CyberStress
Latest
Shocker: Americans spend more time with PC than spouse
While one may argue that a computer doesn't talk back, disagree, or rub one the wrong way as we're sure just about everyone's spouse / SO definitely can, you must have somehow avoided the BSOD, kernel error, 404, clicking HDD, invalid drivers, and the host of other "cyber stresses" that can elicit all sorts of rage and frustration. A recent survey conducted by Kelton Research discovered that a majority of Americans (52-percent) said their "most recent experience with a computer problem provoked emotions such as anger, sadness or alienation," yet a whopping 65-percent of these same folks spend more time with their beloved computer than their own spouse. Adding even more fuel to the computer addict fire, 84-percent of responders stated that they were "more dependent on their home computer now than they were just three years ago." Interestingly enough, rather than founding some sort of rehab facility to coax folks away from the keyboard and back into reality, SupportSoft is looking to provide loving, caring advice to help folks suffering from "cyber stress" solve their PC troubles without tearing down the house. Essentially, the service actually encourages folks glued to their computer to stay that way, as the new startup looks to provide answers to the issues that could eventually run even the most loyal computer user back to their oft forgotten spouse, but the company does insinuate that by solving PC quandaries, folks will have more time to spend when the ones they love. Nevertheless, we can't say these figures are entirely shocking, especially when you consider that folks would take an iPod over booze and nearly anything trendy for an SO.[Via TGDaily]
LightVu HMD uses "NanoPrism" tech to eliminate "cyberstress"
Although not any more stylish than the rest of the head-mounted displays on the market, the LightVu reference design from Israeli startup Mirage Innovations could provide a benefit even more important than fashion, which is preventing you from throwing up. The lightweight plastic goggles feature a proprietary technology that the company calls "NanoPrism," which supposedly eliminates the "cyberstress" (nausea, dizziness, vertigo) inherent to other binocular devices by some fancy manipulation of the 42-inch-equivalent picture. Specifically, a diffractive optical plate built into the frames reflects the video from whatever microdisplay device is being used (LCD, LCOS, OLED) so that both eyes see one continuous image. So far no manufacturers have picked up this design, but we'll take one for a spin after a big meal if we ever get a chance, and let you know if we were able to keep our food down.[Via EE Times and I4U]
