Web3

SoftBank to Offer Latest AI Search Tool Free to Mobile Users

TOKYO, Jun 18 (News On Japan) - In a move to make generative AI more accessible, major mobile carrier SoftBank has announced the free provision of its latest AI-powered search tool to mobile users.

SoftBank has partnered with an American startup specializing in AI search engines to offer the premium version of the AI search tool for one year at no cost to users of its three brands: SoftBank, Y!Mobile, and LINEMO.

The initiative aims to provide an entry point for users to experience the benefits of AI, encouraging broader adoption of the technology.

During the free trial period, users will have the flexibility to choose from multiple AI models developed by leading global AI firms such as OpenAI and Google. They will also be able to utilize advanced generative AI technologies, including sophisticated image generation and video search capabilities.

Currently, SoftBank is focusing on developing a large-scale language model tailored specifically for Japanese. The company is also preparing to replace its customer service operations with generative AI. Through this initiative, SoftBank hopes to raise awareness and further promote the widespread use of generative AI.

Source: ANN

Four Young Mechanics Die After Car Crashes at High Speed

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

Fire Breaks Out on Yodobashi Camera Billboard in Front of JR Osaka Station

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Toxic Chemicals Detected in Rivers and Groundwater Across Japan

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

Japan to Issue Bicycle Blue Tickets from April 2026

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

Woman Arrested for Drunk Driving After Eating Alcohol-Filled Chocolate

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Japan Leads the Fight Against Counterfeit Medicines

As counterfeit pharmaceuticals continue to spread worldwide, Japanese optical and AI technologies are playing a critical role in protecting lives.

AI Suitcase Leads the Blind to Their Destination

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, a uniquely shaped robot is helping guide people with visual impairments.

Kyoto Shrine Bombarded With Threats After Posting AI-Generated Image

A major social media backlash is unfolding over a historic shrine in Kyoto City, prompting a barrage of angry messages including threats such as "I’ll curse you" and "I’ll beat you to death."

Explore Mahjong: a Growing Popular Sport in Japan

Mahjong is gaining popularity in Japan, recognized as both a professional sport with growing international recognition and a casual hobby.

Hokkaido Considers AI to Track Bear Population

Hokkaido authorities held a countermeasure meeting with related agencies to discuss efforts to prevent bear-related damage, including the use of artificial intelligence to monitor bear populations.

Michio Kaku's Terrifying Warning: Quantum AI Just Made a Godlike Discovery

In this video, we break down the jaw-dropping discovery made by a quantum AI system — one that led Michio Kaku to say we may have uncovered the "mind of the universe." Is this artificial intelligence decoding the source code of reality… or waking something up? (Spacialize)

Asia Needs an AI Third Way

As Meta fine-tunes its Llama artificial intelligence (AI) models on global data and OpenAI deepens its enterprise integration, Asia’s middle powers face mounting pressure to shape their own technological futures. (East Asia Forum)

Maximizing Returns with a Short-Term Investment Strategy

"Time is money—how are you using yours?" When it comes to short-term investing, the window to achieve significant returns is often smaller than many expect.

< 2 3 4 5 >