Slashdot Mirror
Domain: cybiko.com
Stories and comments across the archive that link to cybiko.com.
Stories · 3
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Does Anyone Use Cybiko?
MooseGuy529 writes "About two years ago, for Christmas of 2000, Cybiko, a Russian company (IIRC) created the Cybiko, a handheld wireless device for teens/"tweens." They later created the CybikoXtreme, a sweeter-looking model with voice chat/recording and a nicer keyboard. Unfortunately the wireless didn't go that far (150-300 ft max) and Cybiko went on to UK markets and then to making games for cell phones. However, I have seen several cool uses of Cybiko, including Using the Cybiko for APRS over Ham Radio and using MiaChat to connect the Cybiko to AIM. People have suggested things such as using them in schools for wireless roll-call or such things. My question for Slashdot is does anyone know of or have ideas for any interesting uses of Cybiko?" For the curious, Ask Slashdot last did a story on the Cybiko back in February of 2001. -
Mesh Networks for Rural Connectivity?
pa_jones asks: "This recent article (author approved transcript) describes a potential low-cost wireless solution to rural/last mile internet connectivity in an Australian context using modified forms of Nokia's Rooftop mesh topology wireless routing transceivers, and low cost Cybiko hand-held gaming devices. I would be very interested to hear the community's opinion of this proposal in general, and specifically about the price effect of operating spectrum, data capacity, transmission distance and the complexity of the operating system required to drive the wireless routers/terminal devices/CPE. Given the collective ownership aspect of such mesh networks and their possible utility in rural and developing countries, I am also wondering whether this type of networking device and its operating system might be a possible joint project for the open source software and open core hardware communities." -
First Thoughts On The Cybiko?
codepawn asks: "I saw an article in the Australian newspaper this morning that was about a handheld originally out of Russia that is apparently becoming BIG with kids in the USA. The article suggests it has potential to become BIG with bigger kids, too. The device, called Cybiko, communicates on its own network using short wave radio. Once enough people in an area have it they can communicate over a larger distance because their signals will make up to 10 hops over other people's cybikos(which in the USA appears to be about 1km radius but in Europe will be up to 10km radius because regulations allow a stronger signal). I've downloaded the free SDK for Linux (there is a Windows SDK also available) which is available from their Web site as an rpm but I haven't looked at it yet. Anyway, it sounds super cool and I was surprised that I hadn't heard about it on here. So what's the story? Does anyone have one? What is it like?" Last I checked, they were selling them for about $199 at the local Wal-Mart and I have seen commercials for these on American TV. I almost broke down and bought one and it looks like I may have to since I never mind playing with new toys (and the Linux SDK may make for some fun hacking...)