FocuSoft Tech Blog

Palette Mannequin Robot Changes Pose to Please Passing Shoppers [Robots]
HTC to offer Sense upgrade for Magic in October, won’t be free
Firefox 3.5 Not Playing Nicely With Twitter
Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700
Klipsch Image S4i Review [Lightning Review]
Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana
Logitech unveils couple of speakers
Logitech announces Harmony 900 remote
Texting While Driving PSA Delivers Bloody, Bone-Crunching Message [Texting]
Sony laptop can’t play Sony disk with Sony drive on Sony TV

Palette Mannequin Robot Changes Pose to Please Passing Shoppers [Robots]

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 11:30 AM PDT

Robots have taken over the shopping malls. Flee.

The robot in this case is called Palette. It’s a Japanese creation that changes poses when it “senses” window shoppers taking in the view. Some Japanese boutiques have already started renting the bots for about $3,000 apiece ($50,000 to own).

“It makes the product the mannequin wears look more attractive, increasing consumers’ appetite to buy,” says Tatsuya Matsui, chief robot designer and the boss of Flower Robotics.

For now, the robot’s movement is based on a proximity sensor. In the future, facial recognition software will allow Palette to change poses based on the viewer’s sex and even the logos on their shopping bags.

Version 3.0 will presumably tackle shoppers who dare enter a store with a competitor’s bags in hand. I fear for the mall rats of the future, I really do. [Inventor Spot]

Palette Mannequin Robot Changes Pose to Please Passing Shoppers [Robots]

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Palette Mannequin Robot Changes Pose to Please Passing Shoppers [Robots]

HTC to offer Sense upgrade for Magic in October, won’t be free

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 11:03 AM PDT

The spec gap between the Magic and the Hero is mighty small — other than the entirely revamped Sense UI, the Hero’s 5 megapixel camera is about the only thing the newer model has over the original, physical design notwithstanding. That gap is on the fast track to getting even smaller, too, now that HTC has issued a press release detailing a Sense upgrade for the Magic (assuming you haven’t already nabbed it off xda-developers, that is). It looks like current owners will get hooked up some time in October for NT$1,500, which works out to about $46; what we don’t know, though, is which Magics will be eligible for the upgrade. Just like HTC’s WinMo wares, we’re guessing that subsidized units are going to be at the mercy of their carriers, which means that T-Mobile, Rogers, and Vodafone customers (among others) should take a somewhat pessimistic view of this announcement until they’ve heard otherwise. Hey, we’re just looking out for your mental health here.

[Thanks, Steve G.]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

HTC to offer Sense upgrade for Magic in October, won’t be free originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefox 3.5 Not Playing Nicely With Twitter

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 11:01 AM PDT

af19c0fbdcff35.jpg Firefox 3.5 Not Playing Nicely With Twitter Firefox 3.5, which we’ve Firefox 3.5, which we’ve ranted about recently, is not playing nicely with Twitter. In fact, for the last week at least users (including me, including today) have had a lot of problems updating status messages and following new people if they use Firefox 3.5. The site just hangs forever.

Twitter knows about the issue and says they’re working on it. And the odd thing is that the issue seems to come and go.

The worst part about this is that Twitter was actively promoting Firefox 3.5 downloads in July, and a lot of Twitter users are probably using it. This version of Firefox alone has around 4.5% market share already.

My apologies to Power Twitter, I originally (privately) accused them for the problems, and it looks like I was wrong.

Update: I’m testing Twitter with a download of the most recent alpha build of Firefox 3.7, and it doesn’t work either.

6d7154b1adure 46.png Firefox 3.5 Not Playing Nicely With Twitter

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Firefox 3.5 Not Playing Nicely With Twitter

Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 11:00 AM PDT

logitech wireless mk700 Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700

Logitech is back in the news yet again with another peripheral for those who spend plenty of hours in front of the computer – the Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700. This keyboard will feature a low-profile design and comes with concave Logitech Incurve keys which will ensure your fingers are positioned correctly, where their softly rounded edges make it a joy to type. The inclusion of a built-in LCD dashboard allows you to check out all relevant status updates of important keyboard functions at a glance. As for the mouse, this model will be gently contoured for a natural fit and boasts a scroll wheel which allows you to switch between hyper-fast and precise click-to-click scrolling. The keyboard boasts a phenomenal battery life of up to three years while the mouse can keep on going for a year thereabouts. Expect the Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 to be available sometime this month for $99.99.

Press Release

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700

Klipsch Image S4i Review [Lightning Review]

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 11:00 AM PDT

The Klipsch Image S4i is one of the only non-Apple iPhone headsets on the market that supports both the iPod Shuffle’s VoiceOver function and the iPhone 3GS’s Voice Control.

