GW-286 -- The hottest gizmos and gadgets from Japan

[gadgetwatch at mailman.japaninc.com]

----------------------------------------------------------------
Japan Inc Magazine Presents:
G A D G E T W A T C H

READ GADGETWATCH ONLINE AT:
www.japaninc.com

The Hottest Gadgets and Gizmos from Japan
----------------------------------------------------------------
Issue No. 286 Friday January 11, 2008
Subscribers: 9467
SUBSCRIBE AND UNSUBSCRIBE TO GADGET WATCH:
http://www.japaninc.com/newsletters/free_sign_up

****COMING OUT SOON: J at PAN INC MAGAZINE'S****
MEDICAL SPECIAL out on the 15th of January (JAN/FEB 2008)
Healthcare Services Directory, disasterous risk to Japan -
PLUS Investment in Vietnam, Japan's automotive industry and
much more Read online at www.japaninc.com
================================================================
================================================================
Name: Casio EXILIM PRO EX-F1
Category: Digital still camera
Price: Open Price; estimated around 130,000 yen
Release date in Japan: Late March 2008

The Gist: After the smashing success of last year's Face
Recognition technology in digital still cameras, Casio was
tasked with coming up with a response. And this may be it:
the EXILIM PRO EX-F1 is the "world's fastest consumer digital
camera."

At 6MP, the EX-F1 may not turn any heads. This camera's
specialty is found in its movie functionality. You can record
Full HD video at 1920x1080 (60i), 1280x720 video (30p), or
standard definition (640x480) video. All of which are in MPEG-4
AVC/H.264 codecs, by the way. Well maybe that's not so special,
but Casio doesn't call this the "world's fastest" for no reason:
it offers three "slow motion" recording modes as well. 512x384
videos can be recorded at 300 frames per second. 432x192 videos
at 600 frames per second. And 336x96 videos at a smashing 1200
frames per second. Ever seen those awesome videos of people
popping water balloons or shooting apples in ultra slow motion?
That's the kind of video this camera can record. Casio suspects
this particular functionality will be popular with the
hobbyists, scientific, and educational communities.

Taking a cue from previous Casio Exilim models, this unit has
"Past Continuous Recording," where as many as 60 frames
(at 60fps) can be recorded before you push the shutter
button. The idea here is that humans tend to react slowly
(or not at all) when it comes to special moments like when a
bat contacts a baseball. This feature makes it so that you're
constantly "recording" what is going on, but only when you press
the shutter button will something actually be saved.

Speaking of saving, you can do so using the SD/SDHC, MMC, and
MMCplus slot. Casio has said that the EX-F1 has a "large"
internal memory as well, but they have not decided on a specific
number yet. This large internal memory is likely required by the
slow-motion video modes; regular flash memory formats probably
don't read/write fast enough to handle recording 1200 frames per
second.

Additional features include "Flash Continuous Recording," where
up to 20 images can be taken (7 images per second) with the
flash. If you use the camera's integrated LED instead of the
flash, you can speed things up to as many as 60 frames per
second. The camera's lens is a 12x zoom, and the LCD screen
is 2.8-inch with a resolution of 959x240.

More info: http://www.casio.co.jp/release/2008/ex_f1.html
------------ NEW OFFICE SETUP OR RELOCATION ---------------
SETTING UP AN OFFICE EARLY IN 2008?
PBXL CAN DELIVER!
Don't buy a PBX!
PBXL is a hosted Cisco end-to-end solution that every office
needs for its core business phone infrastructure.
For Terrie's Take readers, PBXL is offering a new office
set-up campaign of up to 10 people for only 98,000 yen,
up to 20 people for only 198,000 yen, for a discount of up
to 270,000 yen!
For complete details on this bundle, click the link below,
or call us at:
http://www.pbxl.jp/terriestake
-----------------
03-4550-2557
info at pbxl.jp
Come see PBXL in action at Cisco Japan HQ:
(registration is open for our next event on Thurs Jan 24)
http://www.pbxl.jp/seminarstt
--------- PBXL Hosted Business Communications -------------
================================================================
Name: Sony mylo COM-2
Category: Portable audio/video/internet
Price: $300 USD
Release date in Japan: Unknown

The Gist: Amongst the heap of products announced at this year's
Consumer Electronics show, one of the most tangible is the new
iteration of the Sony mylo. While Sony Japan has not yet
publicized plans for release of the device in Japan, the
previous mylo was indeed released in Japan.

The mylo does not have a fantastic reputation. While the device
offered video playback, audio playback, basic internet/messaging
functions, and some other goodies, many users found it to be
clunky, slow to respond, and limited in capabilities.

