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Meet the J-Pop 'idol' robot that dances and dresses up just for you
This robot is a better dancer than half of the Japanese pop idol groups it's trying to emulate. While we're not going to torture ourselves (or you) by deep-diving into the curious phenomenon of Japanese idol units, but these robots were designed for (more often than not, male) fans looking to have a performer that, according to IT Media Lab: "dances especially for me" and those that wanted to create "their own performance stage in their home." Ahem.
Ginsu knives, psychic hotlines and a $90 tablet: the story behind the Matrix One (update: more details)
On December 5th, Direct Merchandise Marketing (DMM) released a long-awaited statement that was supposed to explain just what had gone wrong in shipping its Matrix One tablet, a device we thought we might never see. The company cited part delays and Google Wallet troubles that left it with no choice but to allow refunds. However, that's not even half of the story. As you'll see in our investigation after the break, the company itself hasn't been on the level with its customers, even as it became clear that operations were coming apart at the seams.
Matrix One pins troubles on part delays and Google Wallet freeze, says refunds coming
We've been following the saga of the extra-budget Matrix One tablet almost since its birth, and there's been mounting concerns as the company (or rather its parent, Direct Merchandise Marketing) went silent not long after reporting a customs freeze on shipments. At least according to a new letter to customers on the company's front page, we now know why. The firm claims that glass and processor supply trouble at the relevant factories triggered delays, which in turn led to Google Wallet shutting down its account after customers complained regarding unfulfilled orders -- it couldn't complete or even refund purchases, no matter how much it wanted to. There's a potential ray of sunshine, however, as Google has reportedly confirmed to Matrix One that refunds are going out to affected shoppers. New orders will supposedly be possible, but only after initial refunds go through and the company is "well stocked" with inventory. We have many reasons to be skeptical when Matrix One doesn't mention the customs issue, is known to have been unresponsive to customers and even reported itself as closed, but this news at least gives us hope that buyers won't be left hanging. Read the full letter after the break. [Thanks, Stephan]
Vivid Entertainment wants more porn on your PS3
We were just as shocked as you are -- people will pay to watch what now?! Copulation, you say? Apparently it's a booming business! As well as one that could be expanded with streaming access via the PlayStation 3, Vivid Entertainment head honcho Steven Hirsch told MCV recently. He believes companies like Japan's DMM are paving the way for streaming adult content on the PS3.Though his company has yet to formally request its content be available on Sony's console, DMM has already proven such a thing is possible through the console's web browser. Unfortunately, this is one of those awkward moments where we have to inform the idea men behind this that so is ... the rest of the Internet. Let's hope enough people are ready to shell out their dough for the sheer convenience of it all.
HD porn streaming service available exclusively on PS3
Here's something that's proudly "Only For PlayStation." Digital Media Mart (DMM) has created a special Blu-ray disc that allows PS3 systems to stream adult videos in HD and SD from its on-demand "DMM.TV" service. While the disc is free for Japanese consumers, the content is not: SD streams are available for ¥500 ($5.25), while HD downloads are available for ¥1480 ($15.55). DMM is working on expanding the service to all hard drive-equipped Blu-ray players; however, for now, PS3 is the only way Japanese consumers will be able to get their hands on ... the service. [Via Andriasang]
