Today, May 21, Sharp introduced 2 models of 4K compliant LCD TVs: AQUOS UD1 – 70 inch and AQUOS UD1 – 60 inch. The 70 inch will be released on June 15, the 60 inch will be released on August 10.

We attended their product presentation announcement (new LCD TV model press conference) held in Seavans Building in Minato ward in Tokyo and were able to review the 70 inch model.

Sharp said that the AQUOS UD1 models overcome 3 of the issues that the company considers to be the biggest impediments to great big-screen TV viewing:

1) Pixel roughness issue (The bigger the screen becomes, the rougher the pixels get)
2) Light reflection issue (The bigger the screen becomes, the more that light reflection will become a factor)
3) Installation space issue (The bigger the screen becomes, the more space it will occupy)

Solving the pixel roughness issue is the built-in “4K Moth Eye Panel”, which includes the “4K LCD panel” that has 4 times higher definition than Full HD. We saw an absolute crispness to the picture that made it feel like any detail could be shown well.

Solving the light reflection issue, is the “Moth Eye panel” part of the “4K Moth Eye Panel”. This greatly reduces reflection of outside light or other ambient light in the room. It applies the actual structure of a moth’s eyes to the panel technology. Their optical control technology made it possible to create a beautiful panel that looks uniform in lightness. We saw a demonstration of this with a crystal wine class behind a “Moth Eye panel” and another wine glass behind the normal glass used. The amount of reflection and glare that was cut with the “Moth Eye panel” was impressive.

Regarding the installation space issue, with thinner screen margins and a compact design, the amount of space this TV occupies is actually less than that of much smaller screen-size flat screen TVs from a few years ago. For example, the 57 inch LCD TV released in December, 2005 is 165.2cm wide, while the new 70 inch AQUOS UD1 series model is only 157.8cm wide.

Also, the “AQUOS UD1″ series has “AQUOS 4K-Master Engine Pro” that converts non-4K contents to 4K contents. It also has a “2.1ch front sound audio system” built-in, DuoBass woofer, SD card slot, 400MB internal memory, and so on.

The 70 inch model (LC-70UD1) has received the official “THX 4K Display Certification” which proves its recognition for HD display high image quality. Sharp is applying for certification for the 60 inch model as well.

In side-by-side comparisons between the AQUOS UD1 and recent 2K models, the difference in the picture was very apparent. While recent models could be described as bold and vibrant, the AQUOS UD1 was more life-like, and very natural – Perhaps less bold, but better and another step closer to that “just like you’re there” feeling.

Following the release of its ultra high-end model “ICC PURIOS” in February, 2013, the “AQUOS UD1″ series is Sharp’s second 4K TV release. It is targeted for family use and the price setting is much less inexpensive than “ICC PURIOS”.

The estimate price for the “AQUOS UD1″ series is 850,000 yen for the 70 inch model and 650,000 yen for the 60 inch model.

In 2013, the number of 4K TVs expected to be sold in Japan is estimated to be 50,000 units and SHARP is trying to take 20-30% of this amount.

- 70 inch model (LC-70UD1)
Release date: June 15
Size: 157.8 x 11.4 x 95.0 cm
Weight: 47.5 kg
Receivable channels: Digital terrestrial broadcasting 011ch – 528ch, BS digital 001 – 999ch, CS digital 000 – 999ch

- 60 inch model (LC-60UD1)
Release date: August 10
Size: TBD
Weight: TBD
Receivable channels: Digital terrestrial broadcasting 011ch – 528ch, BS digital 001 – 999ch, CS digital 000 – 999ch

If you are like a lot of guys, not only might your computer or touch panel need some cleaning, but your stuff may not be smelling as fresh as it could.

Now, there may be something for you. Elecom is releasing a touch panel cleaner with fragrance in late May.

There are 2 kinds:
- “Spray type” (P-FCS)
- “Tissue type” (P-FCT5P)

These cleaners remove finger prints, dirt, etc. from screens, tablets, smart phones, etc. and also add some refreshing scent to your screen. 10 kinds of scents are available.

