn't ask for it either), and this morning Big Red has officially announced it.

Essentially, Verizon Video is exactly what it looks like -- on-demand streaming (powered by RealNetworks) of more than 250 television, and on-demand video from ABC, NBC, CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, Animal Planet, CNBC, Disney Channel, ESPN, PBS Kids and others. You'll also have access to NFL RedZone on Sundays, NBC's "Sunday Night Football" and the NFL Network.

Verizon Video is available "on select smartphones," (we've got it on a ThunderBolt here) and is currently in a free preview. After the preview ends, a monthly subscription is $10, or you can try it out for 24  hours for $3.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/eQrOjwJ9ZvY/verizon-officially-unveils-verizon-video-more-250-tv-shows-10-month

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Sony's New Android Phone Keeps the Walkman Strutting [Android]

Walkmans (Walkmen?) will never die! Remember that old, yellow, tape-filled piece of crap that weighed your pants down? Well Sony just birthed that thing's great-grandson. It's an Android 2.3 phone aimed music lovers. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/juWMCfq5WpQ/sonys-new-android-phone-keeps-the-walkman-strutting

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Sony's New Android Phone Keeps the Walkman Strutting [Android]

Walkmans (Walkmen?) will never die! Remember that old, yellow, tape-filled piece of crap that weighed your pants down? Well Sony just birthed that thing's great-grandson. It's an Android 2.3 phone aimed music lovers. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/juWMCfq5WpQ/sonys-new-android-phone-keeps-the-walkman-strutting

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Smart String Tape Measure

Everyone knows the adage “measure twice, cut once” when it comes to construction/home renovations/clothing alterations/etc and it’s absolutely vital since even with the sharpest of eyes, those notches on a measuring tape can seem to run together.  Wouldn’t it be great to have an instant readout instead of going blind figuring out if the measurement [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/08/20/smart-string-tape-measure/

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Poll: If you snagged a TouchPad on closeout, what are you using it for?

So, you've done the deed. You've purchased an HP TouchPad, despite having no intentions whatsoever to do so just a week ago. But hey -- a $400 discount can change perceptions. Now that you've got one (or have one en route), we're curious to know what you plan on doing with it. We've heard such far-flung ideas as using it as a digital photo frame, keeping it wrapped up for eBaying in 2049 or just stashing it nearby for those late-night couch surfing sessions. The future of webOS development may be lost (at least on these consumer devices), but there's still fun to be had with a hundred-dollar tablet. Share amongst yourselves in comments below -- we could all stand to hear a tip or two!

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Poll: If you snagged a TouchPad on closeout, what are you using it for? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/poll-if-you-snagged-a-touchpad-on-closeout-what-are-you-using/

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