Kindle as Raspberry Pi Screen, iPod Control & Kevin Bacon - Tips Box

Reader Tips Roundup: Kindle Displays, iPod Control & Kevin Bacon

Each week, a compilation of noteworthy tips submitted by our readers is prepared for wider distribution. This week’s collection features innovative uses of the Kindle with the Raspberry Pi, personalized iPod control solutions, and a simplified method for enjoying the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” game.

Kindle as a Raspberry Pi Screen

One resourceful reader has demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing a Kindle device as a secondary display for a Raspberry Pi. This setup expands the potential applications of both devices, offering a unique and portable computing experience.

Custom iPod Control Modules

Another submission details the creation of custom control modules designed specifically for the iPod. These modules allow for tailored interaction and functionality beyond the standard iPod interface.

Playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon – Simplified

A streamlined approach to playing the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” game has been shared. This method makes it easier to trace connections between actors and Kevin Bacon, enhancing the enjoyment of this popular pastime.

These tips represent the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of our readership. We encourage continued submissions of creative projects and helpful solutions.

• The Kindle and Raspberry Pi combination offers a portable display option.
• Custom iPod control modules enable personalized user experiences.
• A simplified method enhances the playability of “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon”.

Utilizing a Kindle as a Raspberry Pi Display

A resourceful reader, Ken, recently shared an intriguing project involving the integration of a jailbroken Kindle and a Raspberry Pi.

Project Overview

The core of this project lies in repurposing a Kindle’s e-ink display as the screen for a Raspberry Pi-based computer.

This innovative approach results in a compact computing solution.

While not intended as a replacement for conventional laptops or netbooks, it serves as a compelling demonstration of what’s achievable.

Potential Applications

The combination of a low-power e-ink screen and a Raspberry Pi presents numerous possibilities for home automation and DIY projects.

• An older Kindle, paired with a Raspberry Pi, could function as a dedicated display for a jukebox.
• It could also be adapted to create a low-power weather station display.
• The e-ink technology offers significant potential for various other home-based applications.

The inherent characteristics of e-ink displays, such as their low energy consumption, make them particularly well-suited for projects requiring continuous operation.

Reader Contribution

Ken discovered this project online and believed it would be of interest to our audience.

He highlighted the project’s value as a proof of concept and its potential for future development.

We encourage readers who undertake similar projects to share their experiences and findings with us.

Please feel free to contact us with details of your creations.

Thank you, Ken, for bringing this fascinating project to our attention!

Integrating iPod Control Systems in Vehicles

A reader, Chris, recently inquired about enhancing in-car audio experiences with a dedicated iPod control system.

The Challenge of In-Car iPod Use

Chris expressed a desire for a setup that prioritizes usability and safety while driving.

Specifically, he sought larger controls and a more easily readable display than those found on the iPod Touch itself.

A DIY Solution: Building a Control Box

He discovered a tutorial detailing the construction of a custom control box for the iPod Touch.

This box provides larger, more tactile buttons and a bigger display, improving operability.

Benefits of a Dedicated Control Box

Although encasing a slim device like the iPod Touch in a larger housing might seem counterintuitive, the advantages are clear.

Such a system significantly enhances safety by allowing drivers to interact with their music without diverting excessive attention from the road.

The project is achievable for those with some hardware experience, potentially completed over a couple of weekends.

Ultimately, a dedicated control box transforms the iPod into a more practical and secure in-car entertainment source.

Discovering Actor Connections with Google's "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" Feature

A reader named Angie recently shared an amusing discovery: Google now provides the “Bacon Number” for film actors.

The "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" Game

For those familiar with the game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon," this is a noteworthy Easter egg. It allows users to quickly determine the connection between any actor and Kevin Bacon through shared movie appearances.

To utilize this feature, simply enter “bacon number [actor’s name]” into the Google search bar.

How the Feature Works

Google will then display not only the actor’s Bacon Number, but also the chain of actors linking them to Kevin Bacon, along with the films they appeared in together.

• The Bacon Number represents the number of steps away an actor is from Kevin Bacon.
• A Bacon Number of 0 means the actor has appeared in a movie with Kevin Bacon.
• A Bacon Number of 1 means the actor has worked with someone who has worked with Kevin Bacon, and so on.

This could potentially be a fun way to impress friends with your movie knowledge, perhaps even winning a friendly wager.

It’s interesting to consider that Google’s implementation likely renders dedicated websites focused on calculating Bacon Numbers somewhat redundant.

Share Your Tips!

Do you have a helpful tip or trick to share? Send an email to tips@howtogeek.com for a chance to have it featured on the front page.