Microsoft Photosynth: Render Photos in 3D

Photosynth is now up and running, try it out here.

Here are some fundamental concepts:

1) Photosynth ties image data from multiple angles compiles a 3-D visual representation of anything--even from images just on social networking site such as flickr

2) Photosynth can essentially render any image no matter how large the file size or resolution is--it is only limited by the number of pixels on the actual screen that it outputs on (note the 300megapixel image from the library of congress in the first 30 seconds)

3) Photosynth's applications seem limitless (gps enhanced terrain mapping, minute/microscopic medical imaging) and already builds off of the basic components of the internet's infrastructure (I.e., makes use of creative commons licenses, photo-compiling websites, photo tags)

Finally, I'm a University Graduate!

See more photos via this public facebook album

3 Most Common Problems with Hotspot Shield--updated

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT, PLEASE CONTACT HOTSPOT SHIELD DIRECTLY

[This article has been recommended on Yahoo Malaysia Answers, and Mento (User Seagoon)]

UPDATE 5/7/09: Hulu has begun detecting and blocking proxy/vpn access to their video streams. Read my newest post for a solution.

Important: Remember to download the latest version of hotspot shield--it doesn't update on its own. I've been having some problems with the program as of late and when I downloaded the newest update, I realized they had changed the advertising system--it's now more customized. It's now working perfectly again. If you're having trouble installing Hotspot Shield and get the "an error occurred installing the tap vpn device driver" message then click here to resolve it.

Updated (10/1/08): Most recent Hotspot Shield articles, video tutorial by Tinkernut.

Preface: I've written a lengthy article a few months back detailing how to get setup with Hotspot Shield, a free virtual private network application that allows non-US users to access high-quality video streams of popular network shows.

Though a progressively popular option for those outside the US wanting to peruse network TV shows via Hulu or Fancast, Hotspot Shield (HSS) is not without its bugs/faults. In fact, more and more individuals commonly ask me why their connection only works intermittently or, in some cases, not at all.

Here is snippet of an email from Catherine in Toronto:

I have come across your wonderful "hack" for Hulu and Fancast in Canada. Thank you very much for the tip. However, my friend is having problems connecting to Hotspot (obtaining the IP address) and I was wondering if you know why that might be. Her ISP is Rogers (cable modem), plus she is far from WiFi hotspots in the city (unlike me - since I live practically downtown). I was trying to find an answer to that but so far could not locate anything.

And here's an excerpt from the email response I wrote back to Catherine:

1. One of the most common is that individuals use hotspot shield too much (i.e., they download more than 5GB worth of content using the free service) and thus the company, anchorfree, logs the initial static IP of the user and blocks them from further use of the application until the next month as there is a monthly limit (I've heard ranges from 5-10GB). Theoretically, (since this has not happened to me before), those who subscribe to their ISP via a dynamic IP address can just release and renew their IP current address and download hotspot shield again. Since the service does not require any signup or logon, it will simply assume this new IP to be a new user, granting another 5GB of bandwith. Theoretically.

2. However, if she has never been able to connect to the service, there may some other issues with the ISP (I use Telus in Vancouver and so am not sure if Rogers blocks certain web apps in Toronto).

3. Or, it may be as simple as changing the operating system's date and time in the BIOS setup (when she starts up her pc).

These are some of the possible reasons it might not be working for her. Trying out other VPNs might be useful as well to judge whether it is a web-specfic issues or ISP (just google free VPNs).

To get view streaming video on NBC and ABC (requires some other settings tweaks after hotspot shield. Check out blogger Raymond.cc's fairly new article about how to fix HSS' pulling options and daemon start error problems.

Note: Lifehacker innaccurately depicts HSS as a Windows-Only download where, in fact, it is cross platform. If you happen to be blessed by Gates and Jobs then try the free application on both platforms just to be sure it's not a specific computer's issue.

My Highest Wii Bowling Score

So this is my highest score so far on the Nintendo Wii Sports Bowling Mini-Game: 246.

I know, it's not all that high--I hoped to trump that score with a flush 300 (a la the youtube video). However, I've now succumb to the feeling that I may not (at least any time soon) better this current score.

Time will tell.

Wii Games I Own [Pic]

From top to bottom: Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii, Resident Evil 4, Trauma Center: New Blood, Super Smash Brother Brawl, Super Mario Galaxy, Wii Play.

7 Games total (including Wii Sports and Wii Play which , of course, come as mandatory additions to the console and 2nd Wii remote bundle, respectively. My only wish was that Nintendo would offer the hard case for Wii sports. The current paper insert needlessly scratches the disc.

Friendcode: Mario Kart Wii

On the second day of owning the Mario Kart Wiii (MKW), I beat all the 50cc cups and effectively completed the game on the "easy" mode. Now I'm on to the tough stuff of homing my drifting skills and completeing the 100cc cups.

Can't wait to see the final results of the first tournament on Mario's Circuit!

3093-7558-3259

See y'all on the track!

My Friendcode: Super Smash Brothers Brawl

The WFC service for SSBB never seems to quickly pair me up with other random players. I'm just wait for about a minute until it decides to put me into "practice" mode instead.

For the time being, I've added my name, locations, and brawl code to the unofficial SSBB friendcodes site, www.brawlcodes.com. It's quick and dirty--just signup for a free account and those that want to brawl with someone in their region can you up in a matter of seconds by hitting up the site. Oh yes, and here's my brawl friendcode:

4167-4243-0621