Only in Korea

Only in Korea

Only in Korea will you see a sexy PR picture like this announcing the launch of a new notebook. It's a Japanese Toshiba PC, the A350.

As for specs... who cares?!?!? Just look at the babe!

Pepsi White: We got it hands-on

Pepsi White: We got it hands-on

We had the Pepsi Ice Cucumber, then the Pepsi Hawaii, and today we tested for you the Pepsi White!
No, it’s not the latest solution to get white teeth, but simply a Pepsi & Yogurt flavor Drink!
It’s weird, chemical but drinkable…

source
Akihabaranews

Cowon O2 available on japanese market now

Cowon O2 available on japanese market now

Introduced a couple months ago, the new Cowon O2 will be available on November 13 in Japan. Regarding the price, the 32GB version will cost 350€, the 16GB version 280€ and the 8GB around 240€.
As a reminder, our PMP features a 4.3'' touch screen, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of memory, T-DMB, electronic dictionary, and SD card slot ... and is Compatible with DivX, XviD, MPEG4, WM9, H .264 video files and WMA, MP3, AC3, AAC, FLAC, OGG audio files....

Source
Akihabaranews

Casio's Stylish New G-Shock Watches Designed for Lovers

Casio's Stylish New G-Shock Watches Designed for Lovers

It’s not yet Christmas, but for those doing some early shopping Casio introduced their G Present Lover’s Collection 2008. Two new watches designed especially for lovers.

They're sold in a cute package with a suggested price of 240€!

Source
Casio

The next-gen of HDD Rack available now

The next-gen of HDD Rack available now

Here you are some new type of Rack which are now available, the SATA HDD External case with RAID, and the SATA and SAS HDD Internal Rack.

About the first one, it can receive two 3.5-Inch SATA HDD (up to 2x 1TB of Capacity), Supports RAID 0 / 1 (Striping, Mirroring, Standard, Combine). We got it hands on, and it’s seems to be robust. Like a classical HDD Rack, you’ll just have to insert your Hard disk into the Slot, and it’s ready to go.

Regarding, the second device, it’s an internal Rack, which can be connected by SATA port, or SAS port. There’s no limit concerning the storage capacity, and can receive up to three 3.5’ SATA and SAS Hard Disk. Seems to be really interesting solution!

Source
Akihabaranews.com

Sunday Stories: Subaru Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary

Here you are YET another limited Edition made by Subaru and STI, the Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary ! Only 300 units of this limited STI edition will be sold in Japan.

Among many improvement designed to get the best possible handling for your Impreza WRX without feeling the needs to touch to the engine power, you will find a new 18” aluminum wheels, STI springs, STI spoilers (Front & Rear)...

We are pretty sure that these little improvement may lead to a better handling for this Impreza but it will surely rather attract hardcore fan than the average buyer. 
This STI 20th Anniversary will be sold in Japan for 42000€ only

Source
Subari STi

Sunday Stories: GT-R is BACK !!

GT-R is BACK !!

The 8th round of the Japanese Super GT was held in Kyushu this weekend on Oita Prefecture's Autopolis race track. With only 300km to run, the winning car this time was the XANAVI NISMO GT-R driven by the French Treluyer and Japanese Motoyama. They're now leading the GT500 Championship with only one race left to go.

2nd and 3rd place were taken by EPSON NSX and ARTA NSX.


Source
Akihabaranews

2 New NAS from COREGA

2 New NAS from COREGA

NAS, better known as Network Attached Storage, are gods wonder... If you are a Media Freak like I am, you must own a NAS PERIOD !

And there are you are 2 more NAS for your own pleasure, the CG-HDC2U3100 and CG-NSC1000GT. The First Support RAID 0/1 while the other one only, and the other one also support DLNA as well as RAID 0/1/5/10/5+Spare. Both NAS Support a maximum of 2TB.

