All posts from Akihabaranews.com

The latest HD PMP produced by Cowon, the V5HD will finally hit the Japanese market on March 5th. Nothing new for this Japanese version, Cowon still provides a 4.8-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 800 x 600, the JetEffect 3.0 technology, as well as the BBE+ that should enhance the audio sound quality, speakers, mic and SDHC card slot.
The V5HD is available in 8GB (White colors) / 16GB (Black colors) / 32GB (White & Black colors), and is compatible with AVI / WMV / ASF / MP4 / MKV / MPEG video files, WAV / MP3 / WMA / FLAC Audio files and JPEG / BMP / PNG / TIF pictures files.
For the rest of the specs, the Conwon V5 runs on Windows CE 6.0, and offers an HDMI Output, USB port, 45 hours of battery life span…
Dimension: 128 x 82 x 15.7mm
Price: From 29 800 yens, or 240€ to 39 800 yens, or 320€.

Available in two versions, black & white, the GH-EP7UD measures W208 × D28.5 × H137 (mm) and weighs approx. 415g. It features a 7-inch wide TFT (800 × 480) LCD with “e-POP” digital signage, 2GB internal flash memory, SD, Memory Stick, USB, USB miniB terminal and 2 W (1 W + 1W) Speakers. Final detail is the automatic on/off function.
No word on pricing or availability.

The new RR-US591 and US571 claim to offer max 45 hrs of continuous recording and 35 hours of playback using 4 AA alkaline batteries, record in MP3 format, come with speakers with impedance of 2 Ohm.
The first weighs 65 gr, has 4GB of memory with max. recording time max 548 hrs 20 min (stereo), 1096 hr 50 min (mono). The latter weighs 43 gr, offers 2 GB memory with max. recording time 544 hr 20 min. (stereo), 272 hr 10 min(mono).
Both will be available in Japan as of March 12. No word on pricing.

The first compact Pomera that had been introduced was DM 10 which was followed by an upgrade with DM20. Now Pomera changes the strategy and goes for downgrading with DM5. The screen is now 4-inch QVGA (320 x 240 dots) and it comes with less weight 285 gr.
And it is now cheaper 20, 790 yen. It is available in Gold Pink, Pearl White, Cool Black and will be available in Japan as of March 9.

Three new models joined to Kenwood 1 DIN I series receivers. The biggest highlight is all three of them are iPod and iPhone compatible. They all offer 50W x 4 maximum audio output.
The most advanced model in this trio, the I-K99 is not only audio playback capable but also can playback video files from the USB or iPod/ iPhone and can keep them in its internal memory. It can support t e latest H.264/ MPEG4 video codec as well as WMV9 and MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV music codec.
I-K77 and I-K55 have CD department and are capable of audio playback only. They support MP3/WMA/AAC audio files.
I-K99 comes at 42,000 yen and will be available in Japan mid-May this year, whereas I-K77 and I- 31,500 yen and 26, 250 yen respectively and will be available in Japan early March this year.

The previous generation Atom-based Toughbook CF-H1 line that we had introduced you with pictures from the press conference late November in 2008 has been available on Japanese market since March 2009 and it  runs on Windows Vista Business SP1. This new version has all the features in common with the previous generation except that it now runs on Windows 7 Professional 32 bit (Japanese) with XP downgrade option available and better RAM max. 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM.
It will be launched on market in Japan as of April 22.  No price info.

Latest in-ear phones from Pioneer Japan come in designs reminiscent of Cherry (the SE-CL23) and of miniature leather belt (the SE-CL23).
“Cherry” in-ear phones are available in 4 fruity colors: Peach Pink, Cherry Red, Berry Red, Pear White. The “leather belt” line also comes in 4 colors with rather formal names: Brown, Black, Camel (yellow) and Navy (Blue).
Both the SE-CL 23 and SE–CL24 offer frequency response of 20Hz – 20,000Hz, an output sound pressure level of 100dB, an impedance of 16 Ohms, as well as 9 mm drivers.
They will be available in Japan as of mid-March for 2,500 yen.

