Ethernet Cable Houses Android Computer

We’ve seen several computers built into USB sticks, but a new design puts an Android computer in an Ethernet cable. The InnCable designed mainly for hotel travellers but could well be adapted for other uses.

The cable has an Ethernet plug at one end for plugging into a hotel wall Internet socket; there’s also support for WiFi, though that isn’t recommended as the best option. The other end is an HDMI plug. The cable also bulges slightly in the middle where it houses two USB ports and a RJ-12 serial port.

Power can come from the Ethernet socket or the TV’s HDMI socket where supported. Alternatively power can come from a USB socket on the TV or a USB charger plug to a power outlet. It’s not completely self-contained as the gadget requires a separate remote control to operate, though an API can allow third-party controllers such as a smartphone app.

The initial plan is to market it to hotels themselves and include a standard platform that includes support for IPTV, Chromecast, iOS streaming and a selection of Android apps such as Spotify and Netflix. (The makers haven’t given specs but say the processor is “blazingly fast.”)

However, the company says it’s looking into both producing customized versions for other businesses and retailers, and producing a consumer version, which would no doubt attract the interest of home modders.

[Inncable]

This 8-Bit Apple IIc Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer is Absolutely Gorgeous

New York City-based artist Wahyu Ichwandardi can’t wait for The Last Jedi to come out, but since there’s still a few months left to wait, he decided to recreate the trailer on an old Apple IIc (From 1984) using Dazzle Draw, an old bitmap paint program for the mac. After drawing the 288 individual images, he transfered them on 48 floppy disks and then to a modern computer before animating them.

SNES Mini Pre-Orders Sell Out

Nintendo has revealed details of the Classic Mini SNES, which will ship with 21 games. The company says there’ll be a much bigger production run than with the Classic Mini NES, but scalpers are already cashing in.

The console, officially titled the Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System, launches on September 29 and costs $79.99. It comes with two controllers with five foot cables (compared with a frustrating three feet on the mini NES), though the Wii’s Classic Controller and the Wii U’s Classic Controller Pro will also work. The built-in games outside of Japan are:

  • Contra III: The Alien Wars
  • Donkey Kong Country
  • EarthBound
  • Final Fantasy III
  • F-ZERO
  • Kirby Super Star
  • Kirby’s Dream Course
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  • Mega Man X
  • Secret of Mana
  • Star Fox
  • Star Fox 2
  • Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
  • Super Castlevania IV
  • Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts
  • Super Mario Kart
  • Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
  • Super Mario World
  • Super Metroid
  • Super Punch-Out!!
  • Yoshi’s Island

Japanese units will be missing EarthBound, Kirby’s Dream Course, Street Fighter II’ Turbo: Hyper Fighting, Super Castlevania IV and Super Punch-Out!! Instead they’ll have Fire Emblem: Mystery Of The Emblem, The Legend Of Mystical Ninja, Panel De Pon, Super Soccer, and Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers.

There’ll also be some physical differences as North America will get a console design that resembles the original SNES in that market while Europe and Japan’s (pictured) will look like the Super Famicon.

Nintendo isn’t saying how many it will make, but says there’ll be “significantly more units” than with the mini NES. The company previously said it underestimated demand for the mini NES but chose not to make any more because it was already concentrating on the mini SNES.

There will be some limitation though: the device is only planned to ship from September 29 to December 31, suggesting Nintendo still views it as mainly a retro Christmas gift.

Pre-orders from both Nintendo and Amazon (UK) are already showing as “out of stock.” It seems a lot of people are either scalping or scamming as eBay is full of listing guaranteeing to deliver it on September 29 or 30 but charging more than double the retail price.

Can You Solve the Fish Riddle?

As the cargo director on the maiden voyage of the S.S. Buoyant, you’ve agreed to transport several tanks containing the last specimens of an endangered fish species to their new aquarium. Unfortunately, the boat is battered by a fierce storm, throwing your precious cargo overboard. Can you get the fish to safety and save the day? Steve Wyborney shows how.

[TED-Ed]