NTT DoCoMo's fall / winter 2008 lineup

NTT DoCoMo really outdid itself with its newest batch of phones, releasing 22 (well, 21 if you exclude the canceled Nokia) models grouped into four categories: Style, Prime, Smart, and Pro. The differences between phones in the Style, Prime, and Smart lineups seem to be pretty arbitrary; as you might guess, the Style sets are naturally designed to be just a little more fashion-forward than the rest, but otherwise, there's nothing about the spec sheets that really sets them apart. The Pro group is the most interesting of the bunch -- not because it's the typical sci-fi tech we've come to expect from NTT DoCoMo's phones, but because it's composed of a bunch of phones we already know from other parts of the world (okay, plus one admittedly sci-fi Sharp).

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KDDI au's fall / winter 2008 lineup

As Japan's CDMA big dog, KDDI au holds a unique spot in the market -- but if you think that means they're light on offerings against the more popular HSPA models supported by NTT DoCoMo and Softbank, you'd be dead wrong. The carrier's latest lineup includes a monster camera-cum-phone-cum-camera from Casio, an AQUOS-branded Sharp that's just about big enough to replace your television (not really though), and updates of older models that are still high-tech enough to make most of us look like neanderthals.

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Softbank Mobile's winter 2008 collection

Though there are fully sixteen devices comprising Softbank's latest round of phones, most are sitting in the giant -- quite literally giant, in fact -- shadow of the mighty 931SH. With the exception of a USB modem and two Nokias that are looking a little irrelevant in the face of Espoo's decision to pull out of Japan, though, we're going to give everyone equal time here -- so read on for the full batch!

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Sony Ericsson's Walkman Xmini

In most parts of the world, the cute little device you're looking at here would pass as a perfectly acceptable Walkman. In Japan, though, it's more than just a Walkman -- it's a Walkman phone, people. The Sony Ericsson Xmini has been added to KDDI au's CDMA-based lineup, measuring just 75 x 44 x 18mm and tossing aside the usual barrage of 8-megapixel cameras and wide VGA displays for a mere 320 x 240 screen and 4GB of on-board memory.

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Tuttuki Bako "poking box"

While we don't expect it to be the type of interface that'll replace touch screens anytime soon, Bandai is certainly forging some interesting new ground with its so-called Tuttuki Bako device, or "poking box," which actually lets you stick your finger right into the device to control the on-screen finger. That's apparently done with the aid of some motion sensors which, as you can see in the video after the break, seem to work at least reasonably well. In addition to boasting various "games" like poking a panda, poking a face, or poking a stick figure, the device also doubles a desk clock, and it's available your choice of red, black or lime green. As you might have guessed, however, it's not available 'round these parts just yet, though you can apparently pick one up in Japan now for the rough local equivalent of $30.

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demo video

KORG DS-10 - Nintendo DS synthesizer

DS-10 maximizes the range of possibilities with Nintendo DS dual screens' excellent operability and performs sensuous note input with sound control mode on touch control screen. The satisfactory specification of DS-10 promises to bring "the fun" experience beyond standalone synthesizer, for both beginners to sound making professionals.

KORG DS-10

LiquidPics

Splitting phone

DoCoMo and Fujitsu are showing off some interesting phone tech in Japan at this year's CEATEC, particularly a concept device which can be split into two pieces. The gadget features a separate screen and keyboard segment, and the pieces can be configured in a standard flip-phone-like arrangement, or snapped together to form an X1 or Touch Pro-esque landscape QWERTY variation.

Continue reading DoCoMo and Fujitsu show off splitting phone at CEATEC

Ply design phone from au

Ply’s name is taken from the design of multilayered plywood, and each layer has its own very distinct function, ranging from a photo printer to game controller to mini digital projector.

Ply

au design project with YAMAHA

au, the 2nd biggest operator in Japan creates a new concept, Mobile phone as Musical instruments.

(See the web page for this project)

Sony Design: IP Music Player

IP Music Player 2004, 2005
The IP Music Player is a new music media platform interface.

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In Japan, Cellphones Have Become Too Complex to Use

Indeed, Japanese handsets have become prime examples of feature creep gone mad. In many cases, phones in Japan are far too complex for users to master.

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UNIQLOCK

Google Street View Finally in Japan... Hold On a Sec, is it Legal?

If you've dreamed of walking around Japan without having to spend a lot of money, you'll be happy to learn that Google Street View is now available here!

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Oustandig iPhone Apps developed in Japan

- ZeptoPad"




http://zeptopad.com/



"iPong"