Featuring HDMI 1.4 3D pass-through technology, new 7.1 channel AV receiver (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) is capable of supporting 3-D audio and video. It passes through the 3D video from the connected devices to a 3D compatible HD TV and also decodes HD audio codecs. It is possible to connect it to a wide variety of HD devices thanks to its Full HD 1080/24p support and 7 HD inputs (4 HDMI and 3 component).
It will be available this June in the US for $500.
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2010 – Sony today announced its first A/V receiver capable of supporting 3-D audio and video.
Featuring HDMI™ 1.4 3D pass-through technology, ample high-definition connectivity and compatibility with all of the latest Blu-ray Disc® audio formats, the new STR-DN1010 AV receiver is designed to create a simple solution for controlling any high-definition or 3D capable home theater.
“It’s important for consumers to understand the important role that audio plays in the in-home 3D experience,” said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony’s Home Audio and Video division. “By streamlining connectivity and supporting 3D hardware and software, the STR-DN1010 receiver will provide a simplified approach to 3D home theater control and performance, ensuring the best possible user experience.”
The 7.1 channel STR-DN1010 AV receiver (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) features full high-definition 1080/24p support and seven HD inputs in total (four HDMI and three component) allowing for connection to a wide variety of HD devices. The receiver’s HDMI 3D pass through technology supports 3D video from connected devices and passes them through to a 3D compatible high-definition television, while decoding high-resolution audio codecs.
The receiver also features an icon-driven menu system for simple device and content navigation and has the ability to upscale analog video sources to 1080p resolution via HDMI. The model also boasts a sleek piano black gloss design that matches Sony’s line of Blu-ray Disc players and televisions.
The STR-DN1010 is compatible with all advanced audio codecs, including Dolby® TrueHD, dts®-HD Master Audio and features wireless 2nd zone capabilities through Sony’s S-AIR® wireless technology. With the addition of an S-AIR transmitter (model EZW-T100) and separate S-AIR speakers (sold separately), the receiver can also drive wireless audio in up to 10 additional rooms.
The STR-DN1010 receiver also features a Digital Media Port (DMP) input for simple connection to external sources including an iPod® and iPhone® (compatible DMP accessories required and sold separately) and is compatible with both Deep Color™ and x.v.Color™.
The STR-DN1010 AV receiver will be available this June for about $500.
Sony also introduced the new STR-DH810, STR-DH710 and STR-DH510 AV receiver models to its core lineup. Specifications are as follows:
STR-DH810 AV Receiver
Available in March for about $400
* 7.1 channel (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
* Seven HD connections (4 HDMI / 3 component)
* Upscales incoming analog video signals to 1080p
* 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready)
* Compatible with Dolby® TrueHD, dts®-HD Master Audio
* Fully Assignable audio and video inputs
* Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
* Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices
* Universal Remote
STR-DH710 AV Receiver
Available in March for about $300
* 7.1 channel (105 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
* Six HD connections (3 HDMI / 3 component)
* 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready)
* Compatible with Dolby® TrueHD, dts®-HD Master Audio
* Fully assignable inputs allows for use of all connections
* Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
* Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices
STR-DH510 AV Receiver
Available in March for about $230
* 5.1 channel (100 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
* Five HD connections (3 HDMI / 2 component)
* HDMI™ Repeater for simplified audio and video signal management
* Blu-ray Disc™ Audio Decoding (Linear PCM Only)
* Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
* Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices

