Japan is a major player in the high performance computing space, but it is often overlooked in favor of discussions about the latest efforts out of China and the US. While China’s national showpiece of Tianhe-2 gets its share of attention, it’s important to remember that on the Linpack Top500 list of HPC systems, within the top 20 Japan holds two positions: the fourth and 15th.

Given Japan’s industrial and scientific might as the world’s third-largest economy, it’s expected that it would also be a major

Professor Satoshi Matsuoka

HPC power. Japanese firms are fast at work designing exascale systems, and the Riken Advanced Institute for Computational Science, home to the world’s fourth fastest supercomputer (which held the title as fastest when it was switched on in 2011), might be home to the world’s first exascale system even before the United States.

On the sidelines of the Supercomputing Frontiers 2015 conference in Singapore, the VR World team sat down with Dr. Satoshi Matsuoka of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, one of the leading figures in HPC in Japan to discuss the state of HPC in the country.

VR World: What is the state of Japanese supercomputing when compared to the competitive landscapes of the United States and China?

Satoshi Matsuoka: Historically, the Japanese HPC market and Japanese technology has always been fairly competitive especially in the system architecture space. US and Japan are now the two countries that are producing supercomputing platforms that are sold worldwide. What China creates is not sold to the outside market.

The Japanese market in computing has always come from the mainframe market. Hitachi, Fujitsu and NEC… they were all mainframe vendors. There were actually others but they have since moved away so there. These have always been the biggest mainframe vendors.

Fujitsu has gone the way of building their own MP piece since actually they built the first MP piece in the 90s, the AP 1000. And then they went to building its own SPARC processors so differs from Oracle, SUN and then now with the K computer [the world’s fourth fastest supercomputer].

VRW: So you would say the Fujitsu SPARC in terms of computational performance, stability for HPC, or client computing is actually ahead of Oracle’s at this point?

SM: Way ahead, yes; it is very HPC focused. So it is hard to say which one is better but for HPC, definitely Fujitsu’s [system] is better. Now looking at the hardware side, there are some advantages [over Oracle], because the Japanese vendors are focusing on building fairly special-purpose HPC hardware. They can really tailor the processors to be directed towards this specific market.

For example, the FX 100; the latest chip from Fujitsu has 34 cores.

VRW: Are you comfortable Fujitsu will continue in the medium to long-term. Are they committed to leading the industry in your mind?

SM:  Yes. They are. They have embedded the Tofu network into the latest FX 100. They were the first adopters of using HMC, the 3D stacking technology. And also they have enormously high injection bandwidth within the network, they also have RAS features [reliability, availability, and serviceability] that are extensive which makes them, in comparison to other processors, really competitive.

So it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Japanese HPC vendors to try to compete with the American counterparts because now designing these processors has become increasingly expensive. There are more transistors, now with lithography design becoming more complicated and you need more validation testing. So much of the Japanese HPC development is being funded by public money because still there are some centers that buy [the HPC systems] and also there are national projects like the K computer now post K computer project has been approved.

So this makes it very hard for the Japanese vendors. Now of course the Japanese vendors also have their own XV-6 line and so forth – Fujitsu sells XV-6 machines; so does NEC, so does Hitachi. And Hitachi has alliance with IBM now so they don’t make their own processors anymore. They work with IBM to design high-end systems.

I think the only way the Japanese vendors can survive is to – but it is my personal view – they will become more aligned with the overall, commoditization leveraging of the other markets. It is not to say they will produce something cheap. Again I will say that commoditization is about building cheap stuff. Commoditization is actually to apply the latest and greatest technologies however to be compliant with certain standards.

VRW: Thanks for your time. 

This interview has been edited and condensed. 

The post Satoshi Matsuoka Interview on state of Japan’s HPC Market appeared first on VR World.

Playstation Vita sales have been steadily growing further ever since its release. On the other hand the Xbox One, even after the hype that preceded it, finds great difficulty in even catching up with its predecessor.

Wait, what?

Okay, that may have been an overstatement. But in Japan the numbers just cannot deny the truth. Even the PS Vita, which is supposed to be this generation’s flop console (along with the Wii U), still did significantly better in Japan during its release than the Xbox One. On its first week in Japan it sold over 321,000 units, as opposed to the abysmal 23,562 units sold by the Xbox One at the time of its release last year. In fact, the Xbox 360 did even better during its first Japanese release at more than 60,000 units sold.

So far, there have already been established opinions as to why the supposed best selling console in the world today is having trouble penetrating the Japanese gaming market. But the opposing parallels that the Xbox One have in Japan to the situation of the PS Vita in the west is all too blatant to ignore. In fact, the answer to its predicament is perhaps within the very gap of this particular locus.

The ‘niche’ niche market

With the exception of indie developed games (more on that later) and a few recent mainstream titles such as Minecraft, the western game library for the PS Vita has remained significantly scant. Not a word heard in months, and more or less still the exact same titles off every game store shelf. In Japan however, game releases for the Vita are very plentiful. True, one might argue that a considerable number of these titles are JRPGs, but there are also several other genres built for the country’s niche market. All of these games considerably drive PS Vita sales, maintaining adequate interest for the console even without the presence of big AAA titles in Japan.

