New Tech & Services

Big Three to Demo Intelligent Key

September 24, 2008 September 30, 2023

Nissan, DoCoMo and Sharp Intro Intelligent Key Nissan, 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

September 5, 2008 September 30, 2023

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

July 23, 2008 September 30, 2023

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

July 15, 2008 September 30, 2023

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.

Report from RFID Expo 2008

July 3, 2008 September 30, 2023

Verena over at PingMag filed a great report, from her visit to the recent RFID expo held in Tokyo, with an overview of several embedded tag designs including the school uniform emblem pictured below. As we noted previously (Here and Here), the trials with students – and prisoners – continues to be a hot topic especially considering the more recent noise about youngsters mobile phone usage.

MCN Launches New SMS Triggered Search

June 23, 2008 September 30, 2023

Tokyo-based Mobile Content Networks announced that Thailand’s leading mobile operators (AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove) have selected MCN to launch SMS triggered search using a common shortcode. The new MCN-powered SMS Triggered Search services build on the WAP-based search applications that MCN has powered for all three operators since early 2007.