Source
Akihabaranews

Nikon's First Consumer Digital Camera

Nikon's First Consumer Digital Camera

RT reader Chris Zorn recently brought the Nikon Coolpix 100 to our attention. He remarked, "It was built around a PCMCIA card, which (in the days before USB) was the best way of getting pics on and off. Picture quality was not great, but fine for the websites of the day..."

This futuristic camera was Nikon's first foray into the world of consumer digital photography. Announced in 1996, it was more a novelty than a serious photographic tool.

The Coolpix 100 offered crude 0.3 megapixel resolution and stored only 19 photos at its highest resolution. The camera was powered by four AA batteries and featured a clever pull-apart case that opened to reveal a PCMCIA card which could be slipped into a laptop to transfer images. You had to rely on the viewfinder to frame your shots - there was no color LCD display.

In an October 1997 review, PC Pro Magazine naievely declared, "Digital cameras may seem like a bit of a fad, given that they tend to be fairly low resolution or ridiculously expensive."

It's easy to see how a reviewer could have so completely underestimated the digital revolution that was just around the corner - the handful of digital cameras available in the late 1990s were targeted at realtors and insurance adjusters who needed instant digital snapshots that could be emailed and posted to the web.

Even though digital photography was in its infancy in 1997, it took a mere decade for it to all but obliterate the consumer film market. High-end film cameras now sell for a fraction of their cost when new, and I suspect they'll continue to lose value - at least in the short term. In other words, now might be the perfect time to pick up a classic medium format or 35mm SLR film camera.

Source

Retrothing

RetroSound - Elegant Modern Stereos For Vintage Cars

RetroSound - Elegant Modern Stereos For Vintage Cars

The $299 RetroSound Model One neatly solves the problem of adding modern digital sound to your classic vehicle. It includes an Infinimount system that allows you to space the control knobs as required to fit virtually any console. The distinguished-looking front panel is removable and features a mini USB jack and analog aux input for connecting an mp3 player or streaming music directly from a portable thumb drive.

The Model One also includes an integrated AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, 4 x 60W amplification and RCA pre-amp outputs if you'd like to pump out Dark Side of the Moon at slightly more earth shattering levels. There's even a trunk mountable 10 CD changer for old timers who haven't yet joined the iPod revolution.

RetroSound offers dozens of different faceplates to ease installation into most vintage vehicles from the 1940s to the present, including such classics as the 1967-1968 Camaro/Firebird, 1970-1978 Datsun 280Z and even the 1976-1987 Chevy Chevette (oh, the humanity!)

Source
Retrothing

LED Based Video projector, the VLP-100

LED Based Video projector, the VLP-100Scitec Japan introduces a new Video projector, the VLP-100, with a stunning... brace yourself, QVGA resolution 320x240 and featuring a LED base lighting system (4 LED made by the German manufacturer OSRAM).
Our Device has a size of 180 x 110 x 55 mm for 1kg.

Now my question is just plain stupid, but 320 x 240 ? What for ? Scitec expect selling this 296€.

Source
AkihabaraNews

Samsung Yepp Q1, YP-Q1, Hit korea stores.

Samsung Yepp Q1, YP-Q1, Hit korea stores.

Not a really new product per se, but the Q1 from Samsung we talked about at the end of August finally found its way in Korea stores.

In a Nutshell, our Q1 is available in 4, 8 or 16GB, has an 2.4” QVGA screen, the DNSe 3.0 with sound upscaling for improved audio quality.

Source
Samsung

Sunday Stories: iQ100G : Toyota to Launch Ultra-compact 'iQ' in Japan Permalink Toyota to Launch Ultra-compact 'iQ' in Japan

Toyota to Launch Ultra-compact 'iQ' in Japan

Hey Folks! We're just back from Tokyo's Makuhari Messe where we were invited to a showcase of the new iQ from Toyota. It's was an awesome American style show with at least 30 cars exhibited!

Here's some nice pictures of the iQ which will be available on November 20th.

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today it will begin sales of its new "micro-premium" car, the "iQ*1", in Japan starting on November 20.