You would rather know about WACOM through its Bamboo Tablet Line but they also have a product line targeting specialty industries such as Medical& Healthcare, Education & Training. This new Interactive Pen Display is especially designed for Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals such as geophysicists, oil & gas experts, planners, engineers, cartographers and emergency responders. It features a 21.5″ widescreen LCD with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, two built-in USB Hubs, DVI-I (digital or analog) input, DVI-I output and video scaler, 16:9 aspect ratio and adjustable stand and comes with a cordless,bBattery-free pen with 512 levels of pressure sensitivity.
It will be available in Spring this year and is announced to come at $1,899.
VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 17 — Wacom®, the leading manufacturer of digital pen input devices, today announced the introduction of its first full HD interactive pen display, the DTU-2231. With direct pen-on-screen input, the DTU-2231 is designed to optimize efficiency and productivity by allowing geophysicists, oil & gas experts, planners, engineers, cartographers and emergency responders to quickly and easily create original content, edit maps as well as manage, analyze and share geographic information.
“Our goal is to positively impact and elevate the way GIS professionals interact with their digital data, especially those working with ESRI applications,” said Wacom Senior Product Manager, Stan Ueno. “With excellent HD resolution and widescreen formatting, the DTU-2231 raises the bar for GIS professionals seeking enhanced navigation and control as well as higher levels of detail, accuracy and efficiency. This, combined with the vast array of other high-performance interactive pen display models offered by Wacom, provides GIS professionals unlimited options to improve mapping, design and red-lining processes.”
Featuring a 21.5″ widescreen LCD with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, the DTU-2231 broadens GIS data across organizations and substantially reduces work cycle times. Institutions such as AMEC and Marin Municipal Water District have all combined Wacom interactive pen display technology with ESRI software to experience enhanced digital workflows which garner up to a 50 percent increase in production efficiencies. These immediate time-savings translate into a significant return on investment.
“ESRI has worked with Wacom to integrate their innovative interactive pen display technology with new software capabilities in ArcGIS 10,” said Eric Wittner, manager of the GeoDesign efforts at ESRI. “This integration will enable designers to quickly sketch directly on screen and evaluate the consequences of alternative design solutions. The availability of a user-friendly pen-based workflow facilitates decision making not only by technical experts, but puts the power back in the hands of the planner and decision maker, and even provides a platform to support public participation. The ability to then rapidly and easily share plans over the Web, with the general public, facilitates the democratization of decision making.”
Further features of the DTU-2231 include:
* Cordless, Battery-free Pen: With 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, the pen provides a tip switch, two customizable side switches, an eraser switch and tether hole
* Built-in USB Hub: With two user-accessible USB ports
* Video Pass-thru: DVI-I (digital or analog) input, DVI-I output and video scaler
* Completely Flat Work Surface: 16:9 aspect ratio and adjustable stand; the DTU-2231 additionally offers anti-reflective treatment
Competitively priced, the Wacom DTU-2231 (USD $1,899 MSRP) will be available for purchase in spring 2010.
About Wacom
Founded in 1983, Wacom®’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of digital human interface solutions. Wacom revolutionized the nature of digital input when it introduced its family of interactive pen displays, allowing users to work with a pressure-sensitive pen directly on screen. Today, thousands of medical, GIS, design and other professionals count on Wacom interactive pen displays to deliver superior control and productivity to their workflow.

As you know, Maemo is Nokia’a linux-based mobile software platform for smartphones and Internet tablets which for example Nokia N900 already runs on and Moblin is Intel’s Linux-based project to realize the World’s fastest booting OS (2 seconds with Intel Atom). They announced at Mobile World Conference the new platform MeeGo which is a fusion of Maemo and Moblin.
In a significant development in the convergence of communications and computing, Intel Corporation and Nokia are merging their popular Moblin and Maemo software platforms. This will create a unified Linux-based platform that will run on multiple hardware platforms across a wide range of computing devices, including pocketable mobile computers, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Called MeeGo, the open software platform will accelerate industry innovation and time-to-market for a wealth of new Internet-based applications and services and exciting user experiences. MeeGo-based devices from Nokia and other manufacturers are expected to be launched later this year.
This announcement strengthens the Nokia and Intel relationship, and builds on the companies’ broad strategic collaboration announced in June 2009. Intel and Nokia now invite participation in MeeGo from existing Maemo and Moblin global communities and across the communications and computing industries.
“Our vision for seamlessly communicating between computing devices from the home, auto, office or your pocket is taking a big step forward today with the introduction of MeeGo,” said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini. “This is a foundational step in our evolving relationship with Nokia. The merging of these two important assets into an open source platform is critical toward providing a terrific experience across a variety of devices and gaining cross- industry support.”
“MeeGo will drive an even wider range of Internet computing and communication experiences for consumers, on new types of mobile devices,” said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, CEO, Nokia. “Through open innovation, MeeGo will create an ecosystem that is second to none, drawing in players from different industries. It will support a range of business models across the value chain, building on the experience and expertise of Nokia, Intel and all those who will join us. Simply put, MeeGo heralds a new era of mobile computing.”
MeeGo blends the best of Maemo with the best of Moblin to create an open platform for multiple processor architectures. MeeGo builds on the capabilities of the Moblin core OS and its support for a wide range of device types and reference user experiences, combined with the momentum of Maemo in the mobile industry and the broadly adopted Qt application and UI framework for software developers.
MeeGo also unites the robust worldwide Maemo and Moblin applications ecosystems and open source communities. For developers, MeeGo extends the range of target device segments for their applications. Using Qt for application development means that they can write applications once and easily deploy them on MeeGo and across other platforms, for example, on Symbian.
The Ovi Store will be the channel to market for apps and content for all Nokia devices, including MeeGo and Symbian-based, with Forum Nokia providing developer support across all Nokia device platforms. The Intel AppUpSM Center will be the path to market for Intel-based MeeGo devices from other device manufacturers, with the Intel® Atom™ Developer Program providing support for applications targeting devices in a variety of categories.
The MeeGo software platform, running on high-performance devices, will deliver a range of Internet, computing and communication experiences, with visually rich graphics, multitasking and multimedia capabilities and the best application performance. Since MeeGo runs on multiple device types, people can keep their favorite applications when they change devices, so they are not locked into one kind of device or those from any individual manufacturer.
MeeGo Hosted by the Linux Foundation
The MeeGo software platform will be hosted by the Linux Foundation as a fully open source project, encouraging community participation in line with the best practices of the open source development model. Intel and Nokia invite the respective members of Maemo.org and Moblin.org to join the combined community at MeeGo.com, as well as encouraging wider participation from the communications, computing and related industries. Developers can begin writing applications for MeeGo in Qt immediately. The first release of MeeGo is targeted for the second quarter of this year.

