Robot pet hamsters arrive for RISC OS Published: 5th Aug 2007, 18:38:44 | Permalink | PrintableDaft desktop distraction device driver developed A new USB gadget driver that runs circles around its rivals was released this weekend - and it will leave your head spinning. Developer Dave Higton, of RISC OS missile launcher fame, has produced the software necessary to drive the next generation of desktop diversions: a USB-connected hamster wheel, pictured.
It's arguably more useful than a noisy distraction as it can encourage a greater level of office productivity. The faster you clatter away on the keys, the faster the hamster runs - this little motorised critter does all the hard work so you don't have to.
Describing his work as "pointless", Dave added: "This will allow you to connect up a USB hamster wheel to your RISC OS computer and, when you type, the hamster will run in his or her wheel. The faster you type, the faster he or she runs."
The software is available for free under an open source licence, and is compatible with the Castle and Simtec USB stacks - although it won't work with A9homes.
• The hamster wheel driver isn't quite as useful as Dave's other USB project, ROFS. This allows Iyonix computers to read FAT-formatted memory sticks and other devices that have a capacity greater than 2GB. Version 0.09 is now available, although the program is unfinished and users must read the documentation before trying it out.
Links
USB hamster wheel from crazyaboutgadgets.com
USB hamster wheel RISC OS driver web page
Dave's ROFS website
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