Okies, finally managed to squash a few key bugs in the previous Cuffs v1.05.01 RC. So here we are with the latest combo.

Overall, this is the most robust HUD yet. Key changes from the General Release versions:

• integrated and friendlier help
• new HUD buttons: coffee cup (blog), question mark (online help) and red dot (time to save)
• no need to detach restraints during transfers, smart resets or saves (except if you were locked in Restrained Life viewer). And no more “save your settings” spam.
• bug-fixes here and there.

Latest cuff release notes here. Gags here.

Remember, both gags and cuffs need to be updated to access all the no-need-to-detach features. And since these are Release Candidates, get them from the RC boxes (white and blue) when you enter the Warehouse. Don’t use the Update Switch as that gives you the general release version.

On another note, looks like my shipment of suitably-abused leather just came in so I can start fabricating the leather cuffs now. Now to sew in the buckles and D-rings and internal steel wires. *wicked grin*.

Luv, Lulu Ludovico

Like the Gags, the Signature Cuffs are having some major improvements.

Key changes:

• integrated help, including context-sensitive links to online pages.
• streamlined save process (a discreet red dot on the HUD now reminds you to save at your own leisure, instead of “countdowns” and “save reminders” on your chat screen)
• ability to detach HUD (for saving) without detaching your cuffs if worn, even when locked. You will need to re-wear your HUD within a minute or so though, or the cuffs will detach (with alarms if locked).
• smart reset will also not detach your restraints when the HUD detaches. You will need to re-wear your HUD within about a minute or so though.
• Details here.

Note: Only Signature Gag v3.21.01 and above will not detach with the HUD. The previous gag version will detach with the latest HUD (v4.10.03). This is due to a new check for the correct HUD after “smart reset” or “save”. If you wear the wrong HUD it will tell you.

Go get yours at the Secret Warehouse, from the blue box right inside the door.

Luv, Lulu Ludovico.

This is a big release, with numerous improvements.

Key new stuff include:

• vastly improved help, including context-sensitive links to relevant online help pages
• Restrained-Life viewer – able to IM up to 3 friends (excluding owners) while gagged (but only with “garble off” or “garble loose”)
• streamlined save process and smart reset (worn restraints will no longer automatically detach – though if you’re a Signature Cuff owner you will need the next Cuff Release Candidate to see this – otherwise current cuffs will still detach). You can now even save (detached) while locked.
  • Instead of being spammed, you will get a red dot to the right of the HUD logo to remind you to save. Click that for instructions. You can even ignore the red dot and save when you feel like it (of course, don’t crash or you’ll lose data!).
• numerous bugfixes and improvements. Details here.

So if you own any v.3 Signature Gag, you can get your Release Candidate at the Secret Warehouse. Look for the white box when you enter.

Enjoy!

Luv, Lulu Ludovico

One of the major issues with Second Life is that oftentimes when you crash or disconnect, you lose your stats, or script settings. The effect is a roll-back to the last-saved state. Very unpleasant.

At one time I was getting lots of IMs asking about why when they log (back) in, their need to run setup again, or the HUD doesn’t recognize their owners any more, or they are no longer locked.

I had to quickly implement a workaround – waiting for Lindens to fix a problem is as good as waiting for world peace, Jira or no Jira. Ergo the clunky countdowns and “save your settings” messages that I must admit I’m not particularly proud of.

So I devoted some long nights to streamlining the whole user experience. I’ve scripted new solutions, scrapped them, designed something new. Thought I could do it before the weekend, but looks like it’s not likely. So here’s just a preview.

Command HUD 4.10, due out soon, will see major improvements. Some highlights:

• a simple and unobtrusive save-notification system
• ability to detach HUD temporarily without automatically detaching your toys – for “saves” as well as smart resets.
• you don’t have to relog to save even if you’re locked (except maybe if you’re using the RL Viewer)

Help has been greatly boosted. Generally there is a tighter coupling between the online help and the in-world HUD.

• new large “HELP!” button that gives the different help options (online, faq, group, bug reports etc).
• new context-sensitive “**help**” buttons with detailed hand-holding.
• quick HUD button that points to online searchable help (http://help.lululudovico.com)

Look out for upcoming Release Candidates, soon.

In the meantime, you can ignore the “save” messages if you want, after all, if you don’t expect to crash, you can save yourself some extra work. That said, if you’ve just finished a setup, you’re better off detaching your HUD, just in case, unless you don’t mind re-setting up again should you crash. Remember, when (not if) you crash, you revert to the previous save (which is the last logout or last detach).

Luv, Lulu Ludovico