It's no secret that Japan has better mobile phones than the rest of the world. The country has also had access to better phone-based Internet services since the launch of NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service all the way back in 1998.
Recent data from japan.internet.com (translated by whatjapanthinks.com) suggests that Japan's mobile phones offer users enough functionality that 49 percent of the respondents to a recent survey say a "mobile phone is enough" when asked what kind of mobile device they would most like to carry.
- Mobile phone is enough 49.2 percent
- Smartphone 22 percent
- Netbook 16.3 percent
- Notebook computer 8.9 percent
- MID/UMPC 0.3 percent
- Other 0.3 percent
- Don't want to carry anything 3 percent
In addition to the wealth of services and games, with the character-based typing you really don't need an iPhone or other smartphone unless you need to access corporate e-mail. While this can also be delivered directly to mobile phones, in my experience most companies don't allow access unless it's through a VPN.
... Read moreA new digital display technology is turning heads at the International Stationery and Office Supply Fair in Japan. While not yet mass-market, this type of display could certainly liven things up at home or in the office.
As translated by Pink Tentacle and found on Robot Watch: "This eye-catching digital signage system consists of a 0.3-millimeter-thick high-luminance rear-projection film (Vikuiti Rear Projection Film developed by 3M) applied to a 3-millimeter-thick glass substrate cut into the shape of a woman. A rear projector beams video onto the film, whose microbead-arrayed surface produces a crisp, brilliant image viewable from any angle, even in brightly lit environments."
Once they figure out how to attach a badge-swiping device, I expect to see these at every trade show and theme park.
Follow me on Twitter @daveofdoom.
Chubu International Airport has bought several three-wheeled Toyota i-Real vehicles to be used by security and service personnel. The tricycles can operate at a top speed of 15 kilometers per hour and will carry emergency medical kits and computers that will allow airport staff to check flight schedules for passengers.
While they'r clearly not the fastest mode of transportation, I like the idea that RoboCop can tell me if my flight is on time.
(Via JapanProbe)
Follow me on Twitter @daveofdoom
Noodles are serious business in Japan, but that doesn't mean that the whole family can't enjoy Bandai's new somen-making toy that is basically a waterslide for "nagashi somen," thin somen noodles that are served in a stream of water. The noodles come out of a little house at the top of the slide and end up in a strainer at the bottom.
Electronic gadgets may be high-tech, but kitchen gadgets make things delicious.
Bandai Press Release
Via TokyoMango
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