Uni develops eye-tracking tech

The University of Bristol has developed eye-tracking software that could allow businesses in sectors such as retail to monitor what grabs the attention of customers, states Computing.co.uk.

The system, reminiscent of the film Minority Report, allows users to collect data about eye movements and what people are looking at when they perform tasks such as window shopping or in-store browsing.

According to the university, which developed the software in partnership with Applied Science Laboratories, the technology also allows a dramatic decrease in the time needed to analyse and interpret the data.

Microsoft will open its first retail store in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week, at the same time it unveils Windows 7, making its return to the bricks-and-mortar world after a decade's absence, says Channel Web.

Microsoft is also dishing up some grand opening special offers, with customers that buy new PCs receiving a free HP-D 1660 printer or a free copy of Office Home & Student edition.

In July, Microsoft COO Kevin Turner vowed that Microsoft would open some retail stores "right next door" to Apple stores, but the Scottsdale location doesn't fit this description. However, Microsoft's Mission Viejo store, which will be located at the Shops At Mission Viejo mall, will at least be within the same complex.

Leveraging social media is going to boost e-commerce holiday sales, writes E-Commerce News.

Online retailers who want to tap into new and existing opportunities for growth must implement tactics to maximise word-of-mouth marketing technologies. Businesses need to utilise the technology that is available and create a specific plan for marketing and consumer promotions using social media.

Word of mouth has long been a priceless asset to any business, and technology has expanded the playing field in a whole new way with mobile messaging and social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more.