The Price: $100

The Verdict: At just $20 more than Apple’s In-Ear headset, the Klipsch Image S4i is a no-brainer, assuming Voice Control and VoiceOver are priorities to you. If they don’t matter, or if you’ve got an older iPhone or non-Apple handset, the choice is less clear.

Klipsch’s headset is one of the only ones on the market with Apple’s VoiceOver-compatible chip—a feature we raised a stink about when it first came out, but which turned out to be alright. As far as 3G Shuffle headphones go, this is about as nice as you’re going to get. The sound will suit most tastes, but not all: it’s extremely clear, and bass is smooth and deep, but never overpowering. Overall the sound reminds me of the V-Moda Vibe Duos—always a reliable standby for better-than-stock iPhone headsets—except slightly more resolved, and less muddy. What this headset doesn’t have, though, is the kind of razor-sharp presence that you’d find in headphones like the Shure SE115, or headsets like the (markedly more expensive) Etymotics hf2, or the powerful percussiveness of some of Altec Lansing’s UE rebrands. (More on those here.) Isolation and cable movement noise are better than I expected from tips made from rubbery material like this, as is fit: both are excellent, though fans of foam or foam-rubber tips will have to go aftermarket.

Mic quality is fine, too. The Image S4i’s mic sits below your shin, nestled inside the inline controls. It’s a natural location, and the headset’s buttons, which include volume controls, were easy to find and press, though the whole unit is a little slippery for sweaty exercise fingers. The mic, or its location, probably, gave my voice a boomier sound than I got from the Vibes or the Etymotics, though I remained completely intelligible, and background noises, like the mic bouncing off my shirt, or even a rickety old air conditioner, were very hard to notice on the other end of the line. As a bonus, these headsets work in the headphone jack on Unibody MacBooks, for VoIP use.

With Shuffle and 3GS compatibility comes one pretty massive hitch:
That’s Klipsch’s official compatibility chart, and they’re not kidding. If your device isn’t on this list, don’t expect much: older iPhones get basic play/pause functionality out of the inline remote, while the 1G Touch doesn’t recognize it at all. Phones from other manufacturers, including HTC and Samsung, didn’t recognize remote or mic input. The Image S4i isn’t just 3GS and Shuffle compatible, it’s exclusive. And one last minor quibble: I haven’t been carrying these things around for very long, and the Klipsch logo—as you can see in the top image—is already flaking off of the otherwise well-styled and built earbuds. Far from a dealbreaker, but disconcerting, considering how new these things are. [Klipsch]

Excellent sound quality for the price, in both mic and earphones

Work with VoiceOver and Voice Control

Styling and build quality are nice, but the finish is delicate

Compatibility list is severely cropped by Apple’s special inline remote chip

Klipsch Image S4i Review [Lightning Review]

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Klipsch Image S4i Review [Lightning Review]

Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 10:50 AM PDT

jalou Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana

Love collecting special edition phones? Well, Sony Ericsson has something for collectors of the exotic – the Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana limited edition clamshell handset that exudes style and substance from within and without. This Dolce & Gabbana branded style statement resembles a beautifully facet cut jewel form and measures but a mere 73mm in length, making it shorter than most women’s (and some men’s) favorite lipstick, allowing you to slip it into but the smallest of clutch or jacket pockets without resulting in an unsightly bulge.

Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana will be accompanied by exclusive packaging and accessories that comprise of a trio of silky rose satin bags that help protect your precious new handset, stash the charger away safely or for the more creative among you, to carry some jewellery to complement the phone whenever you pull it out. In addition, owners will definitely be pleased to know that each purchase will come with a special Dolce & Gabbana branded headset with gold accents for that added touch of luxury and elegance, helping you stay in touch with family and friends in style.

Just as the handset itself is special, expect extra special content to be made available on the Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana. Inside the phone, you will be able to find exclusive photography and video clips from Dolce&Gabbana's women's Autumn/Winter 2010 runway show, alongside sneak peek footage from all the backstage action – would be cool if this handset had a built-in projector though, as it allows you to go wild with the rest of your girlfriends who have an equal love for fashion and all things trendy just like you. Apart from that, you can also find a range of stylish themes and wallpapers, access to a Dolce & Gabbana blog which will shimmy over the latest trends, news and gossip straight to your handset through an RSS feed.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Jalou by Dolce&Gabbana

Logitech unveils couple of speakers

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 10:48 AM PDT

logitech s315i Logitech unveils couple of speakers

Logitech is a famous name where home computing speakers are concerned, and they certainly deserve the accolades they’ve garnered in the past with some quality releases. This time round we have a couple of models for those who are interested – the Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i and the Logitech Portable Speaker S125i. Both models are touted to boast exceptionally long battery life, where the former is able to keep on going for up to 20 hours non-stop before requiring a recharge, while the latter lets you crank up the bass around your home, no matter whether you’re in your bedroom, kitchen, living room or even your backyard.

