Cool stuff: bluedude pointed me in the direction of Phidgets - a reasonably priced I/O kit for the playing home user.

Several years ago we were playing with similar, much more expensive and much less compatible, kits at the physics labs at NTNU. Seeing this really handy USB-toy almost makes my fingers tickle :-)

Imagine a few temperature sensors in the house and humidity sensors in the bathroom / cellar linked with the Skype API to make your home send you messages if/when the house is too cold or the washing machine is leaking. ... or go further and initiate a video call any time someone rings the doorbell or if the motion detector senses any action.

Requires a bit of hacking, but very cool, no? :-)

• I'm giving away an Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard - Apr 13, 2006
• iPod without iTunes - Mar 22, 2006
• Sennheiser PC 165 headphones review - Mar 01, 2006
• Do It Yourself Lightbox & Ring light your DIY photo studio - Feb 15, 2006
• How to use the Playstation EyeToy on Windows - Jan 05, 2006
• See more related posts in: Gadgets