Let’s take one step back to the previous generation. Though the Xbox 360 shared the same lukewarm welcome as the Xbox One, sales have somewhat gained stability through time, with the release of Xbox 360 exclusive titles that are catered exactly to Japan’s niche market. One of the most well known examples is Bandai Namco’s Tales of Vesperia. Released roughly three years after the Xbox 360 arrived in Japan, this JRPG gave not only a reason for Tales series enthusiasts to embrace the console, but it also made the Japanese realize its value, something that was also achieved by other well known titles such as Lost Odyssey and Infinite Undiscovery. The numbers are of course still not comparable to other consoles, but it at least gave the Xbox 360 a considerable presence in the country.

For the PS Vita, holding onto the home Japanese market sort of became its specialty, and diving into its niche market is something that the Xbox One could once again do. It would probably have helped if there were at least a few major release niche titles when it was launched last year (though Strider Hiryuu could have perhaps fit this role). But as of now, we’ve only got its most recent (and only) niche release in the form of Chaos;Child, with very few other niche titles trickling its way in the next months to come (sounds familiar?). Sure, AAA titles would still drive Xbox One sales in Japan significantly (as well as western imports of course), but if Microsoft wants better sales stability, developer support for niche games would have to be more robust, a lot more robust.

The great Eastern indies

Another notable driving force for PS Vita sales in Japan is its indie developer support, which is, believe it or not, actually what makes it an attractive console option for some gamers (given its relatively powerful hardware specs). In fact, some say that the PS Vita would ultimately continue to thrive in the international gaming market this way. Sony even touts the console nowadays as a portable indie game machine. All of these seemingly tell us that given enough support, the game library for the PS Vita would just keep growing, pushing it more and more into the gaming market.

The Xbox One might be able to take a similar approach for the Japanese market. There is of course the question of how Microsoft would get the needed support, and if it should be prioritized over importing western games. However, should the Xbox One be capable of planting the seeds for a Japanese indie market, then it could spur more interest to the console, making it more than just a “power machine”, or a “home console number two”. Better yet, the Xbox One can also support indie games developed specifically for the country’s niche market. The move might only work to maintain sales rates, but it could at least keep the Xbox One from being kicked out of the other gaming consoles’ home playing field.

Finally, there’s the general overwhelming support for portable gaming machines in Japan. This yet again makes the PS Vita a bit more popular in the country than it is internationally. Of course however, discussing it is out of the question for the Xbox One. Still, it is notable to point out because this might also be one of the indirect causes of its poor sales. This might already be out of Microsoft’s hands however, as this deals with more of Japan’s cultural and social differences.

The Vita playbook

In a land where gaming and technology grew in a manner of its own, it’s just but natural for us to expect some critical differences in how consoles are perceived and accepted. Maybe the PS Vita is really doomed to fail in the west from the beginning, and maybe the Xbox One just isn’t for Japanese gamers. But looking at how each other thrived (and failed) in their own playing fields allows us to see their relative similarities. Who knows? These ideas might just give us the insight to see a second chance in both consoles, in a way that would embrace the best of what each could possibly offer.

The post Xbox One Flops in Japan, But the PS Vita Can Save It appeared first on VR World.

Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) said on Jan. 28 that Taiwan is one of the top five markets for its app store by revenue.

“It was not a surprise to see three Asian markets in the top-five list given the high smartphone penetration rates in these countries, which in turn leads to strong demand for mobile games,” said Chris Yerga, vice president of engineering and head of Google Play in Asia Pacific. “The top five Google Play markets are in Asia – Taiwan, Japan and South Korea – and the United States also was part of that group.”

Yerga, however, did not elaborate the fifth market or give the specific rankings of the top five, saying only that the figures were not for public consumption.

Google Play, originally the Android Market, is a digital distribution platform operated by Google. It also serves as the official app store for the Android system on mobile devices, that users are able to browse, download, and purchase specific applications developed with the Android SDK and published through Google.

Google Play has more than one million free and paying apps and over 50 billion downloads today, while it was launched as the official app store for Google’s Android operating system in 2012. Google Play offered music, games, magazines, books, movies and television programs. Google Play’s game services received 100 million new users between January and June last year, making it the fastest-growing mobile gaming network of all time.

A poll by the Institute for Information Industry which was released last December revealed that 13.55 million Taiwanese users aged over 12 had a smartphone during the last six months last year, representing 65.4% of Taiwan’s 12 and over population. That was up from a smartphone penetration rate of 58.7% during the first six months last year.

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Japan loves robots. Well, sort of. At the very least, it’s a lot easier to stereotypically associate robots with Japan than any other country in the world. The idea is due to a number of different factors, most of which are attributed to the country’s religion and culture. Nowadays however, it’s more than just karakuri dolls and Tetsuwan Atomu, because robots may soon be Japan’s future elderly care workers.

Japan is the country with the highest number of elderly citizens. According to reports published a few years ago, it is estimated that at least more than 20% of the population in Japan comprise of elderly people aged 65 and above. Thus, there is more focus on elderly care in Japan than any other country. In fact so much, that the country is in constant need for caregivers and nurses who would look after their dankai no sedai (Japanese baby boomer) population.

You can probably guess now where this leads. One solution that has been constantly proposed is the development of a new generation of robots made to assist the elderly. The concept of assistant robots wasn’t fully explored before due to obvious technological limitations in the late 20th century. But today, the idea is now seriously being considered. Some research institutions are even predicting the eventuality of robots that can completely replace a human caregiver in the future.

