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Digital courts rule
Technology
For more technology stories, visit newscientist.com/technology
Headset lets blind people navigate with sound
Paul Bradbury/Getty
INSIGHT Online shopping
–Out of reach, out of touch–
Digital courts rule WE ARE the law. The great The client was relieved: “I’ve been e-commerce boom has had an telling my friends about it at every unexpected side effect – the rise dinner I go to. I’ve been recommending of digital courts. it to everyone.” eBay has long relied on its Resolution Johan Hultgren and his co-founder Centre to solve petty disagreements are both qualified lawyers who run the between buyers and sellers, and the service full-time. He says the popularity model has become surprisingly popular of online shopping has created a among others who do business online. burgeoning market for services like So much so, in fact, that one Swedish Swiftcourt that can sort out problems company has applied it to all kinds of quickly. “We’re doing more private consumer complaints. transactions than we used to do. Swiftcourt, based in Lund, allows Since there’s no physical contract, individuals to file small claims. For “Swiftcourt issues an one client – who wishes to remain arbitration verdict that is anonymous – Swiftcourt turned out final and enforceable by to be very handy. After receiving a second-hand motorbike from an online debt-collection authorities” sale, he realised that it was not as described. It was 450cc, not 540cc, more conflicts will arise and these will and some parts were missing. be over lower amounts,” he says. Initially, the seller refused a refund, This allows consumers to avoid but the two had previously agreed to costly and time-consuming court use Swiftcourt as an arbitrator in the processes. Swiftcourt aims to reach a event of a dispute. A few weeks after settlement or verdict within six weeks the arbitration process was started on and costs €100 to €450. Crucially, the Swiftcourt website, both parties when Swiftcourt issues an arbitration were handed a verdict – the plaintiff’s verdict it is final and enforceable by case was upheld and a full refund Swedish debt-collection authorities. following return of the bike was eBay-style resolution centres arranged. The seller also had to are now an integral feature of the pay both parties’ Swiftcourt fees. so-called “sharing economy”. 22 | NewScientist | 15 November 2014
Accommodation broker Airbnb has its own version, which helps users of the service request refunds or additional payments, or claim damages from security deposits. Swiftcourt is not the only online arbitration service out there. eQuibbly.com, based in Toronto, Canada, puts people in disputes in touch with attorneys or retired judges via an online interface where users upload supporting documents or photographic evidence. Jan Kleinheisterkamp at the London School of Economics says the growth of these services has been rapid. He says online portals for filing disputes are particularly appealing for consumers who don’t have the time or resources to take traditional legal action. “It’s a new generation of consumer dispute settlement,” he says. “It feels closer to the consumer, being on his or her laptop or smartphone instead of them having to go and physically file documents.” Kleinheisterkamp adds that there is no legal difference between dealing with a disagreement online compared with a courtroom. “It doesn’t change anything from a legal perspective,” he says. n
Alex Griffiths
Stung by an online buy? Get even online too, says Chris Baraniuk
I AM blindfolded and the world goes dark. Luckily, I have a special guide by my ears. It’s just a gentle pulse and a series of clip-clops but it tells me I’m going in the right direction. If I turn my head the pulse stops, and I know I’m facing the wrong way. The new Microsoft-designed headset for blind people has two plates that sit on the cheekbones just next to the user’s ear canals and transmit sound via the skull bones. Location information is beamed to the user’s smartphone from nearby beacons, and delivered to the headset via Bluetooth. Plug your route into Microsoft’s Bing Maps and the headset lets you know if you’re going the right way. The system tricks you into thinking the pulse comes from a certain direction. For example, if you are facing away from your desired destination, the sounds appear to be coming from behind you. And the bone-conducted sound system means your ears are not blocked. A synthesised voice also delivers info on nearby shops or buses. Microsoft has developed the device as part of a project called Cities Unlocked, alongside partners such as UK charity Guide Dogs. “I was really impressed with its potential,” says Jennifer Bottom, a vision-impaired volunteer tester. Chris Baraniuk n
