The chip is said to send out the animal’s location and a distress signal when it simultaneously finds itself near a sack, a piece of sting, a heavy object, and a large body of water.
Or so I’m led to believe.
Technology Stuff
Smallest internet-capable phone in the world?
Tuesday saw Japan’s largest mobile phone provider, NTT Docomo, unveil what the company is claiming to be the world’s smallest internet-capable mobile phone. The 1.9 cm thick Premini, is a measly 9 cm long and 3.9 cm wide. And weighs in at a waif-like 69g. This new model is said to be aimed at males in their 20’s and 30’s, who want a phone with just the minimum of functions. With minimum possibly meaning everything except a camera!
Whilst the last few years have seen mobile phones increase in size to accommodate their ever expanding range of functions, recently a few basic models similar to the Premini have been released. What they lack in functions, they make up for in size and coolness. Like AU’s decidedly stylish infobar phone.
Mitsuoka’s mini monster
Japan’s Mitsuoka Motor Company unveiled a new electric car this week. Clocking in at a tiny 1.99 metres long and 0.88 metres wide, it’s ideally suited for driving around the congested city. And its lithium-ion battery gives the car an impressive 100 kilometres per charge.
That leaves just one problem. The design. I mean, just take a look at it.
Ok, the production vehicles will have a different colour scheme (and presumably won’t have 100 kilometres emblazoned on the side), but it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s an ugly machine. And in appearance conscious Japan, I can’t see many cool cats wanting to be seen trundling around town in one of these.
I think I’ll stick with my bicycle.
Watch TV?
Ever felt that your watch would be so much better if it had a built in TV? No, me neither. But if you ever do, the clever folk at Tokyo’s NHJ Limited have come up with this nifty little number.
That is a football game that’s showing though. You know what? It might not be such a bad idea after all.
And apologies for the corny title. But it’s quite a clever play on words don’t you think?
Oh, ok then.
Mildly amusing Japanese-English #8
Dutch wife
For reasons unknown, a blow up doll in Japan is called a dutch wife. There probably is a simple explanation for such an unusual name, but I think I’d prefer not to know. That way it’s more intriguing, and also funnier. Unless you happen to be a real Dutch wife I suppose.
But in technology driven Japan, dutch wives are not freakish looking inflatable monsters. Instead they are silicone-molded beauties, that apparently have a texture very similar to real skin and are completely seam free. These state of the art dutch wives do come at a price though. The latest Jewel model will set you back a libido quelling 600,000 yen (3,000 pound).
For anybody in the market for a dutch wife, here’s what you can expect for your money.
And as you can see from these pictures, you can take your bride out on a date, or even to the beach.
Orient Industry who make these companions offer a lifelong after-service, and anticipate a time when the doll will outlive its owner. But for any unwanted dutch wives, the company will discreetly take them back free of charge. And rather than just throw them away, twice a year it has a Buddhist memorial service, where the ‘souls’ of the dolls are consecrated.
