Home Automation, Linux, X10, TiVo, iPods and other technology around the home
Ron Klinkien has set up a Wiki called MisterHouse from Scratch, where he describes his experiences with setting up the Home Automation software MisterHouse.
He describes all the steps he had to take, the tips and tricks he learned along the way, and a lot of under-the-hood details on how to configure Linux, MisterHouse and several accessories he attached to his Home Automation box.
A very interesting read for anyone interested in Home Automation, and a must for anyone setting up MisterHouse.
Via Gizmodo I came across the Asus Wl-700gE, a remarkable router.
Unfortunately no word on prices yet… but this looks an awesome piece of equipment. It doesn’t look bigger than a regular router, but it packs a lot more punch.
Update: The Gizmodo article has a link to the Ubergizmo article, where it mentions a price of $500.
On August 3rd, Apple announced that Ford, General Motors and Mazda, will include iPod connections on most 2007 models. This means they join the likes of Honda, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, which already sport these connections.
This means you don’t have to resort to a tape-deck or FM radio adapter anymore. Plus you will be able to control the iPod from your regular audio controls, making it more convenient and safer than having the iPod laying around in a cup holder.
This means I’m definately going to hold off on buying a new car until the 2007 models come out… 
Thanks to Business Week for breaking the news.
Lifehacker has an excellent tip on how to remove typo’s you’ve made in web forms:
Wait for the drop-down box to appear, move to the offending entry, and press SHIFT and DELETE at the same to remove it.
Thanks Gina!
My cellphone provider, Verizon Wireless, has finally done something cool: they released a GPS navigator application on their Get It Now platform.
This application, VZ Navigator, can perform pretty much the same functions as a GPS unit:
And when I say Tell, it actually talks you through the directions: there is a female and a male voice available to guide you to your destination.
It also shows the next upcoming direction change as big as your screen can handle, plus the distance to the direction change. The screen changes layout depending on where you are: on the Interstate and highways it shows you the next intersection or exit, on local roads it shows you how to turn and what the name of the street is.
It works pretty simple: choose your destination, either by selecting one of your Favorites, choosing a result from the local search list, or by typing in an address. When you select Navigation, the navigator immediately starts giving you directions.
I’ve used it from the Verizon store to home, between home and work, and from home to the store, and there are few surprises. The most annoying factor is that the map (and to be honest about every on-line route planner) thinks our street is one continous street, while in fact it consists of two distinct parts. This results in a lot of directions trying to guide you over a field of grass… However, when you don’t follow the directions, the system quickly recovers, telling you it’s recalculating the route and picks up from your new location.
The service is free for 30 days, after that it is about $10 a month. Which beats most GPS units (at least the ones I was looking at). Undoubtedly the full-blown GPS units have more options and certainly a larger screen, but this is a nice way to get used to having a navagiation system with you.
It’s not available for all phones, but the Verizon website has a list of units VZ Navigator supports, plus a nice demo.
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