Fragrance types:
rose, lavender, grapefruit, lemongrass, fresh fruit, musk, fruity vanilla, green tea, wood, soap

Spray type (P-FCS series)
Price: ¥1,323 (including tax)

Tissue type (P-FCT5P series)
Price: ¥640 (including tax)

Yes, everything is small in Japan but this is extreme!

Thanko released an extremely small functional camera that looks like a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Despite it’s super small size (38x33x28m, 17g), it is capable of taking photos and movies. Photos and movies can be saved on a microSD card. Battery charge is done via a USB port.

It also features a strobe that detects darkness and flashes automatically and a “Motion-sensing” function that starts taking about 2 minutes of video by detecting body movement. It’s a more useful camera than expected.

Price: 5,980 yen (including tax)
Size: 28 x 33 x 28mm
Weight: 17g
Accessories: USB cable, strap, small bag for the camera
Saving format: Movie – AVI, Photo – JPEG
Resolution: Movie – 1280×720, 1 mega pixel, Photo – 2560×1920

The Thanko miniature camera can be ordered here.

Sony has developed an A4 sized equivalent 13.3″ digital paper notepad.

The display is the first in the world to use E Ink Mobius, a new flexible electronic paper display technology developed by E Ink in collaboration with Sony. Technology developed by Sony for forming high precision thin film transistors on plastic instead of glass has been used, making the display flexible and light. It is scheduled for mass production this year.

“We’ve succeeded in mass-producing these large flexible panels, by combining E-Ink’s flexible paper technology and Sony’s mass-production technology.”

“Usually, devices are made by sandwiching TFTs between glass sheets. But these panels use plastic instead of glass, so they’re much lighter. Another feature is that, unlike glass, these panels are very durable.”

This prototype digital notepad weighs 358 g and is 6.8mm thick, with the 1200×1600 pixel display itself weighing around 60g, 50% less than if glass was used. The prototype also features a battery life of approximately three weeks.

“This is a PDF document. You can page through it with your finger. Of course, you can also write comments and draw lines in the PDF document. Also, if you choose the marker, and move your finger over text, you can highlight text like this.”

“This is still at the prototype stage. But we’re designing it to work smoothly. Also, with paper, you can rest your hand on it while you write, but with a tablet, you can’t always do that. This digital paper makes it possible to write while resting your hand on the panel.”

“We’d especially like this to be used in universities. From the second half of this year, we’re planning to do trials with Waseda, Hosei, and Ritsumeikan Universities. We also plan to release a commercial version during this year.”

Event: Educational IT Solutions Expo

This Video is provided by DigInfo.tv, AkihabaraNews Official Partner.

Fourteen years from now, when Japan’s magnetically levitated, approx. 300MPH/482KPH Chuō Shinkansen comes online, it’ll be among the world’s coolest people movers – maybe even top of the list. And the world’s most fantastic train should have equally fantastic train stations, yeah?

Maybe not.

While the existence of this train is old news, released just last week were Japan Railways’ design proposals for stations on the initial Tokyo to Nagoya route (with eventual extension to Osaka). Suffice it to say, as proposed these supertech trains would be stopping at stations with an aesthetic that aggressively bypasses any notion of post-modern minimalism and instead lands somewhere in the vicinity 1970s Soviet chic. They’re basically elevators, stairs, automated ticket counters, toilets, and tracks.

Those interested can see the plans here & here (PDF; Japanese only).

Train Stations are Not Just Train Stations (in Japan)
For one who’s never traveled here, this might not seem like such a big deal. Because it’s just a train station, for a very fast train at that, so who’s looking to linger? Well, the thing is, in Japan even medium-sized and smallish train stations can be the nuclei of entire neighborhoods or city wards, and they’re often social & economic ecosystems unto themselves; think variably sized multilevel shopping malls where trains happen to stop. This is particularly true in places like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka where rail stations serve literally millions of passengers on a daily basis.

