Fareastgizmos

NEC develops technology enabling control of information through gestures and the display of images from a projector

editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:07:34 +0000

NEC announced today the development of an interactive technology that allows the control of information through a combination of user gestures and the display of images from a projector. The newly-developed technology is controlled through the combination of a movable camera, which measures and recognizes three-dimensional shapes, and a compact image projector. In addition to enabling the gesture-based control of information between devices, without the use of an input device such as a remote control or mouse, images that facilitate input, such as a keyboard image, can be flexibly displayed in a wide range of locations. This results in natural interactions that are intuitive and allow users to easily see the effect of their actions.

A camera that measures three-dimensional shapes is used to recognize the movement and shape of the hands and fingers as control input. This means that tasks such as the movement of data between terminals and the control of devices can be performed without the use of an input device. The movable measurement camera and projector are controlled in an integrated fashion. As a result, high-precision input and images can be projected while tracking a user’s gesture-based movements over a wide range.

Additionally, the locations of multiple distant devices can be specified to enable control. With the recent expansion of cloud-based services, information terminals have become increasingly diversified, ranging from PCs to smartphones and tablet devices. Using this technology, multiple devices can be controlled based on a user’s movements, without the use of an input device, producing interfaces that boast more natural interaction.

Kyocera Urban Progresso-Worlds first Smartphone to Transmit Clear Voice Reception via Vibration of Display Screen

editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:38:42 +0000

Kyocera today announced the release of the Urbano Progresso, the world’s first smartphone to be equipped with Smart Sonic Receiver technology which transmits clear voice quality to the user directly through vibrations in the handset’s display screen — a technology co-developed by Kyocera and KDDI, based on Kyocera’s proprietary advanced ceramic technology.

Smart Sonic Receiver is a new function which uses a piezo-electric actuator to create vibrations along a wide area of the display screen which in turn transmits clear voice quality to the user. This is the first smartphone in the world to be equipped with this function. As the vibrations cover a wide area of the screen, the user is able to hear clear voice quality regardless of where their ear is placed. Furthermore, by pressing the whole screen against your ear to create a cover, it is easier to hear in crowded and noisy environments.

The new model is part of Kyocera’s Digno-branded smartphone series, complete with various features including a stylish and sophisticated design using a metallic shell; 4.0-inch OLED Luminous Display and a flash-equipped 8.1-megapixel camera to allow the user to take photos even in dim environments, and waterproof / dirt-resistant functions.
The Urbano Progresso available for Japanese market only is compatible with WiMAX high-speed Internet service with speeds of up to 40 Mbps (down) and 15.4 Mbps (up), and also features a tethering function to connect up to eight Wi-Fi compatible devices, allowing the user to view full Web pages, send large files, stream video and download with ease whether indoors or out. Available in three color variations, the new phone is part of KDDI Corporation’s new handset lineup announced today.

LG announces new User Interface for its newest Android Ice Cream Sandwich devices

editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:37:34 +0000

LG today announced a new User Interface (UI) for its newest Android Ice Cream Sandwich devices, aptly named Optimus UI 3.0. Optimus UI 3.0 brings with it an array of enhanced key features, including Quick Memo and unique unlock functions, among other new features and functions aimed at improving LG smartphone experience.

Optimus UI 3.0 is designed with convenience and speed in mind. A powerful memo function called Quick Memo enables users to jot notes on the screen using a finger. Quick Memo in Optimus UI 3.0 allows users to share their thoughts through social networks, text messages and e-mails more conveniently than ever before.

Optimus UI 3.0 will debut on the LG Optimus LTE II launching this week in Korea, followed by LG Optimus 4X HD in June.

Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mori felt like he was floating while riding Honda UNI-CUB

editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:41:12 +0000

Honda today unveiled the new UNI-CUB personal mobility device, designed for harmony with people. Featuring a compact design and comfortable saddle, UNI-CUB offers the same freedom of movement in all directions that a person enjoys while walking. Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mori compared riding a prototype of the new UNI-CUB personal mobility device to his experience of flying on the space shuttle.I felt like I was floating. That is just like how I felt in outer space, said Mori, who serves as chief executive director at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, which will be testing the new Uni-Cub single-seater with the automaker.

Representing the evolution of the U3-X personal mobility device that Honda announced in 2009, UNI-CUB features Honda’s proprietary balance control technology and the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System).