For once, using a robot instead of a human caregiver can provide a number of different benefits, which primarily includes on the spot assistance, 24-hour monitoring and additional staffing. The third benefit is usually perceived as the most important, as many artificial caregivers are designed provide general physical assistance and not just elderly care. In addition, assistant robots can be generally convenient to use, and can provide additional comfort in the form of basic interaction.

So far, Japan has been doing pretty well in developing assistant robots. The variety and types of assistant robots have significantly increased during the past decade, from carrying robots, position assist robots, to more sophisticated ones such as monitoring and exoskeletal robots. There are also ongoing large scale initiatives in the country for the development of healthcare robots in general, such as the Robotic Devices for Nursing Care Project. In fact, the Japanese government has even openly expressed its plans last year to invest in the country’s robotics market, which is a daunting challenge to meet the nation’s ever growing elderly healthcare needs.

But most notably, more than just assistance, there is now a significant interest in the development of assistant robots that can interact deeply with its users. Palro, which was first introduced last 2010, was developed by Fujisoft to literally talk with its users, and was previously deployed in nursing homes as a preventive care unit. More recently, Softbank’s Pepper robot was designed to not only chat, but also to alter its reactions and speech by sensing and ‘feeling’ the emotion of its users.

It is interesting to note that most elderly care assistant robots are developed for only a number of specific functions. It makes perfect sense economically, if we consider the amount funds needed to research and develop a fully functional enterprise-level healthcare robot from scratch. But even with the high initial development cost, an advanced artificial caregiver would always be faster to deploy, easier to maintain and less expensive to ‘hire’ in the long run. This is especially true when we add into the equation Japan’s current population crisis, plus the looming manpower shortage in its local healthcare industry by 2025.

Ironically however, despite heavy investment in research and development of assistant robots in Japan, opinions about them within the elderly community are largely divided. Japan’s elderly population aren’t always particularly positive about the idea of being assisted or cared for by a non-human nurse. Though social interactivity (with the caregivers) seems to be the underlying problem, the main hurdle actually stems from deployment issues. Some argue that robots just aren’t advanced enough to completely replace a human caregiver. Others point out that they could be “off-putting” when placed on certain areas in medical establishments.

Regardless, the potential gains that assistant robots can offer to Japan’s ever growing elderly population, and vice versa, is already undeniable. Competition may spark development, but necessity can spur advancement as well. Japan’s elderly healthcare industry can be considered as a very important testbed that would help develop better robots in the future.

The post Robots: Japan’s Future Elderly Care Workers appeared first on VR World.

In this current era of smartphones, tablets, and wearable tech, it’s easy to forget a time when PDA’s and other similar pocket devices were still a thing. However in Japan, electronic dictionaries have not only withstood time, but this iconic gadget has even evolved to a point that they are now generally considered as mini-notebook PC’s.

But why? How in the world does this otherwise antiquated gadget still manage to retain a considerable level of popularity in the country? Even netbooks met its rather early demise due to the prevalence of tablets in the years following the release of the first iPad. So really, what’s the reason? Well, let’s first see why it became so popular in Japan in the first place.

An essential aide

Electronic dictionaries have been around since the late 1970’s, at a time when the historical Apple-1 was just around a few years old. Sharp (TYO: 6753) was the very first company that developed and released the electronic dictionary in the form that we know today. The company’s first model, the IQ-3000, featured definitions and search options for at least 5,000 Japanese words and about 2,800 foreign words. While its specifications are relatively miniscule compared to electronic dictionaries today, its release was phenomenal, and it became immensely popular for students taking entrance exams and Japanese travelers overseas.

Over time, electronic dictionaries evolved to have more and more options suited for its very wide student user base. Sanyo (TYO: 8011) introduced digital Kanji letters with its cheaper 1987 model Denjirin, while Sony’s (TYO: 6758) 1990 model DD-1 was designed to be compatible with the time period’s external media. By the time the third generation models came out during the last years of the 20th century, the electronic dictionary already gained the status of a pocket computer. It became a common investment for students, who needed something that can function as a computer but at a significantly lowered cost, and with the convenience of portability. In essence, it became the netbook of Japan’s consumer electronics market.

In general electronic dictionaries have three basic advantages, which are: Easy and fast word searching, specific keyword searching, data storage equivalent to a large number of books.

Does any of these functions sound familiar? It should be, because the same functions can be found in most mobile devices today. But the funny thing is you’d still see electronic dictionaries being sold in Japan, even having their own section in certain local tech shops. Does this mean electronic dictionaries are still massively popular in Japan today?

Stranger in a smartphone land

One thing that needs to be clarified first is that electronic dictionaries are technically outdated, and it is indeed generally going out of vogue with some due to the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets.

However, even as we end the first month of 2015 some of the better known electronic dictionary developers in Japan today, such as Seiko Instruments, are still planning to launch newer line ups which further gives evidence that the electronic dictionary still has a following.

So, what makes the Japanese electronic dictionary market so resilient? Largely the industry has a captive market in students. This means that electronic dictionaries serve the most important straightforward need of providing education, much like a standard issue textbook. Remember: the electronic dictionary evolved with Japan’s education system, which technically means it is completely optimized to be used efficiently in study, as opposed to tablets which can more or less do just a mix of different things without specialization.

Also, as mentioned earlier, electronic dictionaries serve the important role of a communication tool. This is especially true for overseas Japanese businessmen as early as during the IQ-3000 era, which coincided with the peak of the ‘Japanese miracle’ as the rising sun of Japan’s big corporations expanded abroad to the United States. Call it, perhaps, an old habit.

