Here’s a neat article describing the next generation of car navigators.

The next generation of car navigators should be able to link with real time monitors such that it will be capable of taking into account real time traffic information. Taking the traffic situation under consideration the car navigator will then recommend the best route. But wait, what if all the people with car navigators all do the same thing … presto a new traffic jam on the alternative route. Don’t worry, there will be a central computer figuring this all out, and guiding cars appropriately.

So as long as the central computer doesn’t catch a virus, I guess this all sounds good.

Also the navigator will be able to help you as you buzz along on the freeway by saying things such as, “don’t get caught in the left lane around this curve, there’s a big accident.” Not only that, but the navigator will be able to tell you which lanes are clear and which aren’t in a traffic jam. Neat.

According to this article [in Japanese] alarm clocks with special features are becoming more and more popular in Japan. Here’s a picture of a particularly funny alarm clock:

Note the clock has wheels because once it starts buzzing, it will roll off the table onto the floor and begin moving around the room. This is so you can’t turn it off and go back to sleep. Instead you have to get up and chase it around the room!

Update: I should have noted that this isn’t really a Japanese story. We’re given no reason to think that this phenomena is any bigger in Japan than elsewhere. For example, here’s a link to a very disturbing guy in America who also prefers love dolls to real women.

Here’s a fairly disturbing video about love dolls in Japan …

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According to uberpulse the iPhone already has the ability to read kanji in its browser. However, you’ll have to wait till next year if you want to use it in Japan!

 

 Don’t they look cute?You can find these at take-g toy’s, on this page.I don’t think they actually have any functionality, you sort of just look at them. They’re probably too expensive to use as toys. There’s no price listed, but as they say, “if you have to ask …”

According to recent press release, Symbian has sold over 20 million smart phones to Japan.

They’ve listed on their home page the Top 20 Japanese smartphone features. Here they are:

1. mobile wallet
2. MANGA on mobile
3. mobile check-in at airports
4. mobile keys for door
5. mobile employee badges
6. mobile cinema tickets
7. mobile transport passes
8. fingerprint authentication
9. face recognition/authentication
10. mobile discount/promotion coupons
11. scented phones
12. mobile fashion consultant
13. mobile live TV
14. wii-like mobile phones (motion-sensor)
15. physical bookmarks for mobiles (shops)
16. privacy screens
17. 1D and 2D codes for marketing and even on fruit and veg labels
18. mobile GPS navigation for pedestrians
19. electric wave posters (uses RFiD)
20. waterproof phones

I don’t have any of these on mine …