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Sony, car makers halt production after Japan earthquakes
Southern Japan has been hit by two serious earthquakes in a matter of days, and those back-to-back disasters may have a significant impact on the tech industry. To start with, Sony has temporarily shut down factories making smartphone camera sensors in Kumamoto and Nagasaki over concerns of possible damage. The company has some inventory to help weather the storm, but it won't have an update until April 18th at the earliest. Any extended downtime could be a problem for the mobile world -- some of the biggest phone makers (including Apple) rely on Sony's sensors, and any significant snarls could hurt their ability to build phones.
Mitsubishi is working on a floating display
While it's not the 3D Star Wars hologram you're hoping for, Mitsubishi is developing a system to project video in mid-air, which it hopes to commercialize in time for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. To pull it off, the company is using two types of optical tech: a beam splitter, which divides incoming photons into reflected and transmitted light, and a retro-reflective sheet that bounces light back in exactly the same direction it came from. By arranging them just so with a display (below), the light reconverges to form an image that appears to float in the air.
Mitsubishi uses sound and WiFi to locate you indoors
There have been many attempts at locating you indoors when GPS fails, but they usually come with catches. WiFi alone isn't very accurate, for example, while a ton of beacons isn't always practical. Mitsubishi may have a good answer to those problems, however: using two techniques at once. It just developed an approach that determines your location based on the time it takes for sound to reach positioning-capable WiFi access points. It's accurate to within 3.3 feet, and it works with as few as three hotspots -- which, of course, can get you online at the same time as they get you from A to B.
Mitsubishi's SeaAerial is an antenna made of seawater
Mitsubishi has developed an unusual alternative to conventional antennae, and it uses seawater instead of metallic conductors. The new system called SeaAerial shoots conductive plumes of seawater into the air to emulate a tall tower and transmit/receive radio-frequency waves. Mitsubishi even believes it could be the first seawater antenna that can receive digital terrestrial TV broadcasts you can watch. (You can see a small-scale sample of a working SeaAerial connected to a TV above.)
Mitsubishi's using AI to save distracted drivers from themselves
There's no doubt that self-driving vehicles will play a huge part in our automotive future, but until they do, ensuring that human drivers stay safe on the road remains the top priority for car companies. Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric, one of the Mitsubishi Group's many subsidiaries, reckons more can be done to keep a driver's focus on the road, so it's developed a new technology that can detect when someone is distracted or feeling tired.
Mitsubishi set to show off its latest far-out EV concept
You may have though Mitsubishi's Tron-like EV concept was a one-off when the company revealed it nearly four years ago. But the Japanese company has been toiling away on the Emirai ever since, and is finally set to unveil a third-generation version. The roadster style electric car looks like it flew in from the future, and has the toys to back it up, most notably the pair of huge, optical-bonding, LCD panels that allow for high visibility and user-selectable layouts. The system also detects hand movements, letting you operate the infotainment system and other controls without looking down.
Mitsubishi will repair your broken LaserVue for free
You might not remember Mitsubishi's rear-projection LaserVue TVs, unless you purchased one and got stuck with a huge repair bill. If so, we hope you kept those receipts, because you may be entitled to a refund for any work done. Mitsubishi has settled a class-action lawsuit brought by consumers over picture problems, like darkened screen sections that appear after 8,000 to 10,000 hours of use. The legal firm handling the suit said that "if you spent your own money to repair certain problems with your LaserVue TV, you may be entitled to a repair, payment or reimbursement" of at least $500.
Singapore tests self-driving cars you use like taxis
One of the greatest allures of self-driving cars is the prospect of never needing your own vehicle -- you could just catch robotic rides whenever you want personal transportation. Well, Singapore is about to explore how well that concept works in practice. The city (with MIT's help) is opening up one of its neighborhoods to autonomous cars next year to see how well they could eliminate traffic congestion. Ideally, you'll use these driverless vehicles like short-range taxis or Uber cars: hail one whenever you need to get to the airport or train station and keep another privately-owned car off the road. That's particularly helpful in Singapore, where the extreme population density (19,725 people per square mile) has led to strong government incentives for using mass transit.
Automakers promise to limit the data they collect from your car (updated)
A modern car is potentially loaded with data: it could be collecting performance stats, where you've been and your internet usage. How do you know that it's not secretly sending that data to advertisers and insurers? You might not have to worry much longer. The Auto Alliance (which includes most major American and German brands) has published a set of privacy principles that will limit both the info these companies collect from your car and dictate how they handle it. If all goes according to plan, the voluntary rules will kick in with the 2017 model year as well as any services that launch in 2016.