There is also the issue of accuracy. Electronic dictionaries already have its dictionary software and lexical database built in, which is backed up and confirmed by approved academic institutions. Some Japanese believe that using a tablet might not be as effective or as efficient as using an electronic dictionary for the same purpose, especially considering that it is more than just a look-up-and-see device. Oh, and we also haven’t mentioned the simple fact that electronic dictionaries are a number of times cheaper than tablets (of the same size and specs of course).

In fact, ask around a few ex-pats in Japan about the electronic dictionary, and they would pretty much tell the same story of convenience that Japanese students would probably tell you. What’s more is that electronic dictionaries today have even evolved to provide the same functions as netbooks a few years back, with some models even using the Android OS, and providing capacitive touch input.

In a few more years, we might finally see the electronic dictionary hit the first wave of its obsolescence. However, as of this moment, the electronic dictionary is still the iconic pocket education device for students in Japan, more than tablets, and probably a bit more than smartphones. It has basically transcended its normal status as a mobile device, evolving into cultural tech icon. One might even say that the electronic dictionary is a symbol of the country’s ever busy society.

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Going beyond electronics is a concept that has been well discussed and researched for quite a number of years. The most popular ideas included photonics, and quite recently, spintronics. The field of spintronics in particular, is of special interest in today’s consumer tech, and a new Japanese research may just make the concept even closer to reality.

Researchers at Touhoku University Institute for Materials Research and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) have recently confirmed that surface plasmon resonance can be an important tool in generating spin currents. Surface plasmon resonance, in simple terms, is the reactive vibration of electrons at a point on a surface (which is usually a metal) hit by an incident light. It is a phenomenon that is well used in biosensors and lab-on-a-chip systems, due to the distinct, measurable, and predictable wavelengths the vibrations produce.

In their latest published research paper named “Generation of spin currents by surface plasmon resonance“, the researchers have observed that by directing light onto a magnetic material that contains a special metal particle, a spin current can be produced, and thus controlled. The manipulation and generation of spin currents is the fundamental principle of spintronics, where a spin moment of a single electron particle can be used to store data or transfer energy, in a manner that is similar to quantum computers.

As of this moment, the common methods used to control spin currents are via heat, sound waves, and magnetic fields, with magnetic fields as the current best candidate in the eventual commercialization of the technology. With the introduction of a new element that can control spin currents, the research sees the development of newer, more advanced energy transfer and conversion technologies, which could optimize spintronics technology on an even larger scale.

For instance, a surface plasmon resonance-based spintronics system can be integrated on solar energy systems, where panels could be designed to not only convert energy via sunlight, but also generate energy using the spin currents driven by the same sunlight. Another possible use of the concept is the development of a grid-free integrated energy system that involves the use of a number of different spin current generating principles.

In fact, the research even predicts the development in the near future of a new branch of study involving surface plasmon resonance-based commercial spintronics systems, just as how electronics eventually made its way from lab research to commercialization during the early 20th century.

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Sony Corp. (NYSE:SNE) on Thursday indefinitely delayed the launch of its PlayStation 4 videogame console and PlayStation Vita hand-held videogame console in China, three days before its January 11 planned release date.

Andrew House, president of the company’s game division Sony Computer Entertainment, told the Wall Street Journal Friday the decision was made after receiving “a request from the authorities to make an adjustment to the business plan,” namely Sony’s “go-to-market strategy” for the PlayStation 4.

The Japanese company’s joint venture with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group to make the PS4 consoles for Chinese consumers was not affected by the move to halt the release.

Sony and its American rival Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) have welcomed China’s move to drop its 14-year-ban on console sales last year. However, the Chinese government still imposes strict limits on any videogames that contain content perceived as antisocial such as drug use, sex, and violence.

Microsoft got a head start over Sony when the company released its Xbox One in the country in September. However, negotiations with Chinese regulators over game titles caused Microsoft to delay the release of its console by a few days.

Both companies seem to have accepted the restrictions as worth it in order to get a taste of the third-largest gaming market in the world. According to Reuters, gaming revenues in China reached $15 billion last year mainly on the success of PC and mobile games.

This market is highly appealing to Sony. The company has seen massive losses in its mobile business over the past year and has suffered significant damage by the recent cyberattacks on its movie division and its PlayStation Network.

The PlayStation 4 has been doing particularly well. Sony reports sales of 18.5 million units worldwide just over a year. In preparing to enter China, the company has applied for licences for 30 games – three times the amount of titles offered by Microsoft in the country.

Once Sony finally does launch in China, it also looks to be trying to undercut Microsoft by offering a cheaper product. Sony intends to sell the PlayStation 4 in China for $467 (2,899 yuan) – more than the $400 retail price offered in the United States – and sell the PlayStation Vita for $209 (1,299 yuan), Microsoft’s Xbox One is significantly more expensive, selling for $595 (3,699 yuan).

Nonetheless, Sony’s could struggle to win over Chinese consumers, which can be hostile to buying Japanese products. With territorial disputes between the two rivals simmering in recent years, Japan’s top automakers in particular have suffered large losses whenever tensions escalate.

While Japan-China relations have improved slightly in recent months, fears of conflict remain on both sides of the East China Sea. Sony recognizes that this remains a concern but Andrew House said that the decision to postpone its PlayStation 4 launch was not tied to the recent cyberattacks “or indeed any kind of Japan-China relations.”

