The first "Glow With the Show" Ear Hats were announced in mid June of 2012. It didn't take long after that for a variety of folks, with different backgrounds and goals, to become fascinated by these devices and quickly begin unraveling the mysteries of this new technology and exploring ways to reimagine those original Ear Hats. As a result, there have been a lot of hacks of widely differing natures.
To review all the Glow with the Show/Made With Magic hacks posted since the initial Ear Hat release, I needed to come up with some potential categories for the hackers. For my purposes, I decided on 5 categories: Personalizers, Migrators, Explorers, Controllers, and Retailers. These categories vary with respect to the hacker's desired goals and amount of required knowledge of the underlying hardware and technology. Some of the hacks are included in two or more categories, mostly when it comes to the retailers, but the majority fit into a single category.
For those interested, I've included a short description of each category immediately below.
The Personalizers
The first category that I'm proposing is called the "Personalizers" - folks who simply want to add some personal touches and/or seasonal flavor to the hat, itself. Armed with materials to wrap, paste, sew and/or color, they attack their Ear Hat canvases and have at it until their vision is realized.
These folks don't really need to know much about the underlying hardware nor software that drives the magic. They just need a creative spark - and maybe a touch of artistic talent - to get the job done. Personalizers are more likely to rely upon scissors and glue than wire cutters and soldering irons. The impression of the goal for most of these end products is something to be worn on future trips back to the parks and/or to share with, and motivate, other similarly minded enthusiasts online.
I can imagine that this category might comprise the largest number of hackers and wanna be hackers out there, simply because little knowledge of the hardware or software is required.
Check out the Personalizers Gallery Page
The Migrators
The second category I'm proposing is that of the "Migrators". These folks take the MWM components out of the original device and 'migrate' them to a completely different endpoint. In most cases, the new endpoint is a different hat. Ever since the initial Ear Hat release, some folks have found their appearance to be less than desirable or the fit to be uncomfortable. Overcoming those objections are often listed as the primary motivation for the hat migrators. Others have stepped outside the hat arena and come up with very different formats for MWM components.
Migrators may need to snip and solder a wire or two to get the job done. It helps to know a little bit about electronics to make sure things go together properly.
Check out the Migrators Gallery Page
The Explorers
A third proposed category is the "Explorers". These are the true geeks that like to stick their noses into all the new tech and figure out what makes it tick. Their motivation may often be summed up as simply the desire "to know". Usually, these authors don't express any interest beyond the initial investigations and sharing their findings with other online enthusiasts. These are the guys with oscilliscopes, logic analyzers and microprocessor data sheets. They have access to expensive diagnostic equipment and know how to use it. Geeks. We love 'em.
Note: At present, there isn't time to go into this category. If you are itching to get up to speed in this category, looking at the older YouTube videos in my channel, the hifi-remote.com thread, the diychristmas.com thread and the doityourselfchristmas.com thread should give you a good start.
The Controllers
The fourth category is the "Controllers". They're not a whole lot different from the 'Explorers' except they have a well defined agenda to master the working parts of the tech and incorporate it into their own projects. Some got busy to develop ways to enjoy replaying MWM recordings in their own homes. Others worked out the details necessary to include MWM elements in their own, original, front yard holiday shows.
Folks in this category tend to know a good deal about the software and hardware and spend a good deal of time working out original ways to utilize them. They tend to be the ones with custom-made recorders and infrared transmitters, etc.
Note: At present, there isn't time to go into this category. If you are itching to get up to speed in this category, looking at the older YouTube videos in my channel, the hifi-remote.com thread, the diychristmas.com thread and the doityourselfchristmas.com thread should give you a good start.
The Retailers
The final proposed category is that of the 'Retailer'. These folks hack for profit, not for their own use. Or maybe they put some of their projects up for sale in order to raise $$$ for additional projects. Could be either reason. The main thing is that their products are new, un-worn and not something they intend to enjoy, themselves.
There aren't a lot of examples in this category. The ones found are almost all listed on etsy.com. That seems to be the preferred retail channel.
It will be interesting to see if this turns out to be a viable option. The costs for development of such products can add up quickly. Combining two hats can easily rack up $50, or more, just in initial outlay.
Time will tell if customers will pay in the neighborhood of $100@ for customized MWM merchandise.
Check out the Retailers Gallery Page
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