The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i is able to provide you with virtually a full day's worth of continuous music playback on but a single charge, where its power saving mode even stretches its performance to touch the mentioned 20 hour mark. As with some other iPod speaker docks, the Rechargeable Speaker S315i also boasts the ability to play your favorite tunes whenever it is plugged in, simultaneously juicing up your iPod as well to make sure that portable media player of yours is more than ready to keep you entertained on the go. Performance-wise, the Rechargeable Speaker S315i relies on custom, full-range drivers that are able to reproduce the highs and lows of your favorite songs accurately. It will play nice with the iPhone as well as any iPod model with the Apple Universal Dock Connector.

As for the Logitech Portable Speaker S125i, this portable speaker targets first-time iPod owners who are always on the go, providing you with extra bass whenever you need it thanks to the Bass Boost button. It can be powered via AC or battery, offering up to 10 hours of battery-powered music. You will be able to bring home the Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S315i and Logitech Portable Speaker S125i for $129.99 and $69.99, respectively.

Press Release

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Logitech unveils couple of speakers copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Logitech unveils couple of speakers

Logitech announces Harmony 900 remote

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 10:41 AM PDT

logitech harmony 900 Logitech announces Harmony 900 remote

Remote controls have become a staple device for many of us these days, and more often than not there will be a tussle among family members for essential remotes in the living room at prime time for obvious reasons. Logitech themselves have delved into the world of remote controls in the past, and they show no signs of slowing down in that department. Recently, the Swiss company has rolled out the Logitech Harmony 900 remote that boasts redesigned RF technology, a full color touchscreen display alongside intuitive button layout to help even newbies get used to it as soon as possible. The Logitech Harmony 900 remote relies on rechargeable batteries to keep it going, allowing you to enjoy a whole range of entertainment from movies to games and music even when the respective components are located safely behind cabinet doors.

The Logitech Harmony 900 remote’s redesigned RF system turns you into a mini living room deity, capable of controlling an entire cabinet’s worth of devices and appliances as long as they remains within a 100 foot radius. This remote also allows you to wield such powers without getting bogged down by hassles and problems that are normally associated with RF setups. All you need to do is place the IR blaster that comes with each purchase alongside one or two of the mini blasters on the cabinet shelves near the devices that you want to gain control and you’re good to go. The color touchscreen devices allows you to choose your device of choice with but a gentle touch of the finger, and when the setup process is complete, you’re able to control everything programmed inside even with the cabinet doors closed.

Expect the Logitech Harmony 900 remote to arrive in the US and Europe later next month for $399.99 a pop, where it will be accompanied by a recharging cradle, rechargeable battery, power supply, IR blaster and two mini blasters. Logitech has plans to roll out more blasters and mini blasters online in selected regions.

Press Release

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Logitech announces Harmony 900 remote copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Logitech announces Harmony 900 remote

Texting While Driving PSA Delivers Bloody, Bone-Crunching Message [Texting]

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 10:30 AM PDT

Holy shit. The initial accident is bad enough, but the creators of this texting PSA, not content with the usual scare tactics, add in some flying glass and a neck crunch to hammer things home. Then the second car appears.

The video was done with local actors by the Gwent police department, to be shown in area schools as part of a 30-minute deterrent movie about “texting while driving.” It’s effective, violent and bloody. That’s probably the point.

Anything like this being shown in the U.S.? [BBC News - Thanks, Matthew]

Texting While Driving PSA Delivers Bloody, Bone Crunching Message [Texting]

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Texting While Driving PSA Delivers Bloody, Bone-Crunching Message [Texting]

Sony laptop can’t play Sony disk with Sony drive on Sony TV

Posted: 16 Aug 2009 10:25 AM PDT

Zing! Don’t try to watch your copy of Watchmen on your Vaio laptop with Blu-Ray on your Sony TV! Says one forum member at quartertothree.com

I bought the watchmen DVD. Pretty cool right. Tried to play it on my sony laptop hooked up via hdmi to my sony flatscreen. Crashed of course. This was only annoying. The next six hours spent upgrading and rebooting the sony software that the sony updater software forgot to tell me about was fun. Even now, I’m at a point where I can hear audio on the commercials, but my entire sony setup tells me it can’t understand the audio format when trying to play a sony blu-ray disc on my sony setup.

The author also notes that “Sony sucks balls the size of Los Angeles.” Another posulates:

Man, you wouldn’t believe the amount of trouble I had hooking up my PS3 to a brand new Bravia TV last month. It still won’t work over HDMI!

I truly believe the different departments of Sony Corporation are entirely staffed by different breeds of hamster.

I simply state that Sony has gone so far off mission that I wouldn’t be surprised if they start selling Sony Slap-Chops.

via BBG

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Sony laptop can't play Sony disk with Sony drive on Sony TV