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Major Japanese comic book publisher Kodansha has just announced that it will be digitizing all of its monthly comic publications and magazines. This is in accordance to the company’s plan and policy to further modernize its business, and to cater to Japan’s ever growing number of mobile device users.

The first magazines that are slated for a shared digital release along with its printed editions are Young Magazine (starting January 5), Monthly Shounen Magazine (starting January 6), and Weekly Shounen Magazine (starting January 7). Kodansha also plans to release digital backnumber issues of previous magazine publications of the same titles in the near future, allowing those who missed purchasing the issue to obtain it again via digital means. The company has already opened a special website for the new digital service, and has uploaded several magazine issues to be downloaded by interested individuals for free.

The Japanese comic book industry has been one of the most influential mediums of the country’s modern pop literature. Manga, as it is called, is popularly known to be often released in black and white rather than in colored pages. Kodansha in particular has been publishing issues with young teens as the audience, providing various genres that typically delve into the realm of action and fantasy. Moreover, most of its comic book magazines have been known to release internationally popular titles such as the recently concluded Naruto and the still ongoing One Piece.

The digital versions of the company’s monthly comic publications will be available locally in the country through Amazon Japan, Rakuten Books, eBook Japan, Yahoo Japan’s Bookstore, BookLive and Line Manga. In the near future, the company also plans to further digitize more of its published books and magazines, with some of the titles already slated for an early digital release, which includes Magazine Special, Dessert, Kiss, Nemesis, and others.

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Japan’s own list of crazy inventions may not seem too much in terms of numbers, but it sure is something in terms of overall wackiness. This contraption in particular isn’t exactly what we could consider as the weirdest, but it can be good example of what you need to expect.

Tofu Linear Accelerator kind of sounds badass, rings a very distinct tune, and does exactly as it’s described; a machine that is built with the sole purpose of launching that soft, mushy tofu you always see at the vegetables section of your local supermarket. By combining very high air pressure and some leftover expired tofu, it creates a formidable weapon that can cause sticky messes everywhere.

Of course, it’s not so lethal that it could harm a person anyway, but you get the idea. At the very least, it’s powerful enough to punch holes through cardboards, destroy soda cans, and even create a chaotic mess when hitting raw eggs. As for taking out targets with it, well, that would depend on what the user would mean by “taking out”. Because as mentioned earlier, you’re just more likely to make an even bigger sticky mess with it even as it reaches speeds that would have been lethal if it were a more solid object.

So, why was it built anyway? Is it a science project? A proof of concept device for another idea perhaps? We’re not sure, and their eureka moment for building such device may remain a complete mystery to us. All we know is that you literally can’t just mess with it without leaving puddles of white chaos.

The instructions and schematics for the Tofu Linear Accelerator were introduced in the video, so if you’re interested and up for the challenge, you could probably try your hand in creating your own version. Just a friendly reminder though, use expired tofu, or you might incur the wrath of the tofu gods with it.

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A small survey conducted on a certain tech news discussion group in Japan shows that a considerable fraction of user groups within the country may not be too inclined to use their tablets, opting instead to use smartphones for their day to day mobile device needs.

With a limited sample survey of 269 people, the survey team asked the group as to whether they use their tablets more than once during a single week. The combined answers revealed that at least 30.9% of the tech savvy user group do not actually use their tablets as often as they are perceived to be. The survey further narrowed the data down by pinpointing the biggest causing factor, which was their regular use of smartphones.

When asked why they do not use their tablets often, the general consensus is that smartphones already fulfill their mobile device needs. Common responses include “smartphones are handier”, “my smartphone is enough”, and “everything’s on my smartphone already”.

The results were not only reflected within the smartphone user group, but were also shown in the tablet user group as well. Some of the common reasons stated for using their tablets more than once a week often included activities which can already be done efficiently on a smartphone, such as checking email or observing weather forecasts.

Large smartphones and small tablets can usually blur the line between these two mobile devices. The convenience of having an adequately portable form factor and a sufficiently large screen can be a more attractive option, not to mention the relative cost efficiency or purchasing such a device. In Japan, this can perhaps be more evident, with the existence of other types of mobile devices that serve as a middle platform between the two.

Although the survey pointed out that smartphones can perhaps replace tablets in certain functions, the results still obviously showed that there are definitely more users who maintain using their tablets as often as needed. One interesting reason cited for this is that these tablet users are also often feature phone owners, a fact that was already pointed out in a previous survey by another group.

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VAIO, in cooperation with mobile virtual network operator firm Japan Communications (TYO: 9424), had just confirmed its plans to release its own smartphone model. The upcoming model is slated for an early New Year launch this January 2015, and it will be introduced as a mid-range model within Japan’s local smartphone market.

The spun off company had already previously announced a few months ago its plans to release a high-end hybrid tablet/notebook model, with the intent of releasing it as a productivity unit. The decision to release its own smartphone model this time is yet again part of VAIO’s original plan to extend the brand beyond notebooks. The company’s expansion to the mobile device realm is expected to further re-establish its business model to cater to a wider consumer base, as well as promoting the brand as a separate competitive business entity.

No announcements yet about specifications, availability and price. However, as mentioned earlier, the company did announce that it will be a mid-level model, aimed at striking a wedge between some of the major players of the Japanese smartphone market. General costs are also estimated to be set between major telecom operators and current competitors within the low-cost market. In addition, the smartphones are to be optimized for design, keeping the original concept of the VAIO brand.

