A generation of computer users grew up using Microsoft DOS in the 80s and 90s, but Microsoft started to phase out the operating system with the launch of Windows 95. Decades later, there are still people playing DOS-based games and even corporations using DOS-based software. Writer George R.R. Martin famously said in 2014 that he was still using a DOS-based word processor to … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 11: FreeDOS keeps classic computing alive, decades after MS-DOS is retired
A generation of computer users grew up using Microsoft DOS in the 80s and 90s, but Microsoft started to phase out the operating system with the launch of Windows 95. Decades later, there are still people playing DOS-based games and even corporations using DOS-based software. Writer George R.R. Martin famously said in 2014 that he was still using a DOS-based word processor to … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 10: BLOCKS modular smartwatch
Smartwatches are internet-connected watches that can let you do everything from viewing messages at a glance to ordering a pizza with a single tap. But not everyone needs a watch with a heart rate monitor, NFC, or GPS... and maybe some people want less common features like a flashlight, blood glucose monitor, or camera. So the developers of the BLOCKS smartwatch took a modular … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 10: BLOCKS modular smartwatch
Dozens of smartwatches have hit the market in the past few years. Apple has one. Samsung has half a dozen. Pebble has a few. And companies ranging from Motorola to TAG Heuer have gotten in the action. The idea is to put an internet-connected device on your wrist that looks as good as a traditional watch, but which can also show your smartphone notifications and in some … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 9: Funeral for an Atom (processor)
Intel's Atom processors have been powering low-cost computers since 2008. The first models were used in netbooks, but these days you can find Atom chips in Chromebooks, Windows and Android tablets, tiny desktop computers, and even a handful of smartphones. But Intel never really made much headway in the smartphone space, where companies like Apple and Samsung typically … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 9: Funeral for an Atom
In the wake of Intel's decision to cancel its next-gen Atom chips for smartphones, tablets, and other low-power devices, mobile tech bloggers Sascha Pallenberg, Nicole Scott, and Steve "Chippy," Paine join Brad Linder for a round tablet discussion of the legacy of the Atom chip family and what Intel's decision to shift is focus away from Atom could mean. Sascha and Nicole are … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 8: Designing the DragonBox Pyra handheld computer
The DragonBox Pyra has a 5 inch screen and a dual-core ARM-based processor. But it's not a smartphone. In fact, this handheld computer looks more like a cross between a tiny laptop and a Nintendo DS game system. It has a physical keyboard, a bunch of storage and input/output options, dedicated buttons for playing games, and Debian Linux software which allows you to play … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 8: Designing the DragonBox Pyra handheld computer
The DragonBox Pyra has a 5 inch screen and a dual-core ARM-based processor. But it's not a smartphone. In fact, this handheld computer looks more like a cross between a tiny laptop and a Nintendo DS game system. It has a physical keyboard, a bunch of storage and input/output options, dedicated buttons for playing games, and Debian Linux software which allows you to play games … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 7: Are chatbots the new apps?
Are chatbots the new apps? A lot of developers seem to think so. Facebook and Microsoft have both rolled out tools that make it easy for coders to create bots that you can chat with on Facebook Messenger, Skype, and other platforms including plain old SMS text messaging. I wanted to get a better sense of what chatbots are, what they can do, and why we should use them. So for … [Read more...]
LPX Episode 7: Are chatbots the new apps?
Are chatbots the new apps? A lot of developers seem to think so. Facebook and Microsoft have both rolled out tools that make it easy for coders to create bots that you can chat with on Facebook Messenger, Skype, and other platforms including plain old SMS text messaging. I wanted to get a better sense of what chatbots are, what they can do, and why we should use them. So for … [Read more...]