Products adapted to end-user needs
It seems that communication devices keep getting more and more complicated. Handsets are becoming smaller and smaller as well. But what if a complicated phone is too confusing to use comfortably? And if you are physically limited, how can you hold a tiny handset or read the numbers on a miniature screen? What if you can’t even understand that you need to enter a number to make a call? Would you still be able to communicate by telephone?
The Swedish company Doro has been making quite a stir in the last year by providing “Care” devices to help people communicate. The elderly, small children, the blind, those with cognitive or physical limitations and the hard of hearing are all finding that they can communicate using Doro’s devices.
Last week, five of Doro’s products, received one of the world's most prestigious design awards — the iF Gold Award, from International Forum Design. The products are commercially successful as well. All of Doro’s GSM mobile handsets feature direct memory buttons, large keys, a speakerphone and easy grip surfaces. Some handsets are just for voice communication while others offer SMS using large displays. The company also makes special fixed line telephones that dial the required number based on the push of a photo key. Many of Doro’s communication products come equipped with technology that allows the devices to be used by the blind or those with hearing aids. See their offerings through www.doro.com.
It’s a snap!
If you’re looking for a fun, animated way to share and publish photos, Snapfish by HP has developed Snapshow. This is a free service that enables users to create multimedia photo montages combining photos, artwork, animation and music to tell a story in just a few clicks. Snapshow features more than 10 themes and 35 music selections to help users showcase photos from birthdays, holidays or vacations in eye-catching slideshows. Check it out at www.snapfish.com/mmsinfo.
Help around the house
Refrigerator won’t cool? Washing machine leaking? Before you call the repair service, see if FixYa can help sort out the problem. FixYa is a community of 12 million members and visitors who share, learn and connect over household, tech and consumer support tips. The FixYa community of techies, tinkerers and hobbyists share real world experience and practical advice. From fixing cars, to dryers, to toasters, FixYa’s community provides around-the-clock accurate advice. Reclaim, refurbish or repair through http://fixya.com.
Serve up some entertainment
The Kaleidescape Mini System (www.kaleidescape.com) puts your entire collection of movies and music at your fingertips. The Mini integrates a complete multi-zone entertainment system into a single component. Its elegant industrial design looks great in any living room. The system is operated by remote control, and it installs as easily as an ordinary DVD player. The Mini System has a movie zone and two additional built-in music zones to provide “whole-house entertainment” out-of-the-box.
Content stored on a Mini System is protected by Kaleidescape's RAID-K technology, and need not be re-imported if a hard disk drive fails. The Mini System creates high-definition output from DVDs, providing a viewing experience that rivals Blu-ray. And if you enjoy watching movies but don't have the time to build a great collection, let Kaleidescape help. They have created comprehensive movie collections to suit any taste.