Japan Railways is calling the designs “modern” and “revolutionary,” but here in rapidly aging, often techno-contradictory Japan (yes, the rumors about ongoing fax machine usage are true), dispensing with the niceties and familiarities of strongly analog and strongly full-service rail travel culture might be too tall an order – the natives might revolt… which basically just means they’ll demand that their local municipalities cocoon the stations with restaurants, convenience stores, souvenir shops, coin lockers, and little out of the way cubbys with those stand-up irons to press your pants.

Remains to be seen, but we’ll keep you dialed in as things unfold.

Addendum on Nomenclature:
Oh, by the way, the ultra-utilitarian stations aren’t the only thing that could use a bit more thought: “Chuō Shinkansen” might sound exotic and Japanesey, but it really just means “Central Shinkansen.” And, though the name’s gained a domestic and international cache of high-tech coolness, “shinkansen” just means “new main line.”

Sure, a dead-sexy maglev bullet train is a concept that sells itself, but let’s hope that gets some polish. Because calling this thing the “Central Shinkansen” would be like naming the latest Ferrari “Red Car.”

• • •

Akihabara News Contributor Reno J. Tibke is the founder and operator of Anthrobotic.com.

Via RocketNews 24 via IT Media (Japanese)

ASUSTOR will be attending Computex 2013 and exhibiting a brand new series of NAS devices featuring the latest Intel® Atom™ processor along with its new-look ADM 2.0 operating system and 2 new mobile apps, AiData and AiMaster. ASUSTOR sincerely welcomes everyone to visit them at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, 4^th Floor, Booth L0404, from June 4^th – June 8^th, 2013.

Taipei, Taiwan, May 8^th, 2013 – ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, has announced today that it will be exhibiting at Computex 2013, the second largest consumer electronics show in the world. At the exhibition, ASUSTOR will be showcasing its award winning high performance AS 6 Series NAS devices (AS-602T/ AS-604T/ AS-606T/ AS-608T/ AS-604RD/ AS-604RS/ AS-609RD/ AS-609RS) as well as introducing a brand new series of NAS devices designed for home and SOHO users, the AS 3 Series. The new 3 Series uses the latest Intel SoC (System on Chip) which is designed for home multimedia use. It also features an HDMI interface along with a built-in infrared receiver that allows for it to be used with a remote control. The available models in this series are the 2-bay AS-302T model and the 4-bay AS-304T model. ASUSTOR will also be unveiling its newly styled ADM 2.0 operating system along with 2 new mobile apps. These 2 apps are AiData, which can be used to remotely browse and access data on an ASUSTOR NAS and AiMaster, which can be used to remotely monitor and manage a NAS.

The 6 Series

All of ASUSTOR’s AS 6 Series devices come equipped with an Intel® Atom™ 2.13 GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of DDR3 memory (expandable up to 3GB). The devices also feature SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and eSATA ports along with support for SATA III and SSD hard disks. Dual GbE Ethernet ports provide support for link aggregation and blazing fast transfer speeds of over 200 MB/s. All devices in the series are also verified as being VMware, Citrix and Hyper-V ready. Business-ready features such as two-way transfer support, AES-256 bit shared folder encryption, and video surveillance make the 6 Series an optimal choice for small to medium sized businesses that are looking for a flexible and cost-effective virtual storage solution.

The 3 Series

The 3 Series features a new platform that is based on the latest Intel SoC (System on Chip) which integrates a dual-core Atom™ processor with a handful of media processing units and communication interfaces. The devices also feature an HDMI interface that provides HD audio-visual output which allows the NAS to become a high quality multimedia player. The built-in infrared receiver allows users to use a remote control to control the multimedia playback on the NAS. Further pairing the NAS with a stereo amplifier truly allows users to create a one-stop home entertainment center. Users can also download any NAS Apps of their choice from ASUSTOR’s App Central. App offerings include: Download Center, iTunes Server, Surveillance Center, Dropbox, SABnzbd and more. In addition to being used as a digital entertainment center, the 3 Series can also be used as a full featured private cloud storage server that is able to safely store all of the users’ ever-expanding digital multimedia content.

