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Python-Based Server Lets Eye-Fi Users Skip Company's Software

Posted by timothy on from the suddenly-more-attractive dept.

gollito writes "Coder Jeff Tchang has developed software written with python that allows users to download pictures from the Eye-Fi card rather than having to use the eye-fi manager software. Running the script at intervals would allow for real time updates to an online gallery." At least one user has responded to the release of this software by getting it (after a bit of tweaking) to run on Ubuntu Linux, and another says it works with BSD. I hope the people at Eye-Fi see this as a good thing, rather than reason for a knee-jerk cease-and-desist letter; when I asked about Linux support at the most recent CES, I was given a good-natured shrug and a reasonable hand-wave: approximately, "We just don't have the developer time for that when most of our users are on other platforms."

7 of 128 comments (clear)

  1. What is eye-fi and why would I care? by guruevi · · Score: 5, Insightful

    A memory card with Wi-Fi built in and bad driver support somebody wrote a Python script for. Other than being over expensive (both in pocket and on battery) and unnecessary for most high-end camera's (since they have it already built-in or aren't in range of any wi-fi when shooting) I don't see the need for it nor do I see many uses elsewhere.

    This is Slashdot, the marketing and publicity channel of non-news for gadget freaks.

    --
    Custom electronics and digital signage for your business: www.evcircuits.com
    1. Re:What is eye-fi and why would I care? by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I shoot semi-pro photography. I do studio shots and 'tethering' is a PITA.

      a wireless (a good one!) solution is needed.

      however, this device aint it ;(

      its sd-card only (pros tend to use CF cards). it does not support raw (why even bother then?). its slow and its gimmicky.

      the idea is good but it needs a TRUE solution, not this ugly hack. good first POC though.

      soon, though, cam companies will build in their own wi-fi, so this 'card stuff' has limited time before its irrelevant.

      --

      --
      "It is now safe to switch off your computer."
    2. Re:What is eye-fi and why would I care? by mrchaotica · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I think some people complain because they do want a product similar to the one being discussed, but the product has some particular flaw that screws it up. They're frustrated because they almost found exactly what they wanted, but failed.

      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

    3. Re:What is eye-fi and why would I care? by mrchaotica · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Sure, the camera companies will build wi-fi in their cameras at some point.

      Personally, I'd much rather cameras have GPS instead of Wi-Fi, so that they can automatically fill in the EXIF location data for the photos.

      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

    4. Re:What is eye-fi and why would I care? by Mr.+Firewall · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I don't see the need for it nor do I see many uses elsewhere.

      Not a pro, eh?

      Think event photography. For an example, think youth sports. You're shooting a game with an eye-fi card while an associate runs the laptop. Parents come up to your table and order prints, which your associate cranks out right there on the spot.

      And while your associate is doing the dirty work (i.e., collecting filthy lucre), you just keep on shooting the game.

      Need I say, "3. Profit!"?

      It's very useful, to a wide range of pros. Of course, no pro in zir right mind is going to run Linux on that laptop, but there's no question how much money the card itself can make for you.

      --
      In times of universal deceit, telling the truth gets you modded -1 Troll
    5. Re:What is eye-fi and why would I care? by Eponymous+Bastard · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Then it sounds like you need a camera and GPS with bluetooth. They can talk to each other and fill in location data in real-time, and if you're in a studio or near your laptop, it can upload the pictures in the background.

      You could even use it as a phone camera, or for videoconferencing, or whatever you want. Bluetooth is pretty standard for tethering like this.

      Wifi is only useful if you want to upload directly to the internet. That's not always the best solution

  2. Maybe they aren't very big by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    TFA talks about the company not having enough developers to support a non-Microsoft OS. Maybe they don't have much resources for anything.

    I went to the company site linked in TFA and got the following message:

    // Provide alternate content for browsers that do not support scripting // or for those that have scripting disabled. Alternate HTML content should be placed here. This content requires the Adobe Flash Player. Get Flash

    They didn't have the time to properly test their website and we're seeing a message from a template (that should have been removed). I've seen this kind of thing before. A company doesn't have the resources to do the job right and rushes the product out the door just to survive. It sure rings all the alarm bells for me.