Digital | TECH_JAPAN Aug 22, 2012

Japanese companies aspire to take a bite out of the e-reader apple

by Rick Martin

With so many competitors in the tablet and e-reader market these days, it’s getting harder and harder for manufacturers to differentiate themselves from similar offerings. Apple’s iPad held 68 percent of the worldwide market share in the second quarter according to Massachusetts-based research firm ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Aug 15, 2012

Despite flaws, Rakuten is 1-0 against Amazon in Japan's e-book wars

by Akky Akimoto

Rakuten, Japan’s largest online shopping mall — and a head-to-head rival of Amazon Japan that also hopes to expand its business globally — launched its first e-book reader, the Rakuten Kobo Touch, on July 19, getting the jump on the long anticipated Japanese release ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Aug 8, 2012

3-D movies, games and silence on the go with your phone

by Jess Mantell

There is an ever-expanding array of peripherals for smartphones — particularly for iPhone, not just because it is the most popular brand but also because it has one standard body shape, unlike the multitude of Android phones, making it easier to build attachments for. ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Aug 1, 2012

Get your sick days ready for 'Dragon Quest X'

by Brian Ashcraft

For many gamers, “Dragon Quest” is shorthand for Japanese role-playing games. The series is iconic. It’s loved by players young and old. No wonder then that the latest entry, “Dragon Quest X,” is easily this year’s most anticipated title in Japan. Released this week, ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Jul 25, 2012

Making the move away from smartphone snaps

by Rick Martin

For aspiring photographers looking to step up their game from a point-and-shoot camera or smartphone, there have been a number of exciting new options released in recent weeks. Whether you want to take the leap to your first DSLR, opt for a more evolved ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Jul 18, 2012

Japan's LINE social network could challenge global competitors

by Akky Akimoto

LINE is a cross-platform communication service and app, offered for free by Naver, from NHN Japan. The basic functionality allows users to send text messages and to make free calls with other users who have the app installed on their smartphones. The service launched ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Jul 11, 2012

Gadgets for fat fingers, rich kids and video thrills

by Jess Mantell

Whether you are big, small, active or lazy, here is your monthly round-up with a little something for everyone. iPhone dialing wand Here is a handy little product for the digitally well endowed — a smartphone touch-pen that plugs into the device’s earphone jack. ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Jun 27, 2012

Weighing up ultra-thin new laptops from Japan

by Rick Martin

Over the past few weeks we have seen a barrage of great new laptop offerings from PC manufacturers, all hoping to deliver thin, light, and powerful mobile-computing solutions driven by Intel’s new Ivy Bridge processor. Competition in this space will be fierce, perhaps even ...

Digital | TECH_JAPAN Jun 13, 2012

Gadgets and games to keep you dry in the washroom

by Jess Mantell

It’s not the classiest of topics, but here I go touching on the taboo — toilets. We all visit the bathroom several times a day, and what a relief that we do! The experience can conjure a curious mix of emotions: pleasure, pain, anxiety, ...