Tech-On! is a one-stop online technology news portal published in English, Japanese, and Chinese, and is run by Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.
3 Sep
The Organic Electronics Research Group of the Kyushu Institute of Technology (KORG) developed an n-type organic semiconductor that shows a high stability in the atmosphere.
2 Sep
Canon Inc developed a CMOS image sensor that measures as large as 202 x 205mm. The CMOS sensor was developed for taking pictures of stars and animals at night as well as for security cameras. Because of its large size, it can collect more light, enabling to take pictures in dimmer places.
2 Sep
Sony Corp prototyped a notebook PC that can display full-HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) 3D images.
1 Sep
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd announced the "eneloop mobile booster KBC-L2BS," a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that can charge a mobile phone via USB connection, Aug 31, 2010.
1 Sep
Brother Industries Ltd and its subsidiary, Brother Sales Ltd, announced 11 new models of the "Mymio" multifunctional ink-jet printer Aug 31, 2010, in Japan.
31 Aug
When the iPad went on sale, I made eight predictions. Let me run over them here.
31 Aug
Android-powered tablets seem likely to emerge as the most powerful rivals for the iPad. A host of such designs have already appeared both in Japan and overseas. Challenging the iPad head-on will be tough, but it is rich in opportunity.
31 Aug
The iPad has become a hit by eliminating many of the problems people have using PCs. As far as hardware goes it isn't much different than a netbook, and the really significant difference is the application distribution platform it offers.
31 Aug
Apple Inc. of the US created the whole new "tablet terminal" market with the release of the iPad in the US in April 2010. Before release, some people in the industry downplayed the table, saying there was nothing new about the form, and predicting that while it might draw some attention, it wouldn’t sell. Well, they were wrong: only a month after release it has already sold over a million units, soaring to three million in the first eighty days. According to survey firm DisplaySearch, global iPad sales in 2010 will hit about 9.7 million units, with Japan accounting for about 460,000 (Fig.1 ,Fig.2).
31 Aug
Intel, the ruling master of the PC microprocessor market, and Qualcomm, top dog in mobile phone chipsets, are heading for a face-off. The battleground is processors in portable equipment, such as the tablet terminals that exploded with the appearance of the iPad from Apple Inc. of the US (Fig.1).
31 Aug
Recent revisions to the Act on the Rational Use of Energy have expanded the regulations to include offices and stores. Sensing new business opportunities, a number of companies are developing new technology to reduce energy consumption. One of them, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. of Japan, has developed a technology that uses cameras to control air conditioning and lighting.
31 Aug
31 Aug
SiC devices, positioned as a promising next-generation power device technology, are booming in Japan. A collaborative effort by industry, government and academia is gearing up now to ensure that Japan takes and holds the lead in the sector.
31 Aug
A commercial DC-DC converter multi-chip module (MCM) using GaN power device technology has been developed, offering improved DC-DC conversion efficiency in a smaller package. The keys to continued development are normal-off operation and higher withstand voltage.
31 Aug
The Nakano Broadway shopping arcade in Nakano Ward, Tokyo, is home to several hundred shops including second-hand manga bookstore Mandarake. This large-scale commercial facility, built back in the 60s, is now installing a state-of-the-art wireless sensor network system.
31 Aug
Since Google Inc. of the US revealed the Google PowerMeter application in 2009, visualizing equipment power consumption and other data, the company has given priority to development for the Smart Grid next-generation commercial power network. Firms in the energy business are getting quite nervous about it, because it is hard to see exactly what Google's aim is. We spoke with Norio Murakami about Google's intentions for the Smart Grid business.
31 Aug
"We'll be using it in toys on sale for the 2010 Christmas season," says a source at Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Japan. Murata Manufacturing will put wireless power supplies into commercial use.
31 Aug
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. of Japan offered media people a chance to test-drive its "Leaf" electric vehicle (EV), slated for release in December 2010. In addition to demonstrating its handling performance, Nissan also revealed the range of actions taken to resolve the various problems of the EV.
31 Aug
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. of Japan has developed a system using millimeter waves to implement communication between base stations and aircraft in flight, with a peak data transfer rate of 100Mbit/s. Essentially the same system can also be used for communication between aircraft, making it possible provide broadband onboard Internet connection even for aircraft over the Pacific Ocean, for example.
31 Aug
Seiko Epson Corp developed a reflective high-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD panel and started its commercial production.
31 Aug
NEC Corp developed a sensing technology that enables to realize a system for obtaining information on the locations of people and their interests in objects and places in a factory, office or commercial facilities at a low cost.
31 Aug
Ichikoh Industries Ltd will start selling a headlight system that allows to keep using high beams by continuously controlling light and avoiding bothering the drivers of other vehicles in Japan.
31 Aug
MCM Japan started accepting orders for a wireless power feeding pad supporting a standard established by Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), an industry group related to wireless power feeding.
30 Aug
Hitachi Displays Ltd developed a projected capacitive touch panel that enables to input information by using a synthetic-resin pen or gloves without touching it by hand.
27 Aug
Ryobi Group, which runs a bus transportation business in Japan, developed a future-oriented bus to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of its foundation.