January
27
January
22
TDK has developed and began mass production of the industry’s first automotive clamp filter in December. The new filter is called the ZCAT08V-BK, ZCAT12V-BK. TDK developed clamp filters that are suitable for automotive use as an effective noise countermeasure against the effects of electromagnetic noise on the cables that link the various onboard ECUs and units. TDK’s clamp filters have an original structure consisting of a vertically-split cylindrical ferrite core with an integrated resin case for mounting on cables. The ferrite material, a key component of the filter, provides outstanding magnetic characteristics and high-frequency absorption properties achieved through precise control of the fine structure using TDK’s original materials and process technologies.
The resin case and core material have been improved to enhance heat resistant and shock resistance for use in automotive applications. The operating temperature range has been increased from earlier TDK products (-25 C - 85 C) to -40 C - 125 C.
January
22
Mazda has released updated versions of the Mazda Axela sports compact in Japan. Known as the Mazda3 in overseas markets, the Mazda Axela has earned high praise both in Japan and abroad. All models in the range – including the four-door Axela, five-door Axela Sport and Mazdaspeed Axela – feature fresh improvements and are available from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Two new special edition versions of the Axela Sport, the 23HS and 20HS, which come outfitted with equipment to enhance their sporty pedigree, also go on sale from today. Reduced cabin noise and higher comfort levels have been achieved through the increased use of sound absorbent materials.
The special editions Mazda Axela Sport 23HS and 20HS come with a full complement of sports equipment including 17-inch reflective aluminum wheels, exclusive aluminum pedals, a floating rear roof spoiler and a BOSE sound system. These models also come with black Alcantara and genuine leather combination seat covers and Alcantara door trim. Mazda Axela is available in Japan from 1,510,750 ($14,220) to 2,070,000 yen ($19,485) while Axela Sport from 1,510,750 ($14,220) to 2,410,000 yen ($22,685).
January
22
Nokia today unveiled the Nokia 2600 classic and the Nokia 1209, two mobile handsets that offer useful features, range of colors or exchangeable covers for consumers in emerging markets. The Nokia 2600 classic allows consumers to customize their phone with colorful, fully changeable Xpress-on covers and MP3 ring tones. The cheerful Nokia 2600 classic also features a number of entertainment features, including an FM radio and a VGA camera.
The Nokia 1209 offers additional cost management features to make phone sharing easy and convenient. Innovations include the pre-paid tracker, a cost-tracking application, and the multiple phonebook - which allows up to five people to store personal contact lists of up to two hundred numbers on a single phone. Designed for first time buyers, the Nokia 1209 incorporates Nokia’s intuitive user interface, dust resistance, and offers up to 80 languages. The Nokia 1209 also has a one-piece key mat for durability and reliability.
Nokia 2600 classic will be available from first quarter of 2008 for approximately $95 and Nokia 1209 from second quarter of 2008 for approximately $50.
January
22
Sanyo announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement with Kyocera Corporation (Kyocera) to transfer its mobile phone business, following the announcement on October 11, 2007 of a basic agreement to begin transfer negotiations. In order to meet the best interests of the business and its stakeholders, Sanyo has explored all options regarding the further expansion and development of the business, and has concluded that a transfer of the business to Kyocera would be the ideal solution for both business value and ease-of-succession.The agreement announced today also outlines that the current 2,000 employees in Sanyo’s mobile phone business (excluding contract workers and temp agency staff) will be allowed to remain and work for Kyocera following the transfer.
Regarding the branding on the handsets, Kyocera will continue to use the Sanyo brand on handsets both domestically and overseas. It will also continue its own brand, and the phone business will be developed using both the Kyocera and Sanyo brands.
January
22
Sharp RJ23W3BA0KT is a ten megapixel 1/2.33” CCD with 3766 horizontal and 2804 vertical pixels (total) and a pixel pitch of just 1.66 µm. Using unique pixel microfabrication technology, Sharp is able to cram the pixels in a 35 percent less space when compared with previous model.
Sharp 10 million pixel 1/2.33” CCD will be available for sampling from January 31, 2008 with a unit price of
4000 yen ($37) and mass production starts from March 2008.
January
21
A Samsung cell phone is poised to become Korea’s first phone to reach 20 million in sales. Samsung Electronics says its SGH-E250 phone, launched in November 2006, will definitely top the milestone in February. Samsung developed the model to target emerging markets in Asia and Latin America. Based on the design of Samsung’s high-end Ultra Edition 12.9 phone, the SGH-E250 has a 300,000-pixel digital camera, color display, MP3 player and Bluetooth technology. Samsung SGH-E250 phone which costs about US$150 is sold as a premium model in low-income economies.
Nokia’s 1100 has sold some 200 million units and Motorola’s RAZR some 40 million. The 1100 is an extremely low-cost phone which sells for less than $50 in emerging markets.
January
21
The University of Tokyo and the Japan folded paper (origami) plane society hopes to fly a paper airplane from the International Space Station to Earth. The plane will be 30-40cm long and weigh about 30 grams. A University of Tokyo research group has successfully designed a special paper plane model that was able to withstand a mach 7 high velocity stream for 10 seconds. The experimental plane was about one-fifth the size and withstood temperatures as high as 300C without burning up. The group plans to fly the plane by throwing it.
The actual conditions for the plan from the International Space Station, 400kms from the earth, will be speeds up to mach 20. Only after entering the earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of 80kms will it slow to a paltry mach 7.
January
21
Sharp has released two new models- PW-GT570 and PW-AT770 of Papryus Electronic dictionary for Japanese market. While model PW-AT770 is available in three colors-silver, black and red, model GT570-PW is available in white. Pink and blue. The new models feature 5.5 inch high-resolution LCD monochrome HVGA display. For the first time the new models feature backlit display for easy reading in dark. The secondary backlit touch screen display with handwriting recognition for traditional “Japanese” and “English” In addition, “Chinese (simplified)” and “Korean (Hangul)” is also recognized. Model PW GT570 is suitable for high school students. The text to speech engine contains more than 50,000 words.
Sharp Papryus electronic dictionary PW-AT770 will be available in Japan from January 26th and PW GT570 from February 9. Powered by two AAA alkaline batteries with 120 hrs of continuous use,the dictionary measures 146 mm × 105.3 mm × 21.2 mm and weigh about 290g (Inclusive battery and card).
January
21
JVC Japan has launched two new headphones the HP-RX700 and HP-RX900 with the latest Sound Stabilizer technology. The Sound Stabilizer technology reproduces delicate high pitched sound as well as powerful bass in a high level of quality. The driver unit is placed on five damping ribs to reduce resonance for clear playback sound.
JVC HP-RX700 weighs 330g and HP-RX900 weighs 350g. Both models will be available in February.
