This is a very easy and straight-forward 2-step process to get quicktime (.mov) videos to play in Windows Media Player in Windows 7 (tested in WMP 12, Win 7 x64 — may also work for other WMP/Windows versions). You need to do both steps, and in this order.

Step 1

Download and install QT Lite (it installs only the needed quicktime filters).

Step 2

Download and install QuickTime DirectShow Source Filter (it installs the filters needed for WMP to play such videos). P.S. The website providing this file requires you to sign up before you download. It just takes a couple of seconds.

That’s it. Any .mov file should play in WMP now (note that .mov thumbnails in windows explorer may not show up, though).

If you’re sharing internet connection with other members of your family at home through LAN or WLAN, and would like to be able to send instant messages to them without signing into any mainstream IM service (like Yahoo! and MSN), then this free program is yours.

It’s very easy to get into and doesn’t require any setup at all. All you need to do is install it on the computers you want connected, and you’re done. Messages and files are sent over the LAN, not the internet, and so they reach other computers in no time, and does not require any internet bandwidth. The program is packed with features like customized fonts, status, and notification options.

I installed it on my computer and on my sister’s laptop. This way we can notify each other when we’ll be consuming more bandwidth (like when downloading something), and so avoid extra consumption on the other side, and best of all prevent frustration over why the speed has become so low. We can also manage when each one will be downloading or playing online, for instance. Yes, unfortunately I’m using only a 512/128 connection shared over 2 computers.

In addition to home networks, the program can also prove very useful to professional people working together in a LAN.

Download BORGChat

The PSP has a variety of colors as backgrounds including white, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a real black one. For black color enthusiasts, I present here a small image which can do the trick, and turn the white background into black (like the one shown above). It modifies the other colors as well.

Robolert v1.0 is finally the complete version of this high-tech intrusion-detecting line of robots. The robot is relatively tiny at 35 cm in height, and only 2.5 kg in weight. Being that portable, it has become very popular with shifting guards. They bring it with them to the location, switch it on, and then let it wander around. It makes their job so much easier.

Technically speaking, the robot carries two very sensitive optical cameras located in its eyes. It detects the slightest changes in the environment. Its feet are also padded with very sensitive devices that detect sound waves transmitted through the ground. When a verified intrusion is detected, the robot produces ear-blowing alerting sounds from 6 loud speakers set on its antennas (2), ears (2) and legs (2). Moreover, 2 extra speakers that work wirelessly are projected from both of its arms into different directions of space to extend the range of its alerts as far as possible.

It comes with a remote control that controls the unit, and also shows where the unit is situated.

Robolert v1.0 was designed by TripleH Labs with portability and effectiveness in mind.

More pixel art is on my DeviantART page.

Image via Wikipedia

Do you remember Tamagotchi? That little electronic toy we used to play with all the time when we were kids. An egg or whatever hatches, and a newborn comes to life. You then have to take care of the poor little creature, feed it, and play with it, or else it will die. Tamagotchi was very popular with school kids that some schools banned having them in class. I also was fascinated with that artificially intelligent toy. It was very exciting to take care of a creature which could react to your actions and see it grow in the palm of your hand.

Ironically, my fascination with that toy as a kid did not fade away as an adult. I still find the idea very creative. So, not owning a Tamagotchi, I thought I’d make one myself. And that’s how DigiPet came to life; a PalmOS application that is inspired by Tamagotchi.

After the break, I’ll talk about this application in detail. So please keep reading.