These technologies allow the rider to control speed, move in any direction, turn and stop, all simply by shifting his or her weight. Since the rider can freely move forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, he or she can quickly and easily maneuver among other people.

The rider can control the vehicle using a smartphone’s touch panel, whether he is riding it at the time or not. It will even drive itself to a destination entered by the user.

Moreover, UNI-CUB’s compact saddle-style packaging makes it easy for the rider’s legs to reach the ground and maintains eye-level height with other pedestrians. This configuration promotes harmony between the rider and others, letting the rider travel freely and comfortably inside facilities and among moving people.

The vehicle’s maximum speed is 6 kph, and it can travel for an hour on full charge. It is best suited to indoor use on an even surface. Starting in June 2012, Honda will jointly conduct demonstration testing of UNI-CUB with Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. In addition to testing the feasibility of using UNI-CUB indoors, this project will explore the practical applications of the device in a wide range of environments in Japan and other countries.

Toshiba to Establish Smart Community Center in Kawasaki Japan

editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:52:54 +0000

Toshiba today announced that it is establishing a Smart Community Center in Kawasaki, Japan, that will support, enhance and advance the continued global development and expansion of Toshiba Group’s highly promising smart community business. The 15-story building is scheduled to open in October, 2013, and will provide a business base for approximately 7,000 people. The new center will provide a unifying base for Toshiba’s organizations engaged in smart community businesses in Japan, including Toshiba Group companies and business divisions developing cloud solutions.

The consolidation of related staff in a single location will facilitate closer cooperation with Toshiba’s nearby R&D centers and social infrastructure engineering and manufacturing facilities. The Toshiba Smart Community Center in Kawasaki, Japan, will itself be a showcase for smart community solutions, as it will integrate an intelligent Business Energy Management System (BEMS). Operation of the BEMS will be featured in the center’s smart community show room, along with Toshiba Group’s latest smart community and smart factory technologies.

NTT DoCoMo Unveils its 2012 summer lineup of 19 New Mobile Devices running on Android 4.0

editor — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:39:25 +0000

NTT DoCoMo announced today its 2012 summer lineup of 19 models for launch in or after June, including 16 smartphones, a tablet and a mobile phone for children as well as a mobile Wi-Fi router, many of which will be compatible with DoCoMo’s Xi LTE mobile service. DoCoM’s new smartphone and tablet lineup, which covers an exceptionally broad range of specifications, is designed to satisfy diverse needs at a time when smart devices are becoming an increasingly essential and ubiquitous part of daily life.DoCoMo also has launched a number of initiatives for enhanced security and customer support to ensure that all smartphone and tablet models in the summer 2012 lineup can be used with peace of mind.

Key features of DoCoMo’s new lineup of smartphones and tablet are as follow:

All models run on Android 4.0.

All eight NEXT series smartphones, three “with” series smartphones and the lineup’s slim, stylish W-Fi router are compatible with DoCoMo’s Xi LTE service for extra-fast access and navigation.

Most of the devices are compatible with the updated docomo Anshin Scan service, which features a new alarm system warning users about fraudulent sites for extra-safe browsing, in addition to its existing virus scan feature.

All models are expected to be compatible with Smartphone Anshin Remote Support™, a call center that can send easy-to-follow prompts to the user’s screen to show them how to set up and operate their devices.

Most models can access Sumaho Onayami Support Menu, a portal of handy, flowchart-style resources for smartphone troubleshooting, fun tips about device usage, terminology and introductions to useful content.

Potent processing power, including one model with a quad-core CPU and 12 models with dual-core CPUs for enjoying rich applications and high-resolution videos and games on the high-speed Xi network.

Smartphone sizes to suit all needs, from smaller models that fit snugly in one’s palm to large 5-inch screens for easy viewing of e-books and similar content.

Four smartphones and the tablet are compatible with NOTTV, a V-high multimedia broadcasting service.

Two collaboration smartphones, one featuring the fashion brand ANTEPRIMA and the other the manga comic series JOJO, with exclusive content preinstalled.

Many models offer highly in-demand features such as water resistance, NFC, infrared communications and One-Seg terrestrial digital broadcasting.

Six models are expected to feature the preinstalled Twonky Beam app, which allows users to enjoy recorded digital terrestrial contents and others on their smartphones, as well as wirelessly transmitting browsed content such as videos, images or music to large-screen televisions or audio systems.