If in my youth (I really start to sound like an old man) I was quite crazy about sports, Sk8, Surf, Scuba Diving, Ski, Rock Climbing, Dirt Bike (I love the 125CR), Hiking… Now however, I am getting bold, fatter and lazier… But one thing still remains… I love all this sports oriented watch like Casio latest Protrek PRW-5000…
Not only this watch design is pretty cool but it does everything I needed in the past and I am using now in Tokyo, like a Barometer (My colleagues now knows when a Storm is coming), Compass (Very useful if you still own an iPhone 3G), Altimeter (love playing with it in the lift), Temperature sensor (To check how cold it is in the bed room before waking up the morning) and Tough Solar (I Told you I am lazy why would I change the battery of my watch?)
Now, this new Casio PRW-5000 Protek does exactly what my Suunto Core Light Green does but with solar power and 2 time more expensive with a price between 54 to 68000 Yen.

Keeping the 10x optical zoom Sony G lens and 3-inch Clear Photo LCD screen (230, 400 pixels) intact and in common with the Cybershot HX-5V which had been introduced at CES and we talked about on our news then , the new H55 comes as less capable than HX-5V. The main difference is the Exmor R sensor of HX-5V is replaced by a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor and H55 is capable of 720 p HD movies instead of 1080p Full HD movie recording capability.
But all these minuses translate into a $100 less on the price tag as H55 comes at at $250. It will be available in black and silver this April but pre-sales already begin on SonyStyle in February.
From the press release:
Sony also is introducing the H55 model, which offers high zoom in a compact design. The H55 camera’s 10x optical zoom Sony G lens with 25mm wide-angle (equivalent) takes better shots from greater distances and of wider landscapes. With a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor, this camera lets you take panoramic shots in one sweeping motion with Sweep Panorama™ mode. You can also frame and view photos on its three-inch (measured diagonally) Clear Photo™ LCD screen (230,400 pixels).
Featuring 720p movie recording, the H55 model offers Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization to help reduce blur in photos without compromising image quality. It also adds Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode, which lets you shoot smoother movie clips even if you are walking while shooting. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode allows a moveable lens element inside the camera to shift with greater range of motion—10 times the range of the Optical SteadyShot feature at wide end in standard mode—to compensate for camera shake.
The TX5 and H55 cameras share intelligent features including HD movie recording (1280 x 720 at 30p). Additionally, these cameras have a Self portrait timer that automatically takes the shot two seconds after one or two faces are detected, making hand held self-portraits easy. They also offer Smile Shutter™ technology to automatically capture smiles and iAUTO and Easy modes, which make it easy to get the best shot in nearly any lighting situation.
To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the TX5 and H55 cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick® (PRO Duo™) and class-four and above SD/SDHC formats.