October 14, 2009
Cell phone advanced technologies unveiled at CEATEC
| In Japan 2009, CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies), Japan's largest trade exhibition for high-tech consumer electronics was held at Makuhari in Chiba prefecture from Oct 6 to Oct 10, 2009. The main attraction showcased the most unique and latest of cell phone technologies. Electronic manufacturers and telecommunication companies are aiming to create a new demand for an already saturated cell phone market by creating new applications. Fujitsu Ltd. displayed a cell phone that has the ability to analyze a person’s golf swing. All the person needs to do is attach the phone to the waist and the built-in sensors evaluate the person’s movements when swinging the golf club. Based on the data collected, it then provides tips from a professional golfer. NTT Docomo Inc. promoted a new technology using sensors that lets users "throw" a text message. This technology allows a person to send a text messages to a nearby person by swinging his or her handset toward them without inputting an e-mail address. If the user swings his or her arm strongly, they can send a message to someone at a distance. Alps Electric Co.'s introduced their latest in technology which uses the human body as a conduit for transferring image data. When a person holding a cell phone in one-hand touches a specially designed display panel with the other hand, a digital image stored in the handset can be transmitted to the panel. The data is transmitted over the surface of the person's body, according to the company, and therefore electric cords or other devices are not necessary for the transmission. KDDI Corp. and Toshiba Corp. showed visitors a prototype of a cell phone that uses a methanol-based fuel cell. The handset can be used for up to 320 hours on a single charge. Due to the recent recession and changes in sales policies, consumers don't buy new handsets as frequently as they did several years ago. The volume of domestic shipments of cell phones fell by about 30 percent in July from the same month in the previous year, according to the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association. Cell phone manufactures and carriers are hoping that attractive features will encourage the demand of cell phones. |