Mitsubishi cuts price of i-MiEV electric car by $5,000
When Mitsubishi's i-MiEV plug-in first arrived in late 2011, the ES model was priced at a whopping $27,990. After a few fluctuations on the sticker amount, that version of the compact automobile is now rolling out for $22,995 before incentives with "a much more comprehensive standard equipment package." Features on that list include heated front seats, charge port lamp, Chademo DC quick-charging port and battery warming system among several others. After factoring in the federal EV tax credit of $7,500, the i-MiEV will ring up for the low price of $15,495. California residents that can take advantage of the state's additional $2,500 credit are looking at a mere $12,995 before cruising down the highway. No word on when we'll be able to snag the racing model, though.
Mitsubishi cars get Nokia's Here Traffic road updates in near real time
If you're the sort of driver who needs up-to-the-moment road conditions, you may want to consider a Mitsubishi for your next ride. The automaker's touchscreen-equipped 2014 Lancer and Outlander models in North America can now use Nokia's Here Traffic services, including (almost) real-time congestion alerts, fuel prices and weather. The cars don't need direct internet access; all data goes through HD Radio, which has enough bandwidth to provide updates every 30 seconds. While Here Traffic is only one piece of a full navigation system, it's hard to object to getting more connected car services at relatively little cost.
NHK and Mitsubishi develop the first H.265 encoder for 8K video
NHK's 8K Super Hi-Vision is an extremely bandwidth-heavy format -- so much so that earlier tests used gigabit-class internet links rather than traditional TV broadcasting methods. Thankfully, both the broadcaster and Mitsubishi have developed an encoder that could keep data rates down to Earth. The unassuming metal box (above) is the first to squeeze 8K video into the extra-dense H.265 (HEVC) format, cutting the bandwidth usage in half versus H.264. Its parallel processing is quick enough to encode video in real time, too, which should please NHK and other networks producing live TV. We'll still need faster-than-usual connections (and gigantic TVs) to make 8K an everyday reality, but that goal should now be more realistic.
Mitsubishi Concept CA-MiEV triples the i-MIEV's range, adds wireless charging
Mitsubishi's i-MiEV is known for many accomplishments in the electric car world, but long-range driving and staggeringly good looks aren't among them. Its just-unveiled Concept CA-MiEV solves the former by making at least a token gesture towards the latter. The combination of flat-packed, high-density 28kWh lithium-ion batteries and a sleeker, low-drag shape help the compact car last for 186 miles on a charge, or exactly three times what the i-MiEV could muster. It's enough that Mitsubishi describes the concept as a "suburban" EV that could last for a week of typical European commuting on one charge. As it's a showfloor darling, the Concept CA-MiEV naturally stuffs in a lot of technology that's only sometimes related to the battery: it can charge wirelessly using WiTricity's magnetic resonance, takes data from smartphones and will email the owner if it's stolen. Mitsubishi is quick to warn that the car isn't intended for production, like most concepts, but many of the developments found inside should spread to the automaker's worldwide fleet in the long run.
IRL: ColcaSac Jack Bauer shoulder bag, Mitsubishi WD-82740 3D TV and the Galaxy Note II
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. Hey, we never said our favorite things were practical. This week, Darren tells us why his $125 shoulder bag was worth it, while Jason defends his decision to purchase an 82-inch 3DTV at 2AM (no he wasn't drunk -- we don't think, anyway). Rounding things out, Jon doesn't generally like super-sized phones, but he can't help but enjoy the Galaxy Note II. Read on to find out why.
Mitsubishi is ending rear-projection TVs, ceases production of DLP and laser models
It's time for someone over at IDC to pop the champagne, as its 2007 projection about the end of rear-projection TVs turned out to be only a year off, now that the last company still making them has announced it's getting out of the game. As first reported by CE Pro, Mitsubishi is finally ceding to competition from flat-panels which have grown to equally ridiculous size, and cut prices so sharply that it "can no longer sustain our business in its current form." The company's official statement is after the break, confirming that its DLP and LaserVue models are no more however "existing customer relations and parts and services departments will remain in place along with existing authorized service centers" which should be good news for current owners. There's an in-depth retrospective of the technology at the source link, looking back to Samsung's exit that left Mitsubishi alone in the segment three years ago, long after others like Sony and Hitachi fled for thinner-framed climates. Mitsubishi also made a go of it in flat-panels, but ditched those efforts last year and will now focus on the professional market and home-theater projectors here in the US. In recent years the tech has improved with thinner models, integrated soundbars and even larger screens available. The slowing economy may have extended RPTV's lease on life with a size bang for buck that's tough to beat, but ultimately customers opted for bright flashy flat-panel HDTVs that offer easier wall-mounting options while seeming to get bigger, lighter and cheaper every year. We're sure there are more than a few super-sized rear-projection TVs that will continue to bring the big game to basements and dens everywhere, feel free to celebrate an old friend in the comments below.
Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Evolution electric racer eyes-on
Many automakers are testing the waters by introducing all-electric vehicles to consumers at this year's LA Auto Show, but Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Evolution aims to stomp with the big dogs in the world of competitive racing. Taking second place at this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this juiced up carbon-fiber speedster pushes around 322HP from its three 80KW electric motors and packs a 35KWh lithium-ion battery. While it seems the Evo should be chasing after the Mach 5 and it looks like it came from Pops Racer's garage, many of its components come from its predecessor, with the exception of its all-wheel drive configuration. Speed past the break to get a closer look at this battery-powered brute in all of its manga inspired glory.
Mitsubishi unveils electric Minicab MiEV at CEATEC
To complement Mitsubishi's existing electric minivan and car, the Minicab MiEV has parked itself here at CEATEC, Chiba, adding a Gasoline-avoiding pick-up truck to the family. Capable of reaching distances up to 110km on a single charge, with the option of a portable battery, the vehicle is set to roll in Japanese stores some time next year.
The Engadget Show 35: EVs in Portland, hacked bicycles and a Tesla Model S test drive
With a transportation themed episode, it only seemed natural to take the Engadget Show out of our traditional digs -- it was also a great excuse to visit one of our favorite cities in the world: Portland, Oregon. We drove Mitsubishi's i-MiEV EV around the Northwestern green mecca, stopping at some great PDX spots along the way, including the amazing Ground Kontrol arcade, Hand-Eye Supply and the hackerspace, Brain Silo. We also took the time to speak to some PDX residents, including Core77 co-founder Eric Ludlum and some local modders showing off their homebrew projects. Also, Brian travels out to Boston to ride along with a gang of bike hackers, Myriam takes the Tesla Model S for a spin around the streets of San Francisco and Michael does his best not to fall off the DTV Shredder in the California desert. And, as always, we got a pile of the month's latest and greatest gadgets, including the Google Nexus 7, Hasbro's new Lazer Tag guns and a quick trip around OS X Mountain Lion. Also: comic books, donuts and plenty of EV road trip shenanigans. Click through the break to tune in!
Roku Streaming Stick ready devices will come from Insignia, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Oppo and others
Roku unveiled its miniaturized Streaming Stick at CES, and while we still don't have an exact release date or price tag, the company has produced a list of manufacturers that will deliver "Roku Ready" hardware. That list is comprised of Element Electronics; GlobalVue International, LLC; Haier; Hitachi America, Ltd.; Insignia / Best Buy (which already tried out this strategy once with the whatever-happened-to-the TiVo-powered cTV); Mitsubishi Electric (TVs); Onkyo and Integra; OPPO and TMAX Digital, Inc.(Apex Digital® TVs). In case you've forgotten, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into MHL-compatible HDMI ports to not only feed video to the HDTV, receiver or other device, but also accept remote control inputs and power, and brings its own WiFi hookup for internet access. That way, users can add this single accessory to make a "dumb" flat panel into a connected TV all without any extra cords or switching remotes, and, if necessary, easily upgrade in the future. As CEO Anthony Wood mentioned just days ago Roku's current focus is finding companies willing to work together to provide a well integrated experience for the add-on. To make that clear for potential buyers, Roku Ready devices like HDTVs, receivers and Blu-ray players will not only be stamped with a logo to show they're compatible, some will arrive with the dongle packed in. Its due date is set for "the coming weeks" so it shouldn't be long until we nail down the other details about the Roku Streaming Stick -- all currently available information can be found in the press release after the break.
NHK working on Hybridcast interactive TV platform (video)
NHK is working on Hybridcast (an entirely different system to the Hybridcast 3D-delivery setup it demonstrated last year), a system that uses the internet to make vanilla TV broadcasts interactive. It works by pushing HTML5 overlays to your tablet and TV, so you can play along with quiz shows or follow a travelogue from the comfort of your couch. The company is planning to build a set-top-box with the technology ready for sale next year, with integrated TVs hoped to arrive from Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, Sharp and Mitsubishi shortly afterward. You can see what the residents of Japan can expect by watching the video after the break.
