Jason vs The Ultimate LEGO Machine (LuuMa EV3)

This video showcases my custom designed Ultimate Machine (also known as a Useless Machine) built using the new LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. I call it the LuuMa EV3.

It's a little bit more elaborate than the traditional ultimate machine, featuring 6 different responses for turning the switch off and 2 evasive maneuvers for trying to prevent the switch from being turned on in the first place.

Step by step instructions for building the core (which only uses parts from the 31313 LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit) can be found on my website (http://www.truedimensions.com), along with the Mindstorms project file for running the program. I haven't provided instructions for building the box, as it really is pretty much just a box.

I had a lot of fun with this one, especially programming the various responses. As always, let me know in the comments what you think, and if there are any other cool mechanical creations you'd like to see built out of LEGO!

New Kindle Fire, Apple vs. Google

It's that time of year again — can you smell it in the air? It's laptop season! The world is gathered in Berlin for the glorious release of one hundred and forty million new laptops (all numbers approximate). We've welcomed Paul from off the internet, and shared with him all of this week's new wares. And oh, what wares! In addition to the slew of laptops, today brought word that Google and Apple are engaged in some very high-level discussions about patents. We also got a look at what Bezos and co. have been up to when they're not watching episodes of Parks and Rec on Amazon Instant. All that and more, from your internet-free pal Paul Miller. And all in 90 seconds! He's so efficient, that Paul.

Old School vs. New School

Tweet! http://clicktotweet.com/8d_7z

If you're hankerin' for some old school gaming, check out the online Atari arcade: http://arcade.atari.com

What happens when old school games go face to face with new school characters?

Special thanks to Internet Explorer for making this video possible - we were able to fly out some primo cosplayers and pull in the VFX expertise of Playfight for this one!

Master Chief played by Ben Waller
Cortana played by Whitney Avalon
Altair played by Ronnie Shalvis
Lara Croft played by Leeanna Vamp
Nathan Drake played by Jessiah Ruiz
The Scout played by Clinton Jones
Leon played by Jack Conway

Kickin' music by John Robert Matz. http://johnrobertmatz.com/

Apple vs. Samsung, RIP Neil Armstrong, and more

Apple vs. Samsung, RIP Neil Armstrong, and more

Happy Monday, readers — we're glad to see you've made it through this emotional weekend. It's hard to believe, but the long judicial ordeal that was Apple v. Samsung is over. Fortunately for Samsung, the gadget maker has IFA 2012 and a new Windows 8 tablet to distract from the pain of what can only be characterized as a thorough loss. Meanwhile, citizens of the world celebrated the life of Neil Armstrong, the first human being to walk on the moon. That and more in today's 90 Seconds on The Verge.

Samsung vs Apple - The Verdict Explained

Samsung vs Apple - The Verdict Explained

 

The Vergecast returns on a Friday night to report the news of the Apple vs. Samsung verdict live as it happens and give the in-depth analysis you need to make sense of it all. On tonight's episode, Joshua Topolsky is joined by a team of Verge correspondents to go page by page through the jury's decision, and discuss the implications and next steps for Apple and Samsung. For even more coverage on this controversial verdict visit the story stream on The Verge: http://vrge.co/OduaHT

For audio only version, comments, and links to subscriptions visit the show post on The Verge: http://vrge.co/OftNwC

Apple v. Samsung, Nintendo Power, and more

Apple v. Samsung, Nintendo Power, and more

 

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near Tannhäuser Gate. LTE service activated in the presence of the Queen. I've seen two major companies let a jury of nine civilians decide the fate of their intellectual property and millions — if not billions — of dollars in damages. I've watched magazines rise and fall as sands in the hourglass fall.