New Tech & Services
New Tech & Services

New Tech & Services

Sony Bravia TV Adds Felica NFC Function

In another step forward for machine to machine connectivity, and fixed-mobile convergence, the folks at Sony held a press conference in Tokyo this week to parade their upcoming big-screen television offerings. The announced KDL-series full HD LCD models on show, ranging from 32″ to 52″ and approx. $1,500 to $4,500 respectively, will be shipping this April with the Felica RFID reader/writer embedded in the remote control. Soon we will see Japanese handsets enabling transactions through the TV!

Toshiba Goes Stealth with SnapDragon

Toshiba Goes Stealth with SnapDragonIt appears that Toshiba is playing a viral campaign game with their new TG01 device, which tons of blogs are talking about but not found on their official site.. yet. Apparently it is hoping to take Mobile World Congress by storm next week and judging by the initial specs. this looks like it could be a killer!

SlashGear has an early write-up on it Here, noting the typical smartphone suite. But the real exciting bits are inside via Qualcomms new Snapdragon chipset which enables 1GHz cpu speed and therefore real power to run demanding on-board apps such as full blown Flash for example.. wOOt! As the official details are obviously still fairly thin for the moment we’ll say this much: Looking Good Tosh. now, how about letting us take this baby for a little road-test.. 😎

Mobilkom Testing NFC Platform

Austrian-based Mobilkom announced they have developed a chip-based NFC system using the VDV-KA international standard for mobile ticketing in conjunction with the Austrian Federal Railways group OBB. In partnership with Nokia, the OBB has launched a pilot project involving 100 test customers and 100 ticket collectors on the test routes Vienna-Krems and Vienna-Gmund, using the NFC-capable 6212 classic handset for a three month trial period.

Vertu Flag-Ship Store Opens on Ginza

As announced late last year, the premium Nokia brand has opened it’s doors in Tokyo. The Vertu Japan flagship store, naturally located in Ginza, is a three story affair with main floor devoted to display of the three models available – Signature, Ascent and Ferrari – while the second floor offers a private lounge and level three caters to customer service. As the news is not yet listed on the companies main site, see the photos with more details in Japanese Here. Apparently the actual handsets will be available on the dori sometime in Q2 2009.

e-Photo Frame for Cellphones

According to local media reports DoCoMo will market a dedicated e-photo frame, with it’s own email address, by spring this year. Apparently the LCD screen of the prototype developed in-house, sorry we could not find an image, is slightly larger than a postcard. The unit can store up to 1,000 photos, has a slide-show function while voice messages and video images also can be sent to the frame from a mobile phone. The estimated retail price is 20,000jpy or about $220usd.

Mobile Healthcare Named Tech Pioneer

Mobile Healthcare Named Tech PioneerThe World Economic Forum has named Japan-based Mobile Healthcare, and it’s Lifewatcher product, as a 2009 Technology Pioneer [.PDF]. The company, which develops real-time mobile health solutions for preventing and managing diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle-related illnesses became one of the 34 technology visionaries – full list Here – to be honoured at the 2009 World Economic Forum. The honourees, each recognized as being at the forefront of technology and innovation, were selected by the Forum from 320 finalists from around the world through a stringent review process by a 44-strong team of global experts.

Big Three to Demo Intelligent Key

Nissan, DoCoMo and Sharp Intro Intelligent KeyNissan, DoCoMo and Sharp just announced that they have jointly developed a mobile phone capable of functioning as an intelligent key for automobiles. The device will incorporate Nissan’s Intelligent Key system, already a standard feature in various Nissan vehicles. Nissan’s Intelligent Key system, installed in more than 950,000 units of various Nissan models since 2002, employs two-way wireless communications technology to automatically unlock/lock the car door and start/stop the engine. Nissan and Sharp has now integrated these electronic intelligent-key, wireless communications and electromagnetic technologies into the new handset.

The three firms will continue to develop the product with an aim for commercial distribution in early fiscal 2009. They will demonstrate this new device at CEATEC next week and WWJ will be there!

WiMAX License for Japanese CATV Firm

A Japanese government panel has apparently approved a plan to grant Reinan Cable Network Co. a license to provide WiMAX services on a regional basis. The Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture-based cable television company is expected to get the license from a local bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as early as next Monday.

Face Recognition Advertising System

According to this article NEC has developed a system using a face recognition technology that determines the general attributes of a person standing in front of a digital display and outputs advertisements, according to their profile, to the persons FeliCa-enabled handset. NEC calls this system the “Digital Signage Solution,” combining their advertisement delivery and display system with their advertising value measurement system.

MCN Selected for Nokia Widsets Search

Tokyo-based Mobile Content Networks announced that Nokia’s WidSets service has selected its white label platform, MobileSearch.net, to power WidSets Search for its millions of mobile users. According to the press release, WidSets Search will allow users to effectively find new widgets, providing a short description and view of the widget for immediate download. WidSets Search has launched in Finland and will be rolled out to European and global users as part of the global WidSets initiative.