Xi
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China's new cybersecurity laws are a nightmare
Privacy fans will be delighted to hear that China has passed new cybersecurity regulations that mandate the use of real names. In addition, companies who operate in the country will be forced to store their data locally, making it fair game for surveillance. Finally, businesses will be pressured into censoring content that is "prohibited," like posts promoting democracy. If that wasn't bad enough, China also requires the right to shut down products and services -- at will -- to respond to security incidents.
China tells the world to respect its censorship
Chinese president Xi Jinping opened the World Internet Conference by telling world leaders to respect other nation's cyber sovereignty. The leader went on to say that every country has the right to govern the web in accordance with local laws, and that China stands against "internet hegemony." The move reinforces China's right to suppress information on a whim, like when it shuttered Instagram during the Hong Kong democracy protests. By making it an issue of sovereignty, the country is effectively shouting "back off" to rivals who would dare criticize its heavy-handed attitude toward censorship.
Panasonic Eluga P P-03E takes on Samsung with its own air gestures (video)
Don't think that the Galaxy S 4 has a lock on the concept of touch-free input. Panasonic has bolstered NTT DoCoMo's summer lineup with the Eluga P P-03E, a 4.7-inch Android phone whose one-handed interface can involve even less finger contact than Samsung's flagship. Its central Touch Assist feature lets owners unlock their phone, answer calls, preview content and enter text by hovering a digit just above the glass. The handset is no slouch outside of its signature trick, either -- it carries a 1080p LCD, a 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 processor, 32GB of expandable storage and a sizable 2,600mAh battery. Japanese customers will have their chance at Panasonic's above-the-screen magic in late June, although we wouldn't count on the Eluga P reaching the US anytime soon.
NTT DoCoMo details its 150Mbps LTE rollout, plans to double base stations
To this day, relatively few wireless carriers offer LTE at its loftiest 150Mbps speeds. We'll soon get to count NTT DoCoMo among those ranks, however. Alongside the launch of its summer phone lineup, the Japanese network has firmed up some details of its Xi speed-up plans. The initial rollout will focus on the major centers of Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo, all of which should have 150Mbps access by the end of the year. While NTT DoCoMo hasn't settled on the frequencies it will use, Impress Watch understands that this could involve reusing 1,700MHz FOMA 3G bands to get around local spectrum limits. Regardless of the speeds, there should be a tangible improvement in coverage -- the provider hopes to more than double its Xi base stations from 24,400 in March to 50,000 by the end of 2013. Most of us won't reap the rewards of the upgrade, but it's good to know that Japan's biggest carrier will soon be a first-class 4G citizen.
NTT DoCoMo's Xi gets 10 million subscribers on the LTE bandwagon
Lately, NTT DoCoMo hasn't had to push its customers to LTE so much as give them a gentle nudge. Just half a year after it notched up 4 million customers on its Xi service, the Japanese carrier has already reached 10 million -- no mean feat when it took the carrier a year following the 2010 launch to get its first million. Of course, it's not too difficult to explain just why adoption has been accelerating. Along with expanding coverage and improved speeds, DoCoMo has been releasing LTE phones aplenty to virtually guarantee that customers will move to 4G. Still, we don't see any sign that the trend will stop when the carrier is launching a slew of high-end devices to catch 3G stragglers.
LG Optimus G Pro official for Japan: 5-inch 1080p LCD, 1.7GHz S4 Pro and Jelly Bean
Remember how the LG Optimus G Pro saw its biggest leak in Japan? We might just know why. Local carrier NTT DoCoMo has confirmed the new flagship's existence as part of a spring device lineup, and it's everything that was rumored just days ago. LG is adding to the rapidly burgeoning crowd of 5-inch, 1080p phones while freshening the formula we'd seen in the regular Optimus G: there's now a quicker, 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro chip, a heftier 3,000mAh battery and Jelly Bean (albeit Android 4.1, not 4.2) out of the box. Other elements are familiar carryovers, such as the 2GB of RAM, 13-megapixel camera, 32GB of built-in storage, a microSDXC slot and LTE. Japanese buyers will have to wait until early April to pick up an Optimus G Pro for themselves; as LG hasn't confirmed the phone separately, other countries' launches are still up in the air.
NTT cuts fiber internet prices in Japan, may be reacting to an LTE generation
As manic as LTE adoption has been in the US, it could be triggering a full-fledged generational rift in Japan. NTT is cutting prices for fiber-to-the-home internet access by as much as 34 percent in the midst of falling landline subscriptions, and Australia's Delimiter hears from unofficial sources at the provider that the cuts may be in response to youth being enamored with 4G on their phones. The tipsters believe that many of the younger set are picking one expensive LTE plan, even with data caps, instead of paying for two services; a price drop would be an attempt to keep at least a few of these wireless rebels onboard. Take the assertions with a grain of salt when there's no official statements to match, but there's no doubt that 4G demand is booming when NTT's own DoCoMo just landed its 7 millionth Xi contract. We only wish American wired and wireless carriers would be so accommodating of our temptation to cut the cord.