For more technology stories, visit newscientist.com/technology
Headset lets blind people navigate with sound
Paul Bradbury/Getty
INSIGHT Online shopping
–Out of reach, out of touch–
Digital courts rule WE ARE the law. The great The client was relieved: “I’ve been e-commerce boom has had an telling my friends about it at every unexpected side effect – the rise dinner I go to. I’ve been recommending of digital courts. it to everyone.” eBay has long relied on its Resolution Johan Hultgren and his co-founder Centre to solve petty disagreements are both qualified lawyers who run the between buyers and sellers, and the service full-time. He says the popularity model has become surprisingly popular of online shopping has created a among others who do business online. burgeoning market for services like So much so, in fact, that one Swedish Swiftcourt that can sort out problems company has applied it to all kinds of quickly. “We’re doing more private consumer complaints. transactions than we used to do. Swiftcourt, based in Lund, allows Since there’s no physical contract, individuals to file small claims. For “Swiftcourt issues an one client – who wishes to remain arbitration verdict that is anonymous – Swiftcourt turned out final and enforceable by to be very handy. After receiving a second-hand motorbike from an online debt-collection authorities” sale, he realised that it was not as described. It was 450cc, not 540cc, more conflicts will arise and these will and some parts were missing. be over lower amounts,” he says. Initially, the seller refused a refund, This allows consumers to avoid but the two had previously agreed to costly and time-consuming court use Swiftcourt as an arbitrator in the processes. Swiftcourt aims to reach a event of a dispute. A few weeks after settlement or verdict within six weeks the arbitration process was started on and costs €100 to €450. Crucially, the Swiftcourt website, both parties when Swiftcourt issues an arbitration were handed a verdict – the plaintiff’s verdict it is final and enforceable by case was upheld and a full refund Swedish debt-collection authorities. following return of the bike was eBay-style resolution centres arranged. The seller also had to are now an integral feature of the pay both parties’ Swiftcourt fees. so-called “sharing economy”. 22 | NewScientist | 15 November 2014
Accommodation broker Airbnb has its own version, which helps users of the service request refunds or additional payments, or claim damages from security deposits. Swiftcourt is not the only online arbitration service out there. eQuibbly.com, based in Toronto, Canada, puts people in disputes in touch with attorneys or retired judges via an online interface where users upload supporting documents or photographic evidence. Jan Kleinheisterkamp at the London School of Economics says the growth of these services has been rapid. He says online portals for filing disputes are particularly appealing for consumers who don’t have the time or resources to take traditional legal action. “It’s a new generation of consumer dispute settlement,” he says. “It feels closer to the consumer, being on his or her laptop or smartphone instead of them having to go and physically file documents.” Kleinheisterkamp adds that there is no legal difference between dealing with a disagreement online compared with a courtroom. “It doesn’t change anything from a legal perspective,” he says. n
Alex Griffiths
Stung by an online buy? Get even online too, says Chris Baraniuk
I AM blindfolded and the world goes dark. Luckily, I have a special guide by my ears. It’s just a gentle pulse and a series of clip-clops but it tells me I’m going in the right direction. If I turn my head the pulse stops, and I know I’m facing the wrong way. The new Microsoft-designed headset for blind people has two plates that sit on the cheekbones just next to the user’s ear canals and transmit sound via the skull bones. Location information is beamed to the user’s smartphone from nearby beacons, and delivered to the headset via Bluetooth. Plug your route into Microsoft’s Bing Maps and the headset lets you know if you’re going the right way. The system tricks you into thinking the pulse comes from a certain direction. For example, if you are facing away from your desired destination, the sounds appear to be coming from behind you. And the bone-conducted sound system means your ears are not blocked. A synthesised voice also delivers info on nearby shops or buses. Microsoft has developed the device as part of a project called Cities Unlocked, alongside partners such as UK charity Guide Dogs. “I was really impressed with its potential,” says Jennifer Bottom, a vision-impaired volunteer tester. Chris Baraniuk n