Earlier January 2014, before VAIO became a separate company, there have been speculations as to whether Sony (TYO: 6758) had any plans to release a Windows Phone smartphone. Despite the circulation of rumors across the web, there are still no confirmed reports of this for the moment. On the flip side though, while Sony’s Xperia line of smartphone models are obviously in no way related to VAIO’s upcoming smartphone, there is a considerable possibility that it will be Windows Phone-based, at least based on how the brand is currently marketed today.

The post VAIO Enters The Smartphone Realm With Upcoming Model appeared first on VR World.

A recent research survey conducted by Japanese non-profit organization e-Lunch, together with Kaspersky Japan and Sunloft, has revealed that on average, at least 65% of young smartphone users in Japan are aged two or less.

This was based from a sample data obtained from at least 1,158 people taking care of children aged six or less within the country. According to the survey, the largest share was held by two year-old users, taking at least 47.4% within the sample group, with one year-olds holding the next 18.3% and children aged three to six taking the rest. As for average use time, the data showed that the children within the sample group use smartphones and tablets for at least two days every single week.

The number one reason stated as to why children use smartphones and tablets was due to various visual media. All children within the sample, regardless of age primarily use smartphones for snapping pictures and recording video. Other reasons included in the survey are “purely watching videos”, “web surfing”, “playing game apps”, and the least popular “using educational apps”.

The issue of very young children using smartphones is no longer a surprise to most people. In fact, the results of the survey can even be considered as inferior, at least compared to the youngest children ever known to have already used a smartphone or tablet in other countries. Parents or guardians within the survey also understand very well the potential risks of letting young children use such mobile device. From the data given, at least 62% from the survey admitted to establishing a special or specific set of rules, before their children can be allowed to use smartphones and tablets. In addition, the survey also revealed that almost half of the sample also considered gearing their phones and tablets with proper file filtering and anti-virus options before handing them over to children.

On an added note, even though the largest share was held by two year olds, their daily usage frequency only held a share of about 5.3%. The highest usage frequency went to the six year olds, at a share of about 22.5%, though this might not really come as a surprise to anyone.

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We’ve seen before in movies where characters mentally access electronics, and even in real life, where chimpanzees play with robotic arms using their brains. Technopathy, or at least anything that is remotely similar to it, has been known to be one of the endgames in technological research, and now, Japan takes us a few steps further towards that path.

NTT (TYO: 9613), in collaboration with Shimadzu Corporation, Sekisui House, Keio Private Academy, and the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), has developed a new type of brain-machine interface that allows users to manipulate everyday appliances using only their brains. The technology was built with the objective of developing a usable interface for assisting the elderly and disabled people.

Using a rather simple setup of wireless communication devices and an electrode gel sheet, the entire device is worn as a vest or backpack, with another device placed on the head of the user. The system’s various sensors primarily use near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalography to scan brain waves and communicate with each other. It then transmits information over a cloud-based or local network database, where it will be analyzed.  With a little special training and calibration from the user, the system could register specific brain wave patterns, which will be linked to a specific command that will control various electronic devices or appliances.

The user can for instance, turn air-conditioners on or off, or change channels on their TV by simply thinking about it. Granted, it’s not the instant technopathy that we all know, and the calibration setup requires devices and appliances to be connected to a network, but it’s quite close. In fact, it is actually as close as this similar project a few years ago. The system could even be customized to control more specific electronic devices, such as robotic instruments or connect to NTT’s various cloud services, albeit requiring more specific customization and calibration.

Because the technology was originally developed for healthcare purposes, the setup can also work as a 24/7 monitoring device. When the device reads certain brain signals that are connected to stress or other physiological problem, it can automatically send a distress signal to warn other people about it.

Though the technology is specifically aimed for the elderly and disabled people, NTT plans to offer it as a standard service, though there are no clear announcements yet as to how it would be implemented or how much would it cost.

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A total of 45 billion yen — equivalent to about $380 million — were the total financial losses incurred from January to October this year due to spam and scam phone calls in Japan. The prevalance of smartphones in the country may have made communication more accessible than ever, but with it comes the increased risk in security.

McAfee Japan, planning to turn over the situation, has decided to actively improve mobile security with the development of a new Android app, the McAfee Safe Call.  Co-developed by local IT firm Tobila Systems, the new app provides a security check to phone calls, much in the same way as how anti-virus software checks files and data for malicious content. The app automatically identifies any caller, and by matching it to a constantly updating cloud database, determines if that caller’s number is safe or not.

As explained by McAfee during an introduction seminar held last week, the McAfee Safe Call uses four basic notification modes, all of which help the user determine the level of risk a phone call may have. The safest green level determines that the number calling is properly listed in Tobila Systems’ safe database, as well as being listed on the user’s phonebook. A yellow alert notification checks that the number calling is listed in the database as a spam call number, and appropriately warns the user with it. Red notifications show blacklisted scam/fraudulent numbers, while a gray notification indicates an unknown/undetermined number which is either not yet in the database, on a public line, or is an international call.

McAfee touts that the complex yet convenient integration of the system is the key to make the app work as advertised. Tobila Systems explains that data won’t just be collected, but it will also be rechecked and cross-referenced to make sure that the numbers are actually spam and scam numbers. More importantly, McAfee promises that the app would not only provide security from spam and scam numbers, but also provide security in the form of privacy. Any additional personal data on the mobile device that the app would use will require the user’s permission before it is sent to the cloud database.

