NTT DoCoMo reached the milestone of selling 20 million Raku-Raku PHONE series handsets in Japan on July 18. The Raku-Raku PHONE series (raku means easy to use) is a lineup of mobile phones designed to be highly user-friendly and suitable for everyone. The series was first introduced in October 1999, with the P601es Raku-Raku PHONE I. DOCOMO has since released a total of 18 models and has seen rapid sales growth in Japan, resulting in the milestone achievement of 20 million units sold as of this month. While the fundamental features of the Raku-Raku PHONE series have remained the same over the years—three one-touch command buttons; large, easy-to-read characters on displays; and large, easy-to-operate buttons—DoCoMo has added additional features to meet customer needs, such as Deco-mail, which allows users to decorate mails with pictograms and pictures, and dust and water- proof designs.
Sharp has developed and will introduce the new GP2AP020A00F proximity sensor with integrated ambient light sensor. Ideal for use in smartphones and other mobile devices, it has the industry’s smallest package size (4.0 x 2.0 x 1.2 (H) mm) and is one of the best products in the industry for detecting extremely low levels of light. The Sharp GP2AP020A00F integrates a proximity sensor with a light sensor in a single component. By using a single chip solution for light-receiving components of light sensor and proximity sensor (compared to the two chips of the predecessor product), Sharp has achieved the industry’s smallest package size (approx. 16% less volume than the predecessor product). This offers more flexibility in designing the structure of mobile devices and allows them to be made smaller.
Toyota is aiming to develop vehicles less likely to be involved in accidents, including vehicles fitted with advanced PCS technologies. In contrast to Toyota’s current Pre-Collision System (PCS), which is designed to predict collisions under certain situations and aims to reduce collision damage, the PCS under development is designed to aid in avoiding collisions. The system uses millimeter-wave radar and stereo cameras to detect pedestrians and vehicles in front. In addition, the system emits near-infrared beams to enhance visibility at night.
Toyota has been introducing and expanding the use of vehicle-body structures designed to decrease pedestrian injuries. The new vehicle-body structures are based on the results of testing and verification using both conventional crash-test dummies and THUMS (The models facilitate in-depth computer analysis of injuries sustained during traffic accidents. THUMS stands for total human model for safety) virtual-human models.
Toyota’s newly developed pop-up hood helps reduce pedestrian head injury caused by collision with a vehicle—even when a vehicle has a low hood with limited space underneath—by automatically raising the rear of the hood to increase the space underneath.
Toyota showed some of its up and coming safety innovations in a demonstration to reporters Thursday at its facility in this town, west of Tokyo, near Mount Fuji. Sudden cardiovascular irregularity (such as ventricular fibrillation) while driving can cause a driver to lose consciousness, thus creating a potentially dangerous situation. Toyota’s newly developed emergency-response technology is the result of research on a system to monitor cardiovascular functions through the driver's grasp of the steering wheel and to detect risks. By conducting further research, Toyota aims to commercialize a system that can contribute to the prevention of major accidents caused by sudden changes in the driver's physical condition.
Daihatsu recently announced its development of a high fuel efficiency technology that will be at the heart of production of future motor vehicles with high fuel efficiency, low prices, and resource-saving features. The technology is branded e:S Technology, which stands for Energy Saving Technology. In the process of this development, Daihatsu carried out exhaustive overhauls of existing technologies, including all aspects of the engine, the transmission, and the body structure, to maximize energy efficiency and achieve almost a 40% increase in fuel efficiency.
Asus ROG Vulcan ANC is the world's first active-noise-cancelling pro gaming headset designed to immerse users into games and keep them free of distractions like never before. The Vulcan ANC features 85% active noise cancellation to filter out sounds like low frequency computer fan noise and 30dB passive noise cancellation to reduce a wide range of ambient noises, including background voices. The Vulcan ANC not only provides gamers an immersive gaming experience with noise cancelling features, but also a comfortable one. The lightweight design of 320g is lighter than other comparable models of the same size, with other headsets weighing around 350g. Soft memory foam encased in breathable Japanese protein leather ensures user comfort even after extended gaming sessions. It is also portable, with a foldable design that easily fits into a durable touring case to take between competitions or LAN parties.
Panasonic today announced a new 14.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-LS5 digital camera that features a high-quality 26mm wide-angle, 5x optical zoom lens. With an incredible F2.8 lens and Optical Image Stabilization, the Lumix LS5 excels in taking clear photos, even in dimly-lit situations. To further its ease-of-use, the Lumix LS5 features Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto mode) - In the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, the camera does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments. The new Lumix LS5 records HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps – which is ideal for viewing on a High Definition Television.
Panasonic today announced the Lumix DMC-FZ47 digital camera, the newest addition to Panasonic’s super-
zoom FZ-Series. The Lumix FZ47 packs a powerful 24x optical zoom in a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, full-High Definition 1080i video-recording capabilities and new creative controls while shooting both still and video images. The high-quality Leica lens features Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology to help minimize light reflection that causes ghosting and flare.
Powered by a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the Lumix FZ47 can produce the high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording in the AVCHD format, and high-speed continuous shooting.The Venus Engine FHD processor helps create superb image quality in both photo and video recording, while also powering the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing. With Intelligent Resolution, the LUMIX FZ47’s zoom can be extended 1.3x times to a 32x zoom length.
The redesigned Asus U46/U56 notebooks are under an inch thick, bring highly artistic designs and the finest materials, including durable spun aluminum covers, brushed champagne-colored metal on U46 models, and a unique blue color scheme on the U56E. Tailored to everyone from travelers to business people, the Asus U46 and Asus U56 feature a hinge-forward design for wider viewing angles to accommodate diverse situations, even in very tight quarters. The Asus U46 uses the thinnest 14” notebook panel currently available, measuring a mere 5.5mm. U46 notebooks feature a slim bezel around the screen, reducing weight, improving portability, conserving material and enhancing viewing experiences.
Thermaltake BigWater 760Plus, the new 2U drive bay liquid cooling system, is designed for advanced LCS lovers. Ultra quiet pump, 12CM blue LED fan (fan speed from1600~2400 RPM) and water reservoir are all strategically positioned inside the drive bay unit to achieve maximum performance and extreme space saving! In the meantime, the P500 pump pushes 500L/H of water to improve the overall cooling efficiency and performance level; the Dimple Tube Technology of the radiator increases the turbulence within the radiator to enlarge the coolant contact surface and extend the time coolant stay in the radiator to perform maximum cooling action.
Thermaltake Bigwater A80 is an all-in-one device that has every aspect little detailed parts carefully designed to its details. Bigwater A80 satisfies the core elements of a Liquid Cooling System, cooling performance, space saving and easy installation that customers look for when selecting a liquid cooling system. The pre-filled coolant offers good ability of heat conductivity, low evaporation tube decreases the loss of coolant effectively and the high-tech sealed circulation system prevents leaking issue.
Thermaltake today announced the new standard of Liquid Cooling Chassis-Level 10 GT Liquid Cooling Chassis. The integrated LCS is the new generation drive bay liquid cooling system, consisted of an all-inclusive drive bay unit and intelligent interconnecting waterblock. The slim waterblock is developed with Pure Copper Base that maximizes the thermal efficiency. Also, the Dimple Tube Technology of the radiator increases the turbulence within the radiator to perform maximum cooling action. In addition, the P500 pump pushes 500L/H of water to improve the overall cooling efficiency and performance level.