Japan LTE growth continues, NTT DoCoMo adds a million users in under 2 months
As British readers bang their heads on desks, and LTE remains something perpetually happening "next year," another island nation is very much on-board with the new tech. NTT DoCoMo, one of Japan's biggest mobile carriers, has announced it now has over 4 million LTE users, with the last million joining its 4G Xi (pronounced "crossy") network in the last month and a half. Speeds top out at an impressive 75 Mbps, with eight of its most recent releases -- including the Galaxy S III and the Optimus Vu -- compatible with the new network. NTT DoCoMo saw uptake growth double after launching the LTE-centric summer range.
NTT DoCoMo launching 19 new devices this summer, brings Galaxy S III to Japan
If you aren't already accustomed to Japan's regular deluge of device announcements, brace yourself: NTT DoCoMo just stepped forward with 17 new phones, as well as a mobile WiFi hotspot and a tablet. Throw a stone at the pile of hardware, and you're likely to strike something running Ice Cream Sandwich -- with the exception of the WiFi hotspot and a single handset designed for kids, every device on the list is running Android 4.0. Among the hodgepodge of handsets, DoCoMo is offering ten dual-core devices with screens ranging from 3.7 to 5-inches, a 10.1-inch 1.2Ghz dual-core slate, camera sensors of all sizes (from 8 megapixels to 13, that is) and a curious "Raku-Raku smartphone" that promises the "sensation of pressing actual keys" to smartphone newbies. The lineup's superstars, however, can all be found in DoCoMo's "NEXT" series of smartphones, bolstering the carrier's Xi LTE service with heavy hitters like the Galaxy S III, the Optimus Vu, Sony's Xperia GX and the Tegra 3 touting Arrows X. Hit the source links to check out the smartphone smorgasbord for yourself, or read on for our list of the never-before-seen ICS devices (they're all waterproof!) as well as DoCoMo's official press release.
NTT DoCoMo's Galaxy S II LTE makes way through FCC with swagger
Among the litany of smartphones that NTT DoCoMo announced last month, the SC-03D -- otherwise known as the Galaxy S II LTE -- was undeniably among the forefront of the bunch. The handset will begin shipping in the Land of the Rising Sun before year's end, but it seems that a lucky punk at the FCC got to review its dirty bits ahead of the glorious release. Like its Korea-bound siblings, the phone sports a Snapdragon S3 SoC with a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU, but unlike the over-achieving HD variant, the SC-03D's 4.5-inch display is limited to WVGA resolution. Jet-lagged Japanese travelers will find GPRS and EDGE love with our 1900 and 850MHz domestic networks, although HSPA is restricted to the 2100 and 900MHz bands. As for that lusty 75Mbps theoretical speed for the Xi LTE network, you'll have to excuse us while we attempt to hide our jealousy.
NTT DoCoMo announces 24 new mobile wonders (yes, really) to flood its network
So, Japan... want a new mobile device? How about 24? This grandiose announcement comes straight from NTT DoCoMo, which commonly lays its cards on the table for the delight of consumers. Among the selection you'll find eight new Gingerbread phones, six incredibly high-res shooters (ranging between 12.2 and 16.3 megapixels), eight waterproof handsets, and one embedded with Swarovski crystals. We're particularly thrilled to see the mighty Galaxy S II, 3D-capturing Aquos SH-12C, 700-nit Optimus Bright (contrastingly-named but nearly identical to the Optimus Black), ultra-slim MEDIAS WP N-06C, and mobile payment-enabled Xperia Acro. Oh, and don't forget about the LOOX F-07C -- a multi-talented handset that's running Symbian and Windows 7 Home Premium -- while two LTE-enabled WiFi routers are sneaking into DoCoMo's party, too. That's a lot to absorb, so check out the source for individual release timeframes, which begin now and continue through August -- or just check out the PR after the break.
NTT DoCoMo launches, no joke, 28 phones; pegs December 24th for LTE launch
NTT DoCoMo and its Japanese competitors have a long, rich history of announcing dozens of new phones in one fell swoop, but the carrier is saying that its latest line -- comprised of a mind-bending 28 devices -- is its largest single launch ever. We've already told you about a couple of the notables (and some of these we saw at CEATEC not long ago), but the company proudly proclaims that the lineup includes 11 waterproof units, three that can function as WiFi hotspots, 10 with touchscreens, nine that shoot HD video, and five capable of shooting 1080p. Perhaps even more notably, though, NTT DoCoMo is sharing details of the launch of its so-called Xi network -- the consumer brand for its LTE airwaves -- and it turns out locals will be able to get in on the action come December 24th, initially in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Interestingly, there will be no unlimited data plans offered on Xi; when you consider that the service is billed as being ten times faster than FOMA with downlink speeds of up to 75Mbps, that's a little disconcerting -- but if you're not scared off, you'll be able to choose from a USB modem and an ExpressCard at launch.