Hyundai and Kia recall 218,000 New Cars as they discharge significantly more of the air pollutant nitrogen oxide than the legal limit

editor — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:39:59 +0000

Hyundai and Kia are voluntarily recalling 218,000 Tucsons and Sportages after a study by the South Korean Ministry of Environment revealed that they discharge significantly more of the air pollutant nitrogen oxide than the legal limit. The ministry checked four new models launched by Hyundai, Kia, Renault Samsung and GM Daewoo to see whether they comply with emission standards, and found that that the Tucson 2.0 and Sportage 2.0 discharge 21 percent and 18 percent more NOx than the acceptable standard. Current regulations allow the Korean environment ministry to order the responsible carmakers to stop releasing or selling specific models, but the ministry decided to recommend they voluntarily recall already sold cars and improve those currently in production by the end of this month.

Eight out of nine Tucsons and all six Sportages inspected failed the test. Usually such high emission levels are discovered in cars that have been in use for some time, but this was the first time they were found in vehicles straight off the conveyor belt. Since September 2009, 120,000 Tucson 2.0 have been sold, and since April 2010, 98,000 Sportage 2.0. Hyundai and Kia are reportedly unhappy with the inspection, claiming that the ministry intentionally imposed harsher conditions when testing the cars like shaking the car body excessively. Last year, all Tucsons and Sportages passed similar inspections conducted under normal driving conditions.

Fujitsu Enetune Cloud-based Energy Management System helps to optimize energy usage

editor — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:48:28 +0000

Fujitsu today announced the development of Enetune, a cloud-based energy management system (EMS) service to be available starting at the end of June. The service collects energy data from all of a company’s business locations, including leased or rented buildings and retail locations. By consolidating and centrally managing this data in the cloud, businesses can bring integrated and cross-sectional clarity to their energy usage. In order to flexibly respond to a variety of changes in the power usage landscape in Japan, including an overburdened power supply, rising electricity costs and revised energy-conservation laws, businesses are increasingly facing a need to further enhance energy management with the aim of streamlining utilize of energy.

Beginning in late June, Fujitsu will be offering Enetune, a cloud-based EMS service that supports enterprise energy management and provides companies with the essential ability to optimize and improve the efficiency of their energy usage.

LG Optimus 4X HD upgraded with Media Plex coming to Western Europe next month

editor — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:36:06 +0000

LG announced today that the Optimus 4X HD, which was first introduced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February, will be available next month in key markets starting in Western Europe. Beyond the fast NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, LG’s latest Android 4.0 device boasts the biggest battery among Quad-Core smartphones at 2,150mAh and a superb high resolution viewing experience with in the 4.7-inch True HD IPS display. Since MWC, the Optimus 4X HD has been upgraded with new SiO+ battery technology, Quick Memo to enhance productivity and Media Plex for an advanced multimedia experience.

The removable 2,150mAh battery utilizes advanced SiO+ technology to provide higher energy density for more power and longer run times without adding bulk to the phone’s already svelte form factor. The advanced 8.0MP BSI (backside illumination) sensor camera of the Optimus 4X HD comes with a powerful new feature that allows users to select and save the best shot among the images taken just before pressing the shutter button. And with MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), there are multiple ways to connect the phone to TVs and other devices in the home.

Denso new smaller and efficient condenser helps increase fuel efficiency

editor — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:45:33 +0000

Denso has developed a smaller and more efficient condenser, which helps increase fuel efficiency, while allowing carmakers to have greater design flexibility inside the engine compartment. Compared to conventional models, Denso’s new Global Inner-fin Condenser (GIC) is 30 percent smaller. To more efficiently transfer the refrigerant’s heat flowing in the tubes, the size of the tube’s inner fins were reduced and the density of inner fins inside each tube were maximized, which increased the heat transfer area by 20 percent. The new inner-fin tube has 25 percent more room, which enables even more amount of refrigerant to flow in the tube without increasing power consumption.

This new design allows for the flexibility of new, more environmentally friendly refrigerants to be introduced in the future. Denso further improved the GIC’s heat removal process by increasing the number of louvers in each fin by 30 percent per unit area. Despite this increase in louvers, the size of the fin was not increased. The GIC is on the Toyota Corolla, which was launched in Japan on May 11. Denso will continue its efforts to expand GIC to a much wider range of vehicles, as well as work to develop smaller, more efficient products.