The iQ combines outstanding performance and superior quality in an ultra-compact form that dispels conventional notions about small cars.

A newly designed platform enables an ultra-efficient package that seats four in a vehicle 2,985mm long by 1,680mm wide by 1,500mm high. The iQ's unique styling creates a sense of sophistication and presence that belies the car's size.

A 1.0-liter engine delivers outstanding cruising and environmental performance, offers fuel efficiency at the highest levels for its displacement, and also meets the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards under the recently introduced JC08 test cycle. The iQ is highly responsive at low and medium speeds, provides stable cruising performance at high speeds, and has a minimum turning radius of 3.9 meters—one of the shortest in the industry. In addition, a S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) system and a total of nine airbags, including the world's first*2 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) rear window curtain shield airbag, are standard on all models to provide outstanding safety performance.

The iQ is also planned to go on sale in Europe in early 2009.

Vehicle Outline

Cutting-edge design

* The iQ embodies the Toyota vehicle design philosophy of "Vibrant Clarity" by fusing conflicting elements to create something that is "small yet spacious".
* Mathematical models based on conch shells and water ripples were used to create interior and exterior lines, surfaces and designs reflecting the beauty of nature.
* The wheel arches, emphasized by the placement of the 15-inch wheels as close to the four corners of the vehicle as possible, and the robust front view all integrate with the flowing body lines to convey stability and dynamism.
* "Aero-corners" designed into the front and rear bumpers emphasize the strength of the wheel arches and provide outstanding aerodynamic performance.
* The world's first* high and low beam integrated projector headlights and LED rear combination taillights are testament to the iQ's cutting-edge status.
* Door mirrors with highly visible built-in turning signals come standard.
* Nine body colors, including the new Jade Green Metallic, are available.
* The center cluster and door trim, the design of which was influenced by the motion of a manta ray, help create a refined interior space.
* The angular instrument panel combines with the flowing curves of the center cluster to create a space that feels both technologically advanced and natural.
* The seats, steering wheel, and gear shift knob feature real leather for a high-quality feel (in the 100G "Leather Package").
* The steering wheel, instead of being fully circular, has a flat bottom section to facilitate comfortable operation and ease of ingress and egress.
* Available steering-wheel-mounted audio system controls enhance operability.
* The angle-adjustable white, round LED map light provides broad light.
* The temperature, mode, and airflow of the automatic air conditioning are adjustable through a single dial.

* As of September 2008, according to research by TMC


Six methods used to achieve ultra-efficient package

* Inverting the differential gear and putting its output axle in front made it possible to position the wheels forward of the engine, resulting in a reduced front overhang.
* Optimal component placement—moving the differential gear forward (see above) and positioning the steering gearbox higher—allowed for a compact engine compartment.
* A flat fuel tank located below the floor reduced rear overhang.
* The driver and front passenger seatbacks were made thinner, while still providing seat grip and comfort, to create greater legroom in the back.
* A much smaller air conditioning module is housed in the center of the instrument panel thereby increasing passenger legroom.
* Repositioning the air conditioner allowed for an asymmetrical dashboard that gives the front passenger seat a greater sliding range, allowing for comfortable use of the rear.


By use of the above, an ultra-efficient package has been created that seats four—three adults and one child. Further, ample space for a large suitcase can be created by use of the 50/50-split rear seats. Also, storage space created under the rear seats further enhances convenience.


Outstanding environmental performance

* The 1.0-liter engine boasts fuel efficiency of 23.0km/l in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), and 21.0km/l in the JC08 test cycle. The iQ meets the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards*. (CO2 emissions are 101g/km in the older 10-15 cycle and 111g/km in the JC08 test cycle.)
* The vehicle also achieves 75% lower emissions than the 2005 standards under the MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
* An Eco Driving Indicator that lights up to signify fuel-efficient vehicle operation and a new "eco-drive zone" display showing throttle use aim to raise driver awareness toward environmentally friendly driving.
* A switch-engaged Eco Mode improves fuel efficiency by more optimally aligning driving force with accelerator operation and by putting the air conditioner into a low energy consumption mode.
* TMC employed the Eco-Vehicle Assessment System (Eco-VAS)—its original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system. Efforts included setting environmental targets at the start of vehicle development to achieve balanced reduction in areas of environmental impact and carrying out a life cycle assessment for reducing overall CO2 and atmospheric contaminants throughout the vehicle's lifecycle, from production and use to disposal.
* A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives usually used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of volatile organic compounds used, thereby also reducing the unpleasant odors normally emitted from such compounds, thus achieving the Japanese automobile industry's voluntary goals.

* Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy


Driving performance characterizes both agility and stability

* A newly developed electric-power steering system and suspension provide crisp response at low and medium speeds and stable driving performance at high speeds.
* Power steering delivers both responsiveness and smoothness of operation for outstanding handling and driving pleasure.
* The suspension system features MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam system in the rear for a level of cruising stability and comfort uncommon with such a short wheelbase.
* The combination of a 1.0-liter 1KR-FE engine with Super CVT-i delivers superior cruising and environmental performance.
* A new intake system layout created to fit the compact engine compartment provides ample torque at low and medium speeds as well as outstanding acceleration performance during stop-and-go city driving.
* Super CVT-i uses a wide gear-ratio range and a lock-up torque converter that works even at low speeds, and achieves both excellent driving performance and fuel efficiency by working effectively with the engine.
* Electronically controlled, liquid-filled engine mounts that delicately reduce engine vibration and a windshield featuring sound-absorbing glass contribute to a highly tranquil cabin.


High safety performance

* A total of nine airbags come standard, including the world's first SRS rear window curtain shield airbag, which deploys from the roof lining above the rear window to protect rear passengers' heads in the event of a rear-end collision.
* The S-VSC system, which also comes standard, optimally balances driving power, steering and braking, aiming to maintain driving stability regardless of road conditions.
* Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) construction has been further developed to create an advanced collision-safety body structure. The iQ was subjected to omni-directional, vehicle-to-vehicle collision tests with a heavier vehicle and the results met the stringent GOA standards for superior collision safety performance.
* The structure of the body reduces the likelihood of pedestrian head injuries.
* Newly developed seats with integrated headrests—designed in line with the Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) concept—are standard for the front seats. In a rear-end collision, the entire seatback, including the headrest, absorbs the force to alleviate impact on the neck and reduce whiplash injuries.

Source
NihonCar

Sunday Stories: Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept

Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept

Is the IS-F potentially too much for you? If so, what about a baby IS-F with the Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept?

This little wonder just showed-up at the Australian International Motor Show. Simply put, the IS Sport Concept is an IS-F without its 5l V8 engine. Nevertheless Toyota worked hard tuning-up this concept with a more powerful 2.5l V6 engine that develops 213hp, as well as installing Blistein sport shock absorbers and springs, improving the breaking system, 19” wheels, enlarged air intake and cat-back exhaust, a new sport clutch with short-shift kit, carbon fiber engine cover, and restyled spoilers and skirts.

A very interesting move from Toyota/Lexus, for many the IS-F is far from being financially and technically accessible to all.

Source
NihonCar

Buffalo Japan Upgrade its TeraStation Pro to 6TB

Buffalo Japan Upgrade its TeraStation Pro to 6TB

If you happen to have around 1580€ to waist and badly need 6TB of Space for your Huge Porn Collection, you will be happy to learn that Buffalo Japan just announced its TS-H6.0TGL/R5, a 6TB NAS... Yep that’s huge !

Source
Akihabaranews

Casio Pimps a Doraemon Exilim Digital Camera

Casio Pimps a Doraemon Exilim Digital Camera

After releasing their point & shoot digital camera, the EXILIM EX-Z80, with our favorite Hello Kitty, Casio is pimping another EXILIM camera, the EX-Z20.

