Toyota Motor Corp and a research body of the University of Tokyo have created a robot prototype that handles household chores. The robots measures 155cm, and weighs 130kg. It has two arms, five recognition cameras and laser sensors and gets around on wheels. The research team have said they will keep improving the robot and hope to start marketing it in around seven years’ time. (more…)

NEC LCD Technologies has announced the successful development of multiple sizes (A3 and A4 equivalent) of electronic paper (e-paper) modules using the microcapsule electrophoresis system. Both new e-paper modules will be showcased in NEC LCD Technologies’ booth #4801 at “FPD International 2008,” which is being held from October 29 to 31 in Pacifico Yokohama, Japan. NEC LCD Technologies recognized the potential of e-paper from an early stage and has long promoted the development, design and fabrication of its various prototypes, in addition to considering a wide variety of marketing and technical aspects. A3 and A4 modules have drawn particular attention due to consumer’s existing daily use of similarly sized paper. (more…)

Tessera Technologies has announced its new FotoNation(R) BlinkCheck technology, which improves image-taking capabilities of digital still cameras (DSCs), cell phones and other camera-enabled devices by ensuring all human subjects in a photo have their eyes open. FotoNation BlinkCheck technology is the latest addition to the comprehensive FotoNation FaceTracker solution. The FotoNation FaceTracker solution identifies and tracks, in real time, more than 10 faces in one image in as little as 0.1 seconds. It provides in-camera face detection and tracking for digital still and cell phone cameras, and other camera-enabled devices. The solution also includes FotoNation SmileCheck technology, which detects smiles and enables the smile shutter mode, in which photographs are automatically captured only when all the detected faces in the picture are smiling. (more…)

LG has introduced the new LG-KC780 8-megapixel digital camera phone, ideal for shooting portraits. The LG-KC780 will go on sale in November 2008, in Europe, then India, Thailand, Hong Kong and China. The LG-KC780 can capture DVD-resolution video and has “Motion Sensor Games”. LG-KC780 is a slim slider phone at 13.9mm thick, the phone boasts a 2.4-inch widescreen LCD while on the photography side of things, there’s a Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens, ISO up to 1600, a SmartLight setting for bright conditions and a built-in image stabiliser. (more…)

Nokia has announced the availability of the much anticipated Nokia N96, its flagship multimedia computer in the iconic Nokia Nseries range. It boasts live TV, 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, turn-by-turn voice navigation, 16GB of internal memory that can be increased to 24GB with an optional microSD card, superior sound and music, N-Gage gaming and a stunning 2.8″ display. First shipments of the Nokia N96 have started and it will be available with an estimated retail price of EUR 550 before taxes and subsidies.

Supporting live TV as it happens using DVB-H technology, the Nokia N96 delivers advanced television viewing across a number of channels. It is even possible to record favorite programmes to watch back whenever suits, be it on a train, in an airport lounge or in a café over a drink.
In many markets, the Nokia N96 comes pre-loaded with a blockbuster movie (title varies by region). Feel part of the action as it erupts through the vivid 2.8″ display and built-in 3D stereo speakers. Sit back, watch the plot unfold and enjoy the special effects hands-free, practically anywhere, thanks to a cleverly designed ‘kickstand’ on the back cover. (more…)

Nokia has announced that the United Kingdom will be the first market in the world to launch ‘Comes With Music’, its groundbreaking service which introduces a revolutionary way for people to discover and enjoy music. Comes With Music gives people a year of unlimited access to the entire Nokia Music Store catalog with the ability to keep all downloaded tracks even after the year is over. (more…)

Samsung’s saucy new 120GB credit card sized USB HDD has made an appearance in China. This 1.8″ 4,200-rpm USB drive may be an attractive buy considering most popular drives use the 2.5″ size format. This credit card usb drive is incredible power saver with impressive performance. The 4200-rpm USB drive only draws less than 1.4W and needs just 300mA from a 500mA USB port. Its power consumption is only one-fourth that of a 2.5″ drive. Disk benchmark shows the 4,200-rpm read speed is rated at 27MB/s and write at 23MB/s, which are on par with high-end flash drives.  Expect the Samsung 1.8″ 40GB version to be priced for approx $161; 60GB for $191; and 80GB for $235. The 120GB will be available at $293. (more…)