Hacking Cool Hardware
Things like this make me wish I was a better programmer ...
You buy a piece of hardware (in this case, a wireless computer lock), and think to yourself, "Self, I wonder if I could make this do some other stuff." So you write some software for it, and bingo!
This Wireless PC Lock was designed to automatically lock your desktop when you get out of range. It's a USB "key" that you stick in the machine, with a wireless keyfob (complete with button) that you just keep in your pocket. When you get out of range, your computer locks down. But this link talks about all the other things you could do with it, too ... like change your "away" message in your favorite IM program, or half a dozen other things. All of a sudden, a supposedly single-function device becomes a really useful tool.
1 comment:
There is something similar to this available for Macintosh. I found a cool little app that works with bluetooth phones. When your phone rings the program will automatically pause your iTunes and/or DVD player. It'll also put up an away message when you pick up the phone. You can send text messages through your phone via the computer. It'll also automatically set your away status when the phone goes in our out of range of the computer. Pretty cool stuff.
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