NTT DoCoMo announces 'Xi' brand for LTE, somehow pronounced 'crossy'
You're probably thinking "chi" or "zee," right? Nope: NTT DoCoMo has laid down the law in its press release touting the LTE service it'll be launching later this year, and it turns out that "Xi" -- in this case, anyway -- is pronounced "crossy." Of course, ultimately, they can call it whatever they like -- it's the service itself that matters, and to that end, we can expect downlink speeds up to a positively blistering 75Mbps, rolling out first in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya in December followed by "other major cities and then additional areas of the nation." DoCoMo's accounting for handoffs, too, so you won't be dropped (theoretically) when you move between Xi and FOMA areas. 75Mbps seems a bit optimistic for a first-phase LTE launch, but hey, we're pulling for 'em. Pricing and hardware will be announced later; in the meantime, you can follow the break for the full press release.
New Home space from Xi creators coming Thursday
The mysterious Xi event which appeared briefly in PlayStation Home was one of the neatest applications of Sony's online life-sim we've seen to date. Sadly, the Xi space is no longer available, and the only evidence of its existence are a few small trophies and old, empty walkthrough forum posts.However, a tweet from Xi creator nDreams' CEO Patrick O'Luanaigh might be a sign of good things to come. In his own, tweeted words: "Off on holiday this week, but our next Home space should be out on Thursday.... should be fun ;)" What does that last symbol mean? We're not sure. Is it a harmless, naughty wink? Or is it a clue? Guess we'll find out in a couple days.[Via CVG]
Home's Xi ARG is now complete
Xi is done; it's finished. The alternative reality game found within PlayStation Home is now complete with an ending. Some of you may have already discovered the super secret finish to Xi, but some of you haven't yet. This doesn't mean those of you who haven't won't ever get to -- there's still time.As detailed by the PlayStation Blog, all Xi-related spaces in Home will still remain active "for a few weeks." It looks like all you latecomers have some time to catch up. So get out there and start searching!
Xi update: new areas, games and mysteries
Xi's been going on for a little over two weeks now and, since its launch, has grown substantially in scope. While the ARGish puzzles at the start were fun, the games that have been revealed since then now rival every other Home space available. So far, at least. The first teleporter in the Hub is now open and will lead you to three gaming rooms.The first one tasks you with completing a series of six minigames and then reaching the exit as quickly as possible. In another room you'll find Maximum Tilt -- a virtual reality hoverbike game -- and in another resides an old school adventure game called Caverns Of The Bandit King. From the looks of things, Xi will continue to reveal itself and, hopefully, more games such of these.The overarching mystery of Xi has also expanded, spilling over into the real world. It's at this point that it becomes a collaborative effort to discover what's going on, so head on over to the official US or European Home forums, or the in-Xi forum via the Online Gateway, and get involved. Or you could just sit back and enjoy the games while everyone else figures it all out. Either works.
Xi infiltrates Home - and it's kind of neat
What is Xi? It's hard to tell from the "trailer" that was released only a few days ago. Now that it's live, it's much easier to decipher what's going on. This is PlayStation Home's first ARG (Alternate Reality Game), created by nDreams.Xi is now live in both Europe and North America. Simply seek out the graffiti on the right in the Home Plaza and you'll be transported to the game Hub. It's at this point that you realize this isn't just another Home space, as the first thing you'll encounter when you enter the Xi Hub is an honest-to-goodness cutscene.The cutscene introduces you to Xi itself, the Hub and one of the game's characters, Thom. You're immediately tasked with finding three pieces of paper littered around the Hub in order to continue with the story. There are a couple of missions to complete within the Hub right now, but from the looks of things there are plenty more to come.
Teaser trailer reveals 'Xi' for PlayStation Home
If you can stand watching this minute and a half of annoying flashes, then you just might get an early glimpse of "Xi" for PlayStation Home. The new teaser trailer from Videogamer.com features a series of random images meshed together by blurry transitions and it's accompanied by the most painful shutter sound effects ever. Be warned, you might feel dizzy watching it. Check it out here, if you wish.We don't learn much from the teaser, though we can spot some clues pointing to what it could be. A symbol (image above) is seen as wall graffiti in Home. Given the distinct, enigmatic nature of the trailer, we're assuming this could be some sort of mystery-thriller/puzzle clue hunting game within Home. It could also be related to that odd message discovered back in February. Whatever it is, it looks like it'll give Home users something new to do.