Though McAfee and Tobila Systems are confident in the implementation of the new security app, both companies admit that there are still a few gaping hurdles that prevent it from becoming a universal solution. Developing the same system for Apple devices might prove quite difficult for instance, because no API for developing apps for (carrier) phone calls is currently available for iOS at the moment. Also, the app is only optimized for carrier calls, and is not designed for VoIP systems, the apps of which are gaining steady popularity in smartphones today.

Nevertheless, McAfee is keen on using its McAfee Safe Call app to further bolster Japan’s mobile security, as its successful implementation could really help significantly mitigate financial losses.

The post What McAfee Has to Say About Japan’s Mobile Security Problem appeared first on VR World.

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has announced that Robert Swinnen will be heading the semiconductor giant’s marketing and sales efforts in Asia-Pacific and Japan. Swinnen previously led the World Sales Organization Group, and was overseeing the Intel Inside program before that. He was also involved with Intel’s Mobility Group, where he oversaw the Global Business Development activities for the Ultra Mobility Group. In his new role, which goes into effect from January 1, Swinnen will lead Intel’s growth in the region.

Swinnen will be succeeding Gregory Bryant, who was hired as the general manager for Asia-Pacific in March 2012. Bryant will be moving back to the US as general manager and vice president of Intel’s Desktop Client Platforms Group. Bryant has considerable expertise in this segment, having handled Intel’s relationship with Lenovo in the past.

As Vice President and General Manager of Intel Asia-Pacific and Japan, Swinnen will be looking to recognize emerging trends in the region. “The region has crucial role to play in terms of design and manufacturing, while I know from my own time in Japan how consumers in this region lead the world in trends and consumption.” With the semiconductor giant struggling in the mobile SoC segment, it is looking to the IoT segment to drive growth in the future.

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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind may be generally popular as a Japanese animation classic, but it also inspired technology, the Möwe glider being one of its iconic symbols. While there is already an ongoing project to build the real thing, one Japanese folk have decided to just settle on the next best thing: a virtual Möwe glider powered by Oculus Rift.

The Möwe (pronounced as mehve in the movie) glider is generally seen in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind as a wide, tailless glider, with its rider at the top of the vehicle (rather than inside or under it). The VR glider of the Möwe Flight Simulator is essentially the same; the user is strapped to a custom built platform where the rider stands, while traversing the virtual skies with the Oculus Rift headset. It was introduced a few days ago during the Maker Faire Tokyo 2014 event, where visitors of its booth were given the chance to try it out, and see the skies as did the royal protagonist of the original title.

Positioning of the virtual glider is adjusted using accelerators installed on the actual platform, while fans in front provide the “wind” as the virtual glider moves. A motor underneath also gives the sensation of a working rotor, increasing the overall level of immersion. Of course, with the Oculus Rift, you can get a 360-degree view of the virtual skies, so you might even see a bird or two flying along with you as you glide away.

The concept, as well as the entire setup and software for the Möwe Flight Simulator were developed by Wada Takahiko, and he has publicly made the program source code and schematics available at his own developers website. As it is a privately-built project, it is unlikely that a commercial version will be available soon.

But who knows, maybe the concept might spark an entirely different idea for a new immersive Oculus Rift-based game.

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A research survey recently published by the Japanese branch of San Francisco-based security firm Lookout Inc. indicates that Japanese users may actually lose their smartphones quite frequently. The survey revealed that at least one in every five smartphone users had experienced losing their smartphone at one time.

This conclusion made by the survey was based from the data collected from a small sample of about 1,000 users throughout the country. The approximate 23% within the group representing this figure reported having experienced losing at least one smartphone at some point. A considerable majority of the people within the group are users who live in busy cities, and are considerably young, averaging only to about 18 to 24 years of age.

As for where exactly do they lose their smartphones, the most common place was on public transportation mediums, especially on trains and subways, or on facilities and establishments that are near these vehicles. Second on the list was on commercial establishments, such as on shopping malls or market districts. Prefecture-wise, the region with the most users having lost their smartphones was on Okinawa Prefecture (44%).

The issue of lost mobile phones today holds more digital security risks than before, mainly because sensitive and private data are now being frequently and regularly used on smartphones. When questioned about data recovery, the general consensus of the entire sample was that they are willing to pay even 50,000 yen ($424.00), just so in order to recover and secure the lost data.

The data obtained from the survey will be used by Lookout Inc. to provide the appropriate security solutions and applications for future lost smartphones.

Weirdly enough, at least 11% from the entire sample have also reported losing their smartphones, however this group reported recovering their lost phones after a specific period of time.

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We’ve always stereotypically known modern Japan as the land of the weird and unusual. However, that’s for a reason, especially considering the number of wacky gadgets and crazy inventions there that you’ll probably seldom see anywhere else. These may not be the weirdest of the weird, but here are the top five recently introduced weird Japanese gadgets that you might just find very interesting.

Muscle Mouse

Who says desk work is the enemy of physical fitness? With Muscle Mouse, you’ll never have to worry about not having the time to exercise anymore. This item is technically an ordinary wireless PC mouse, but is installed an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device. Just stick the electric pads to wherever part of your body you want to work out and voila! Instant exercise (to a degree). It has six different settings, each giving a different electric current pattern, so you’ll just have to find out which works better for your body.