This digital camera comes with a Doraemon design, an 8.1MP CCD sensor, a 38-114mm lens with 3x optical zoom, 12.4MB of internal memory, a 2.6-Inch LCD monitor, MMC/SD/SDHC slot, and a face detection function. It records video in H.264/AVC (848×480).

Available in December

Source.
Akihabaranews

Get a Second USB-powered Screen

Get a Second USB-powered Screen for your Notebook or Desktop

Century Japan was kind enough to give us a MEGA heads-up of one of their future best sellers, the LCD-4300U.
With an official sell and launch in Japan in the middle or late November, this USB powered 4.3” LCD is the ideal companion for anyone on the go who wants a second screen for MSN. It's even for Photoshop users who need to have ALL their main screens free of tools.

Compatible with PC (XP / Vista) or MAC (Intel) these screen feature a WVGA resolution of 800 x 480 with an LED backlight.

Century also confirmed that up to seven of these screens can be can hooked-up to a single PC.

The good news is that this product is on Pre-Order for 19,800 Yen (The official retail price here in downtown Tokyo!)

Source
GeekStuff4U

Onkyo MHP-UW2 Wireless Headphone

Onkyo Introduces New Wireless Headphones, the MHP-UW2

Onkyo announced the November availability of their new wireless headphones the MHP-UW2. These new Bluetooth headphones provide a frequency response of 50Hz-20,000Hz, and come with 30mm driver units and an iPod adaptor/receiver. Unfortunately, we have no further information concerning specs.

They'll around 150€ in Japan.

Source
Onkyo

Tokyo Game Show 2008: Motorstorm 2 Hands-on

Tokyo Game Show 2008: Motorstorm 2 Hands-on

The new Motor Storm 2 was exhibited at the Tokyo Game Show 2008. We waited impatiently to get our hands-on it to see what it had to offer… and found that Motorstorm 2 is almost the same as the previous version.

The novelty concerns tracks and a new type of car (Monster Truck), but that’s it. The game remains beautiful, fluid, good speed impression (especially when you use the boost). Play with up to 16 players online…

First opus amateurs will be sure to enjoy it.

Source
Akihabara

Paris Motor Show 2008: Mazda' New Roadster - MX5

Paris Motor Show 2008: Mazda' New Roadster - MX5

There's no doubt the Mazda Roadster - MX5 is one of the most exciting Roadsters on the market. Sure, our MX5 doesn't feature a fancy V6 or V8 engine, but it's truly a great and affordable automobile. The 2009 version comes with a redesigned front end, along with, at last, an improved interior!

Under the bonnet there's a 2.0l engine with 160hp and 188Nm, available with either a manual or automatic gear box. Lord, we're looking forward to testing this new baby soon!

Source
NihonCar

Paris Motor Show 2008: The New Mitsubishi Colt

Paris Motor Show 2008: The New Mitsubishi Colt

Here's a shiny all new Colt from Mitsubishi. Available in three or five doors, our Colt has a new grille very similar to its big sister the Lancer/Galant. If we're not too excited about the stock version, the Ralliart will for sure be the model we'll try to get our hands on ASAP!

Colt (European market model)
Mitsubishi Motors launched the Colt series in Europe in 2004, and since that time it has sold some 270,000 models. The series includes many variants including the 5-door Colt, 3-door Colt CZ3, turbocharged 3-door Colt CZT and soft-top Colt CZC.
Major changes to the new European Colt unveiled at the Paris Motor Show include the Mitsubishi Motors signature inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal "jet fighter" grille also used on the Lancer series. The 5-door body models also feature a restyled rear end and are joined by a new turbocharged trim level. A new Colt Ralliart trim level is offered in both 5-door and 3-door versions.
The new Colt series also reflects Mitsubishi Motors' strong commitment to the environment. The low-CO2 Colt Clear Tec model is powered by a 1.1- or 1.3-liter engine which incorporates the company's AS&G (auto stop-&-go) idling stop system. In addition, the 1.3-liter Colt Clear Tec FFV caters to growing demand for flexible-fuel vehicles.

Source
NihonCar