Technabob » api

You Can Now Use Game Controllers with Firefox

Conner Flynn — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:30:22 +0000

Mozilla just launched a new Gamepad API that will allow developers to use either USB or Bluetooth-connected gaming controllers with the Firefox browser. Not so you can scroll web pages with a PS3 or XBox 360 controller, but so that new cool games can be created. As if we don’t have enough games to play through already.

The idea is that this new Gamepad API will allow developers to make better games using the Firefox browser. Check out the video to watch some guy lovingly play with his controller as he watches the results onscreen. Riveting stuff.

Now you can play browser-based games with a real controller, not just your keyboard and mouse. This could change online web gaming for good. For more info hit up the Mozilla website.

[via Ubergizmo via Geeky-Gadgets]

Build a Talking Robot Head (Just Hope It Doesn’T Sass You)

Karen M. — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:00:14 +0000

Have you been alienating friends by over-twittering and now need a substitute robot friend to pal around with? Good news, because as of right now, making this talking robot head is well within your reach.

This nifty bot was made by L. Scott Hudson, who put a terrific how-to video up so that like-minded folks could make one too. What’s cool is that the video is narrated by the talking robot head, who explains how to make herself.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Basically, you install the speech API, such that the .net app sends commands that can be tied to voice events. Then you assemble the LED mouth, attach it to the head, and hook up the circuits. At some point you have to glue eyes onto a tupperware container, but I guess he figured you didn’t need a tutorial for that part.

The talking robot head was part of Make Magazine’s recent Dorkbot Austin event. You can learn about the other geeklicious projects from the event here.

Faceapi: 3d Head Tracking With Any Webcam

Technabob — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:40:49 +0000

Here’s some pretty cool news which could provide entirely new ways to interact with your computer or game console. This new technology will enable automated 3-dimensional tracking of heads and faces using a webcam along with some very special tracking software.

Seeing Machines faceAPI is a developers’ toolkit which provides easy head tracking on all three axes. When combined with the proper game concept, this type of technology could provide for some really unique experiences, including the ability to interact with environments just by looking around.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Amazingly enough, it’s all feasible with a single, standard webcam, and no special hardware is required.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

In addition to tracking head movements, faceAPI can detect changes in facial expressions, regardless of skin color or facial hair, and even works you’re wearing glasses or makeup. It can automatically find the face in the current scene, and reacquire it if the subject leaves the frame. It’s also able to work in pretty much any visible or IR light situation, so it’s not overly sensitive to changes in lighting.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Currently, faceAPI works with any Windows compatible webcam, but the technology could theoretically be ported to other platforms if the demand is there. The faceAPI website isn’t live yet, but for now you can check out SeeingMachines’ product page for more specifics.