Trash Thrower Chief

It might not be obvious at first glance, but this digital clock like thing is actually a trash disposal alarm and scheduler. That’s right; the Japanese are so meticulous about time that they would actually create a clock specifically for taking out the trash. You can set an alarm to specifically remind you the type of trash you’re supposed to take out, whether it is biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable, burnable and non-burnable trash. There’s also an “I’ve taken it out” button to automatically set the gadget to your next trash schedule. Oh, and you might want to know early on that it doesn’t have a ‘snooze’ button.

Portable Handy Mist Battery

Combining electronics with personal hygiene items usually takes the form of items such as this. However this gadget takes the concept at a different angle. The Portable Handy Mist Battery is exactly what it sounds like, a moisturizing mist that doubles as a power bank. So, not only do you have a handy (and stylish) instant moisturizer, because this thing can also provide extra juice to your gadgets. At 2200 mAh however, you’d probably want to bring more than one for a long trip.

Food Replica Smartphone/Tablet Stands

Japan’s food replica industry may not be the biggest, but it sure is one of the most dedicated in terms of actually making the fakes look real. Now, the industry is focusing on another trend: mobile device stands. Nope, no need to worry about that smartphone almost falling into a bowl of hot ramen; they’re all just mobile device stands. Just be reminded though that we do not recommend putting these stands beside the real thing, for obvious reasons.

USB Vibration Helmet

Tired after a hard working day? Can’t concentrate on your afternoon work? Then put this head massager on for instantly relief. Unlike a certain manually-used head massaging device, the USB Vibration Helmet is completely electronic and automatic. Just charge it via USB or pop a few AAA batteries, wear it on and you’re ready to massage. As a bonus, it also looks quite cool and futuristic, so it might help you do that classic Tron cosplay at nerd conventions without suffering from headaches too much.

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Interactive robots aren’t exactly what we can call trendy, but their numbers sure are getting higher nowadays. Interaction though comes at many levels and stages, and this robot floats at the shallowest top, at a level where you can actually consider it a bit creepy.

The Yukirin Robot, as it is called, is a humanoid robot with motion detection sensors, coordinating its head and eye movements as people go within its ‘sight’ range. It is modeled after Yuki “Yukirin” Kashiwagi, a member of the popular Japanese idol group AKB48. If you go near it, it will instantly lock its gaze at you, and its mesmerizing empty stare will follow you around as long as it detects your presence, or anybody else’s.

Obviously, the tracking system isn’t so complex technology-wise, and we’ve also already seen better applications of the same technology. But in fact, part of what makes it a bit unnerving (and amazing) is that it is so simple. As hinted earlier, it interacts, but at a very, very basic level. It’s almost human-like appearance makes its rigid reactions very artificial (more so as it is modeled after an actual person), and it falls straight into the uncanny valley category. If it’s a lot less human-like, then it just might pass off as a cute little toy, though that still wouldn’t actually quell that very same uneasy sensation.

Yukirin Robot was first unveiled last July this year. It’s latest appearance was last week, at the Marunage (“throw away”) Day event held by NicoNico, a well known Japanese video streaming website. It was created by TODO, and was originally named as Gazeroid. The robot was presented as an “interactive art exhibit” for the recent event, so needless to say, the robot is only for show. Think of it as a high-tech version of haunted paintings looking at its observers.

But maybe a few would like it enough to take one home though?

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Here is the daily roundup from Japanese consumer tech and tech business websites for November 14, 2014.

Send someone a gift easily with LINE’s new service
Japanese mobile service provider LINE Corporation opens a new feature for its EC service LINE MALL, the LINE GIFT. The new feature will enable users to send gifts to registered friends without the need to manually input an address using only a smartphone app.

Mouse introduces two new HD notebooks
Mouse Computer Japan has just released two new models for its high-end m-Book P notebook PC product line. These new laptops feature a 15.6-inch display, with the MB-P930 using a 4K IGZO screen, and the MB-P920 a standard full HD 1080p screen. The laptop models will be available at a base price of about $1,500.00 (MB-P930) and $1,200.00 (MB-P920).

Japan Cybercrime Control Center takes off
Japan establishes its own version of the NCFTA, the Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3), to combat the increasing security threat of criminal and illegal activities in Japan’s local webspace.

Hitachi doubles Li-ion energy density with new tech
Hitachi has developed a new technology that is claimed to be capable of doubling the current energy density of Lithium-ion batteries. The technology is primarily aimed at electric vehicles, which would significantly increase its maximum effective driving distance.

Iwatani sells cheaper hydrogen
Iwatani Corporation is now selling hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles at a new adjusted price, which is equivalent to only about $0.85 per cubic meter.

Toshiba to build clean energy system at Kawasaki City
Toshiba joins forces with officials at Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture to develop a sustainable renewable energy system using solar energy and hydrogen. The clean energy system will be used at the Kawasaki City harbor promotion hall, where it will be set as an emergency system for natural calamities.

Sharp gives away the gift of 4K this Christmas
Sharp opens an early Christmas promotional campaign for its Aquos 4K TV products named “Send a child the gift of your fantastic future”. Members signed-up in the campaign will receive an exclusive 4K video ‘letter’ from Santa Claus, and a random 300 participants will be given a special unique video based on their registered profiles.

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