This Magic Mirror is an interesting way to get caught up on what is happening today. It will tell you how your stocks are doing, the local weather and more. It is also sure to be the most elaborate door bell that will be a conversation piece to all who see it. The software and electronics needed are sold as a kit. See the install steps here.
"Take that extra PC you have lying around and turn it into an Interactive Magic Mirror. You build the hardware using an Arduino and some sensors following the instructions on http://diymagicmirror.com and then install the DIY Magic Mirror Software which runs on the PC, Mac, and Linux.
Magic Mirror Features:
- Weather Forecast
- Stock Performance
- X-10 Lighting Control
- Picasa based slideshow
- Princess, Pirate, and Halloween Modes
- Personalize it with your own Videos
- Runs as a native application on the PC, Mac, and Linux"
Permalink
Given that this uses a dedicated PC, I don’t see why they felt the need to use a micro-controller.
No, I take that back, I *do* know why: This is clearly a case of an Arduino hacker using an Arduino when a bundle of wires would suffice.
All you need are switches and sensors connected to a USB-parallel port connector. Assuming the software is open-source, of course, and we can get inside it to
have it respond to inputs from the USB/parallel sensors.
Permalink
Permalink
what a waist of monitor, have an extra monitor ? then connect it and use 2 monitors !
Permalink
Very funny, but what when magic power will exhaust ?
http://obrazki.elektroda.net/39_1249065929.jpg
Permalink
Peter, probably the sensor inputs could come in through a DB-9 without the Arduino, there would need to be a way to get to that data from Adobe Flash Action Script 3 which is what the project is written in, that probably would be tough. The project also does include some LED/PWM outputs which need a microprocessor to drive them.