Tech
Microsoft profit rises on shift to cloud computing
Microsoft on Thursday reported that its quarterly profit climbed to $6.5 billion, lifted by its shift to computing services hosted in the internet cloud. The U.S. technology giant said revenue in the recently ended quarter rose to $23.3 billion, with $7.4 billion of that due to its "intelligent cloud" offerings.… Read
Motorbike headlamp illuminates same area even when body is tilted
Taiwanese headlight maker Chang Hao Industrial Technology Co Ltd has developed a technology to horizontally emit light from the headlamp of a motorbike even when the body of the motorbike is tilted. The new technology enables to keep directing light at a certain area by preventing the direction of light… Read
SoftBank CEO sees massive data, AI as key to future advances
Masayoshi Son, chief executive of SoftBank Group Corp., says artificial intelligence combined with data gathered by billions of sensors will bring on an "information revolution," that will benefit people more than the 19th century industrial revolution. Son, Japan's richest person, told SoftBank customers and partners gathered at a Tokyo hotel… Read
Samsung to recover rare metals, components in Galaxy Note 7s
Samsung Electronics says it will recover gold and other metals in the recalled Galaxy Note 7 and retrieve components from the fire-prone phones to reduce wastes. The South Korean company said it will likely retrieve 157 tons of gold, silver, cobalt, copper and other metals from millions of smartphones that… Read
Google Glass reborn for the workplace
After spending two years on the sidelines, Google Glass internet-linked eyewear is back in the game, this time aimed at helping workers do their jobs. General Electric, Volkswagen, and Boeing are among more than 50 businesses taking part in testing a Glass Enterprise Edition in a limited program, project lead… Read
Japanese engineers develop headset-less VR system
A virtual reality "space ride" in which viewers feel as if they are flying through the air inside a giant glass ball has been developed in Japan. Unlike conventional VR systems, the "8K:VR Ride" -- which resembles a cross between a theme park ride and a miniature IMAX theatre --… Read
Anti-reflection plastic developed based on moth eyes
Imuzak, a Japanese firm that deals with optical designs, has developed a plastic that reduces light reflection. When the plastic is applied to the cover of a center meter, the screen cover of a car navigation system, etc, it reduces light reflection and glare and makes displayed information more viewable.… Read
Company unveils auto seat for VIPs
NHK Spring Co Ltd, a Japan-based firm that deals with auto seats and suspension springs, has unveiled a seat for VIPs. The company is marketing the seat to automakers in the aim of commercializing it. The most distinguishing feature of the seat is that it can measure the pulse rate… Read
New LED light bulb catches, kills bugs
E Balance Co Ltd has released an LED light bulb with a built-in electric pesticidal lamp. The LED light bulb attracts bugs with 385-400nm-wavelength ultraviolet light, which is favored by mosquitoes, etc, and electrifies them to death after they enter the device. Dead bugs are removed by using an accompanying… Read
Windows Phone 8 fades out as Microsoft mulls mobile strategy
Microsoft has ended support for its Windows 8 smartphones, as the U.S. tech giant focuses on other segments, amid ongoing speculation about its strategy for mobile. Users of Windows-powered phones -- which have failed badly against rivals from Apple and Google Android -- were invited to upgrade to its latest… Read