ADM 2.0

ADM (ASUSTOR Data Master) is an operating system designed exclusively for use with all ASUSTOR NAS devices. Different from traditional NAS operating systems, ADM was designed using an App-based concept that provides a user experience closely resembling the simplicity that can be found on most tablet computers. It features an elegant web-based user interface that is intuitive and easy to use, bridging the gap between user and machine. ADM provides users with a bevy of convenient features such as Dr. ASUSTOR which performs health checkups on the NAS, automatic firmware updates, and Cloud Connect technology which allows users easily connect their NAS to the internet, creating their own personal cloud.

Newly updated version includes:

• Fresh new interface: Now more user-friendly than ever, the updated user interface features support for the uploading of custom background images, the all new “My Favorites” function and dramatically increased browsing speed.
• Searchlight: An industry first, Searchlight allows users to quickly find files, folders and applications on the NAS and also provides support for fuzzy searches.
• FTP Explorer: A built-in FTP client that allows the NAS to directly browse files from any FTP sites and also featuring support for drag and drop file transfers.
• SoundsGood: A Web music player that allows users to stream the music from their NAS through a Web browser. SoundsGood also allows an ASUSTOR NAS to be turned into a digital audio player with thousands of songs after directly connecting the NAS to an amplifier or DAC/USB speakers.
• Photo Gallery: Allows users to set up their own personal web photo album in just one easy step, helping users share their lives with family and friends.

Newly Added Mobile Apps (Supports iOS and Android Mobile Devices)

AiData: Users can use AiData to remotely browse and access all files on their NAS. AiData can also be used to instantly upload photos and share files from the NAS. Integration with popular cloud storage service, Dropbox, allows users to use AiData to seamlessly integrate their NAS with Dropbox.

AiMaster: Users can use AiMaster to manage their NAS from the convenience of their mobile devices. AiMaster allows users to change settings, monitor their system, receive instant notifications on system status via push notification and more.

ASUSTOR sincerely welcomes everyone to visit them at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (4F) booth L0404 to experience first-hand ASUSTOR’s innovative cloud storage concepts.

ASUSTOR’s Computex exhibition information is as follows:

Location:

Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center 4th Floor, Booth L0404

Date and Time:

Tuesday June 4th – Friday June 7th, 2013, 09:30 – 18:00

Saturday June 8th, 2013, 09:30 – 16:00

At today’s 2013 summer new collection press conference, au announced the new “AQUOS PHONE SERIE” smartphone, to be released after late July.

One of the highlights of the “AQUOS PHONE SERIE” is that it’s a smartphone that allows you to use it for 3 days straight without recharging because of the energy-saving IGZO LCD and large capacity 3,080mAh built-in.

Also, its camera needs only 0.4 seconds to be ready to take a photo, which is the quickest among smartphones. Since the top of class F1.9 bright lens is featured, you can take natural looking photos without the flash in mostly dark places.

Its handleability has increased and it has some interesting functions like “Shake Off” that turns off the display by shaking the smartphone, “Bright Keep” that keeps the display light while you hold it, and “Finger Step & Voice Awake” that activates an app by tapping the smartphone and you can activate the app you want to use by saying its name.

Model: AQUOS PHONE SERIE SHL22
Release date: After late July
OS: Android 4.2
Size: 70 x 142 x 9.9mm
Weight: 155g
Display: 4.9 inch IGZO HD
Battery: 3,080mAh
Color: White, Blue, Black
Compliant with: Bluetooth, One-seg, Wi-Fi, Tethering, au Smart Pass, Wallet phone, 4G LTE, NFC, Infrared data communication, Waterproof, Dustproof

Popular young actress Ayame Goriki and current world-wide famous Japanese pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu joined the event, brightening up the venue…

The au 2013 summer new collection press conference took place at Shibuya Excel (Cerulean) Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo.

At today’s 2013 summer new collection press conference, au announced the new “URBANO L01″ smartphone, to be released after late June.