With the mylo COM-2 Sony has attempted to address some of these
shortcomings. The design is similar to that of the previous
version, where a screen slides up to reveal a QWERTY keyboard.
But that screen is now far better; it's a 3.5-inch screen with a
resolution of 800x480. That pixel density puts the mylo's screen
well past the displays found even in many of the latest mobile
phones (even in Japan). Hopefully that resolution will assure
you get crisp and easy-to-read text. Get ready for fingerprints
galore too, as the new screen is also a touchscreen.

For internet communication, you'll enjoy access to 802.11b and
802.11g networks. Communication options include Google Talk, AOL
Instant Messenger, Yahoo IM, and Skype. The browser (NetFront,
which is the same browser used by the PSP) also now features
Flash Lite 3 support, giving you access to YouTube videos and
similar multimedia sites. A podcast and RSS aggregator are also
available for keeping up with news without having to open pages
all the time. Sony USA has also announced free WiFi access at
participating McDonald's locations (in the US only, as far as we
know) way out until the end of 2010.

Another nice addition is a 1.3MP camera. While 1.3MP may not
help win you a Pulitzer Prize, the inclusion of a camera is
perhaps a jab at the iPod touch, which does not have a camera.

Video format support has also expanded to handle H.264 video, so
add that to the vanilla MPEG-4 support. For audio, MP3, ATRAC,
and DRM-enabled WMA files are supported. JPEG, PNG, and BMP
images can also be viewed. If the device's internal 1GB of flash
memory is not enough, it offers a Memory Stick Duo slot for
expansion.

With the internal battery, the new mylo lasts for 20 hours
playing music, 6 hours talking via Skype, and 7 hours playing
video.

More info: http://tinyurl.com/36jthp
================================================================
------------------- Financial Times------------------------

Established in 1888 and published in 23 major cities, the
Financial Times is essential reading for the global business
community, providing news in print and online around the
clock to more than 1.3 million readers worldwide.

In both its print and online versions, the FT has a reputation
for authority, balance and depth of coverage.
With 400 specialist journalists in 70 offices around the
world, and unrivalled access to global business and government
leaders, the FT 's global business intelligence and insight
will help you start the day fully briefed on significant
events in business, politics and finance.

FT newspaper and FT.com (one year subscription - 310 issues)

Normal retail price:
JPY219,647
You pay:
JPY90,720 ( Saving you 54%.)

If you would like to subscribe please call our dedicated
customer service team on 0120-341-468 or
visit www.ftasia.net/japaninc
-----------------------------------------------------------
================================================================
Name: Warner Bros. Entertainment announces exclusive support for
Blu-ray Disc

The Gist: While not a specific product, of significant
importance to the consumer electronics industry this past week
was Warner Bros. Entertainment's announcement that they will
soon be producing only Blu-ray Discs.

To give a bit of background, there are two "next generation
optical disc" standards competing to find their way into the
homes of customers across the world. Blu-ray Disc is being
championed primarily by Sony, but Gadget Watch readers will be
perfectly familiar with many of the other names backing it:
Panasonic, Sharp, and Pioneer also have a hand in developing
Blu-ray compatible products. HD-DVD, on the other hand, is
pushed by Toshiba and Microsoft. Blu-ray's way into many homes
is via Sony's own Playstation 3 console. Much like Sony took a
bit of a gamble putting a DVD drive into all of their
Playstation 2 consoles, they've also taken a bit of a gamble
putting a Blu-ray drive into every Playstation 3. But answering
right back is Microsoft, who offers a low-cost, external HD-DVD
drive for their Xbox 360.

But the January 4th announcement from Warner Bros. wasn't about
hardware. It was about software. Without offering content, any
disc player is going to be useless. As a result we found much of
the "battle" between the two formats being played out by huge
movie studios. 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Buena Vista
(Disney), Lionsgate, MGM, and a few other smaller movie studios
had already pledged their support for Blu-ray. And by "support"
we mean exclusive support, such that the studios' movies
are only available in one disc format. For HD-DVD, support came
from Paramount Pictures, Universal, Warner Bros., and New Line
Cinema.

A few years back, however, Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema
decided they would release titles in both formats.

Getting to 2008, January 4th marks the day Warner Bros. and New
Line Cinema decided to abandon HD-DVD and produce movies only in
Blu-ray (beginning May 2008). That leaves the HD-DVD camp in a
difficult position, as its two remaining exclusive supporters
(Universal and Paramount Pictures) are likely feeling the heavy
pressure to bring this format war to a close.

Despite a cancellation of a HD-DVD press conference, Toshiba has
continued to remain upbeat on HD-DVD at this year's Consumer
Electronics Show. They point to excellent sales of HD-DVD
players and discs during the holiday season; some HD-DVD players
could be found for under $200 USD. Unfortunately for HD-DVD,
however, Paramount Pictures may also be moving towards Blu-ray
despite their supposedly exclusive contract. Financial Times
reports that Viacom-owned Paramount "is understood to have a
clause in its contract with the HD-DVD camp that would allow it
to switch sides in the event of Warner backing Blu-ray," which
is exactly what happened. With the scales now tilted heavily in
favor of Blu-ray given Warner's announcement, it seems Paramount
Pictures also switching to Blu-ray would prove fatal for HD-DVD.

