Tag - tech

 
 

TECH

Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 27, 2020
Japan's COVID-19 app reaches 4 million downloads in first week
Japan's COVID-19 contact-tracing app has been downloaded more than 4 million times since its launch a week ago as the government seeks to head off a second wave of infections now that businesses and schools have reopened.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 25, 2020
Japanese firms testing AI tech to recruit talent
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, companies look to different ways of interviewing and hiring workers.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 25, 2020
NTT to acquire ¥64 billion stake in NEC to collaborate on 5G
The two firms hope to catch up to global rivals Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei 5G in developing mobile networks and base stations.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 23, 2020
SoftBank to sell slice of T-Mobile in a $21 billion deal
The transaction is part of a broader $42 billion push by SoftBank to unload assets to finance stock buybacks and pay down debt.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 23, 2020
Apple switches to own chips for Macs as it adds features and privacy controls
Apple Inc. on Monday said it will switch to its own chips for its Mac computers, saying the first machines will ship this year, ending a nearly 15-year reliance on Intel Corp. to supply processors for its flagship laptops and desktops.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 22, 2020
Nintendo downshifts on mobile ambitions after Animal Crossing success
With its Switch console thriving amid the pandemic, the firm has reviewed its prospects in a $77 billion mobile gaming market plagued with questionable profit models.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 20, 2020
Fujitsu brings hand-washing AI to COVID-19 fight in Japan
The artificial intelligence program was developed based on thousands of hand-washing patterns that can help it detect when people aren't using soap.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 19, 2020
Japan's coronavirus contact-tracing app launched amid privacy concerns
'It does not collect personal data at all. People can use it without worry,' Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in urging its use to curb the pandemic.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2020
SoftBank to invest in 14 startups run by minority founders
Companies will receive at least u00a516 million through an accelerator, with further capital available from a u00a510.6 billion fund for founders of color.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 18, 2020
Twitter tests new audio feature that lets you tweet in your own voice
The function lets people send out 140-second voice messages but will be monitored with new systems to prevent abuse.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 18, 2020
U.S. proposes wide overhaul of legal shield used by online platforms
The proposals could upend the firms' business models, while limiting their discretion over removing political posts.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 12, 2020
Google sues Sonos as patent fight over wireless speakers heats up
Technology giants such as Google and Amazon.com have been expanding into selling internet-connected home gadgets.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 4, 2020
SoftBank creates $100 million fund to back companies led by people of color
The effort stems from U.S. and international disgust with the death of George Floyd, who died after a white Minneapolis cop knelt on his neck for over eight minutes.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jun 4, 2020
Japan's smart cities: Technological dreams or 'Big Brother' nightmares?
Late last month, the Diet passed a revised bill paving the way for so-called “super cities” or “smart cities.” Supporters tout them as high-tech marvels where artificial intelligence and big data are to be used to provide more efficient and cost-effective solutions to social problems, especially...
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 3, 2020
Automating factories creates $100 billion Japan corporate giant
Keyence is famed for its dizzying profitability with an operating profit margin of more than 50 percent, among the country's highest.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 31, 2020
Japan's new contact-tracing app: 'security blanket' or effective tool?
Minimally intrusive and conditional on consent, the app's privacy concerns are minimal, with widespread penetration its largest obstacle to success, observers say.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 27, 2020
Japanese firm's ultraviolet technology succeeds in weakening coronavirus
The University of Miyazaki said Wednesday its joint research has shown that ultraviolet technology developed by a Japanese firm is effective in weakening the novel coronavirus.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 27, 2020
Japan enacts high-tech 'super city' bill
The government hopes to utilize cutting-edge technologies to address issues such as depopulation and the aging of society.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 27, 2020
Japan enacts law toughening transparency regulations on tech giants
The measure addresses concerns such companies are taking advantage of their market dominance to mistreat merchants who offer wares on their platforms.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
May 25, 2020
Major Japan electronics show CEATEC to be held online due to virus
One of Japan's major annual electronics shows will be held online in October due to safety concerns arising from the novel coronavirus, organizers said Monday.

Longform

Traditional folk rituals like Mizudome-no-mai (dance to stop the rain) provide a sense of agency to a population that feels largely powerless in the face of the climate crisis.
As climate extremes intensify, Japan embraces ancient weather rituals