Regarding the “URBANO”, au talked about its 2,700mAh battery which is able to be fully charged in only 140 minutes. Although the size of the body is about the same as the previous model, the size of the display increased from 4 inches to 4.7 inches.

It’s got some user-friendly functions, for example, you can set the “Entry home” display which displays letters and icons in a bigger size. The “Smart Sonic Receiver” function is useful as well – it makes the voice of the person who you are talking to on “URBANO L01″ clear in a noisy place.

Model: URBANO L01
Release date: After late June
OS: Android 4.2
Size: 65 x 134 x 10.8mm
Weight: 140g
Display: 4.7 inch TFT LCD HD
Battery: 2,700mAh
Color: Green, White, Blue, Black
Compliant with: Bluetooth, One-seg, Wi-Fi, Tethering, au Smart Pass, Wallet phone, 4G LTE, NFC, Infrared data communication, Waterproof, Dustproof

Popular young actress Ayame Goriki and current world-wide famous Japanese pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu joined the event, brightening up the venue…

The au 2013 summer new collection press conference took place at Shibuya Excel (Cerulean) Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo.

At today’s 2013 summer new collection press conference, au announced the new “XPERIA UL” smartphone, to be released May 25.

According to CEO Takashi Tanaka, “XPERIA UL” is a smartphone that they especially focused on because of its ease of hold and were meticulous about the design to the last millimeter. Although XPERIA smartphones that are out from other companies have a more square design, Sony changed the “XPERIA UL” design only for au to make it fit more comfortably in users’ hands.

“XPERIA UL” has a large 5 inch high-resolution display with Direct Touch (for better touch accurately) built-in. Its camera features Sony’s CMOS image sensor “Exmor RS for mobile” and is 13 million pixels. One of the notable camera functions is “Continuous Shooting Mode” that enables you to take 15 photos per second without any limit (within memory capacity).

Model: Xperia UL SOL22
Release date: May 25
OS: Android 4.1
Size: 71 x 135 x 10.5mm
Weight: 145g
Display: 5 inch Reality Display LCD FHD
Battery: 2,300mAh
Color: White, Pink, Black
Compliant with: Bluetooth, One-seg, Wi-Fi, Tethering, au Smart Pass, Wallet phone, 4G LTE, NFC, Infrared data communication, Waterproof, Dustproof

Popular young actress Ayame Goriki and current world-wide famous Japanese pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu joined the event, brightening up the venue…

The au 2013 summer new collection press conference took place at Shibuya Excel (Cerulean) Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo.

At today’s 2013 summer new collection press conference, au announced the new “HTC J One” smartphone, to be released around early June.

“HTC J One” is the Japanese version of Taiwanese company, HTC’s global model “HTC One”. It is slick and smooth “Full metal” aluminum and has a rounded back, making it easier to hold.

Compared with regular smartphones, its 13 million pixel camera has a 300% increased uptake of light and a 50% reduction of noise.  Its new “HTC Zoe” camera mode can take 20 photos in 4 seconds and can take 3 seconds of full HD video at the same time, allowing you to capture the best possible image.

There are Dual Front Speakers built-in in giving the “HTC J One” impressive, real sound.

As a smart phone accessory, au offers “HTC J One mini” that can be a cordless handset of the “HTC J One”, able to be paired by NFC or Bluetooth and is available for ¥9,800. You can also trigger the camera shutter or check messages with “HTC J One mini”. A 6,000mAh large capacity portable charger “HTC Battery Bar” will also be available (¥9,000).

Model: HTV J One HTL22
Release date: After early June
OS: Android 4.1
Size: 69 x 138 x 10.5mm
Weight: 157g
Display: 4.7inch Super LCD3 FHD
Battery: 2,300mAh
Color: White metal , Black metal
Compliant with: Bluetooth, One-seg, Wi-Fi, Tethering, au Smart Pass, Wallet phone, 4G LTE, NFC, Infrared data communication

Popular young actress Ayame Goriki and current world-wide famous Japanese pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu joined the event, brightening up the venue…

The au 2013 summer new collection press conference took place at Shibuya Excel (Cerulean) Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo.