How will Twine make objects talk? There are two crucial elements. First, the sensors – aside from the Wi-Fi module that it uses to communicate, there is a vibration sensor and temperature sensor inside the 2.5″ module. Its maker, Supermechanical also has additional sensors in the works, such as a magnetic switch (for detecting moving objects) and a moisture sensor.

The sensors are important – this means that you don’t have to cut wires, solder or even mess with a circuit board to set up a project. For example, in the video below the module is shown on top of a washing machine, presumably to detect when the machine starts or stops. Or you can just leave it in a room to detect temperature changes. Dead simple.

The second crucial element is Spool, Twine’s complementary web app. It lets you set up simple “when x, then y” conditions. It’s programming in plain English, with four possible outputs – a text message, a tweet, an email or an HTTP request. So for instance, continuing our previous example, you can set up a system wherein you’ll receive a text when your washing machine is done.

You can also set up added conditions, which Spool calls filters, turning your condition into “when x while y then z.” But Twine is not just for newbies. It has additional options for more advanced tinkerers, such as support for a breakout board. Inventors David Carr and John Kestner talk more about Twine below:

Head to Supermechanical’s website to pre-order Twine. Prices start at $99 (USD). If you think that Twine will only let your gadgets talk, take a minute to look at the Harry Potter clock, the Siri Beer Bot and the Siri home automation hack. All three involve detecting either a text or Twitter message – things that Twine produces – which is then used as a signal to activate additional hardware. That’s just off the top off my head.

So really, the possibilities are endless with Twine. At the very least, it’s a great gateway to the wonderful world of hardware tinkering. It’s no wonder that Supermechanical raised more than half a million dollars on Kickstarter despite their modest goal of $35,000.

[via Wired]

The app is called Anti, short for Android Network Toolkit. It was introduced by zImperium at last week’s Defcon hacking conference, and reportedly impressed several attendees for its ease of use and affordability. With Anti, a user can infiltrate Windows machines, devices running an unspecified older version of Android and yes, even iPhones. Anti will debut at the Android Market next week as a free app that can be upgraded for $10 (USD).

I’m sure you’re wondering why Google would approve such an app. The answer lies in zImperium’s trade – security. The idea is to use Anti to detect weaknesses in a network or machine so that they can be patched or fixed. But even zImperium knows that Anti can cause serious damage in the wrong hands. The company left a note in the app saying, “Please remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use it wisely.” Right. Check out Forbes’ website for the full story on Anti.

As soon as you start up the game you are greeted with the command-based interface that will be familiar to programmers and older computer users (although obviously I have no idea what kind of interface or software actual hackers use). Along the way you learn more and more DOS- or UNIX-like commands that you will use to complete your objectives.

The game cleverly ties in the actual gameplay – i.e. typing – with the game’s own menus. For example, typing ‘h’ will bring up the help menu for the game itself or any other programs you may encounter while playing, depending on which menu you are. So the whole time you’ll only be staring at the hackery green text. Unless of course someone calls you or you receive a text message or notification while you’re playing.

I was hoping to find a video for this game to give you a better idea of how it plays, especially since I’m still in the earlier stages and can’t vouch for its overall value. You can imagine what results I got from searching for “hack run iphone” on YouTube though. Shows how much I really know about using software. But Pixel Perfect Gaming does have a review of the game and I agree with their gripe: Hack RUN has the worst implementation of achievements. It congratulates you for nearly every thing you do right, even just for starting the game. I don’t think hackers need that kind of encouragement, so it kind of breaks the immersion.

Speaking of value, the full version of Hack RUN is currently available for free. This is only a limited offer though, probably to promote the recently released prequel to the game, which is called Hack RUN Zero. So go download it now from the iTunes App Store before the offer expires. No hacking or jailbreaking required.

[via Pixel Perfect Gaming]

Just plug the WiiChuck into to bottom of your Wii Nunchuck controller, and you’ll have access to all of the wonderful data the controller can generate. No more cable cutting! The teensy adapter board provides quick access to the Nunchuck’s interface, letting you use data sent from the controller’s 2-axis joystick, two buttons and a 3 axis ±2g accelerometer.

And if you’re into Arduino build projects, you can head on over to TodBot’s site and grab some open source libraries to get you started with reading the data from the Nunchuck and using it in your own programs. The best part is that each WiiChuck costs just $2.95 (USD). Head on over to SparkFun and grab one if you have any interest in hacking your Nunchuck.