The ultimate goal of a resolution of this format war, of course,
is to eliminate confusion for consumers and offer a unified
optical disc for High Definition content. By having two
competing formats, many consumers have simply held off (saying
they'll "wait it out") buying a next-generation disc player
entirely, which of course has impacted revenues for all firms in
the industry. Given the minor technical differences between
Blu-ray and HD-DVD, providing customers with only a single
choice of next-gen optical disc is preferable for all parties
involved.

More info: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20080107/tc_nf/57579
http://tinyurl.com/ypm2wh
================================================================
================================================================
STAFF
Written by: Liam McNulty
READ PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
Gadget Watch online archive:
http://www.japaninc.com/gadget_watch
Check out our other Japan-specific newsletters:
http://www.japaninc.com/newsletters_main_page

SUBSCRIBE AND UNSUBSCRIBE TO GADGET WATCH:
http://www.japaninc.com/newsletters/free_sign_up

ADVERTISING INFORMATION
To advertise in this newsletter, contact: ads at japaninc.com

FEEDBACK AND PROBLEMS
We welcome your viewpoint: editors at japaninc.com
NB Please do not reply to this newsletter
-- it's outgoing only, so we won't get it!
Technical problems: webmaster at japaninc.com
Copyright (C) 2008 Japan Inc Communications KK.
All Rights Reserved.
_______________________________________________
GadgetWatch mailing list
GadgetWatch at mailman.japaninc.com
http://mailman.japaninc.com/mailman/listinfo/gadgetwatch
----------------------------------------------------------------

------------------- Financial Times------------------------

Established in 1888 and published in 23 major cities, the
Financial Times is essential reading for the global business
community, providing news in print and online around the
clock to more than 1.3 million readers worldwide.

In both its print and online versions, the FT has a reputation
for authority, balance and depth of coverage.
With 400 specialist journalists in 70 offices around the
world, and unrivalled access to global business and government
leaders, the FT 's global business intelligence and insight
will help you start the day fully briefed on significant
events in business, politics and finance.

FT newspaper and FT.com (one year subscription - 310 issues)

Normal retail price:
JPY219,647
You pay:
JPY90,720 ( Saving you 54%.)

If you would like to subscribe please call our dedicated
customer service team on 0120-341-468 or
visit www.ftasia.net/japaninc
-----------------------------------------------------------

--------------------- MIDEMNET FORUM ----------------------

MUSIC BUSINESS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

26/27 January 2008, Cannes, France, at MIDEM, the world's
music market. MidemNet Forum brings you an invaluable
update on how digital is driving the music business
forward, changing it rapidly and radically. Over 2 days of
intense conference sessions and serious networking
opportunities. You will debate and engage with more than
1,300 key international executives and play an active role
in shaping the future of the industry.

Speakers: Janus Friis, Co-Founder, Joost, Kazaa and Skype;
Jean-Bernard Levy, CEO, Vivendi; Tero Ojanpera, EVP & CTO,
Nokia; Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi.
The earlier you register, the less you pay. Hurry, seats
are limited! www.midem.com

------Metropolis Magazine Valentine`s Glitterball-------

Glitterball is back!
Tokyo's favorite party makes its triumphant return on
February 14, 2008-Valentine's Day.
An institution for nearly a decade, the Metropolis-hosted
Glitterball was on hiatus this year due to the closing of
Velfarre nightclub, but 2008's version promises to be better
than ever.

Roppongi hotspot Alife will host over 1,000 V-Day revelers
for a night of eating, drinking, dancing, making friends-and
who knows what else.
Prize drawings, swag bags, and Tokyo's funnest crowd will make
the reborn Glitterball the highlight of the Tokyo social calendar.

CORPORATE SPONSORS WELCOME
www.metropolis.co.jp/glitterball

-----------------------------------------------------------

---------------- ICA Event - Jan 16 -----------------------

Event: New Year Mixer Party-Joint event with
the American Chamber (ACCJ)

Overview: An evening of fun, games, salsa dancers, dancing,
prizes, drinks, and delicious food
Details: Complete event details at http://www.icajapan.jp/
(RSVP Required)

Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Time: 7:30-9:30, includes open bar, finger food.
Open ended nijikai at same location
Cost: 6,000 yen (members), 6,500 yen (non-members)
Open to all-venue is 57 - Roppongi 4-2-35, Tel. 03-5775-7857

http://www.fiftyseven.co.jp/

-----------------------------------------------------------
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.japaninc.com/pipermail/gadgetwatch/attachments/20080111/cb4bb598/attachment-0001.html