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Technology Stuff

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Digitless digital

Digital watches have come a long way since their birth in the early 1970’s. So far in fact that it now seems they have progressed to such a level that even digits are surplus to requirements.

Yes, whilst it may not be ideal for quickly checking the time as you dash for an all-important train or meeting, Japanese manufacturer Sea Hope’s new EG design certainly looks the part.

japanese digital watch

Ok, so you may not have a clue what time of day it is, but when you finally reach your destination you’ll have the advantage of an excuse, a ready-made talking point and the EG’s undeniable coolness. All for the surprisingly reasonable price of 15,750 yen (76 pound).

japanese digital watch

But seeing as at the end of the day it is a timepiece, and therefore more than a mere fashion accessory, any idea what different times the two watches are showing? And thankfully it is only the time, the date and year having been mercifully excluded.

Answers on a postcard please, or alternatively you can click here to find out how it works.

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ifish flap

After the rather surprising success of the idog, Sega has made moves to further cement its position as the leading light in the world of MP3 player compatible plastic animals (and now aquatic vertebrates), by introducing the ifish.

ifish

As well as its much vaunted ‘touch a lot’ attributes, the little white wonder flaps its tail to music — a fishy frug of sorts — and even has the ability to glow different colours; its incredible variety of moves and hue set to have users mesmerised for seconds, even minutes at a time.

sega ifish

Yet not content with merely a flap here and a flash there, the ifish is also capable of composing tunes of its own, although whether these original ditties will match their alleged ‘healing’ properties remains to be seen.

The ifish will set you back a fairly modest 5,229 yen (25 pound), although iPod nano owners may want to hold back a while and see if the much rumoured nano-only iamoeba ever materialises.

ifish

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Maid to measure

For anyone looking to satisfy a clandestine cosplay compulsion, online retailer Angel Kitty is something of a one stop shop, its vast array of schoolgirl uniforms, race queen gear, and ubiquitous maid outfits amply covering most bases.

However for those after something just a little bit different, the site’s maid apparel and camera-on-the-end-of-a-detachable-tail combination might be right up your alley.

maid webcam

The USB webcam equipped appendage does bump up the outfit’s price somewhat, but considering its versatility, 22,575 yen (107 pound) isn’t too excessive. An Angel Kitty model in the picture below kindly proving that as well as using the unique item to chat with dear old mum online, it also has plenty of other, rather less parent-friendly options.

japanese maid webcam

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Technological trash

Whilst the likes of Honda and Hitachi are continually pushing the boundaries of robotic technology, other manufacturers appear to be a long way behind their more illustrious and well-funded rivals.

japanese robot

Closer inspection of the image also revealing that large-screen plasma TVs are perhaps not quite as ubiquitous as we are often lead to believe.

(Click image for added crapness)

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Rapid robot

Honda’s Asimo robot has never been a slouch when it comes to pace and agility, with a previous version of the car company’s mechanical mate notching up a fairly respectable top speed of 3 km/h. The newest model however would never be out of the drug testing lab were it an athlete, as it can now rattle along at a very impressive 6 km/h. Leaving its technologically inferior cousin for dust.

asimo running

Yet don’t for a minute think that these new sporting capabilities mean the little chap doesn’t have a softer side. No, from consummate athlete to caring assistant, the machine’s transition is effortless. As by attempting to make the robot into a receptionist of sorts — or even a helping hand in the office — Honda has bestowed Asimo with several new skills. Give the little fella a tray for example (albeit a specially designed one), and he can carry drinks and successfully place them on a table without spilling a drop.

asimo serving drinks

Plus, if you’ve got a party going on with lots of thirsty revelers to serve, the 130cm robot can even push a cart about — although the aforementioned non-spillage probably couldn’t be guaranteed. Such a contraption even giving Asimo the potential to wheel those a bit worse for wear to the lavatory. Providing of course they have strong enough bladders to endure the leisurely paced trip.

asimo moving

Honda claims that the next phase of evolution will be to drastically enhance Asimo’s artificial intelligence. Greatly improving the robot’s ability to make decisions depending on the circumstances and environment.

Not that such future upgrades take anything away from the current model. And for ardent Asimo fans, the bubble-headed bot is available for lease. But with a price tag of 20 million yen a year (95,000 pound), it’s not for the faint hearted.

asimo

To watch Asimo strut his stuff in an array of short videos, click on the movement you want to see. There’s running, pushing, carrying and even exercising. Plus the rather touching walking hand in hand. Although how long it’ll be before the robots are doing the leading remains to be seen.