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KDDI's smartphone palm authentication app unveiled at CEATEC 2012 (hands-on)
Sidestepping lockscreen codes and fingerprint scanners -- and without any new hardware demands -- KDDI has unveiled a new palm authentication app that takes advantage of the high-resolution camera on its Android smartphones. Scanning in tandem with the flash, we gave it a try on a HTC J, here at CEATEC in Japan. After a brief setup, which involves positioning your hand to fit between some red markers, the phone was soon calibrated to our hands. Then, after locking the device, attempting to unlock it will send you to the palm authentication screen, seen above, where (hopefully) only your mitts will be able to gain access. The time it takes to check your hand remains a little longer than it would take you to drum in your typical four-digit PIN, but in our brief test, it was able to discriminate between two Engadget editors' hands. Better still, you'll be able to give the app a try yourself tomorrow, when it goes on free trial on Google Play. Until it does, see how it's all meant to work in our hands-on video after the break.
Kyocera's Urbano Progresso to bring tissue-conductive sounds to Japan on May 30th
Kyocera's innovative Urbano Progresso is set to launch in Japanese stores before the end of the week. The result of a team-up between the handset manufacturer and carrier KDDI, it uses a new vibrational technology that forgoes the more typical earpiece, delivering sound throughout the whole handset. We've toyed with the technology already and it's good to see Kyocera delivering on its promise of a real world application of its smart sonic receiver in the same year. Aside from its audio chops, the phone houses some less ground-breaking, but still respectable, features like a dual-core 1.4GHz Snapdragon S2 processor, Android 4.0, an 8.1-megapixel camera, waterproof casing and a 4.1-inch screen. It'll be out in shops starting May 30th and tempted Japan residents can check out the hard sell -- condensed into a two-minute video -- after the break.
KDDI reveals its Summer 2012 collection: Android smartphones are still hot
It's that time of the season again, as Japan's mobile carriers unveil more alternate-universe models that we'll probably never see elsewhere. Leading the pack is the final version of Fujitsu's long-time-coming quad-core Android phone, arriving as the Arrows Z ISW13F. With NVIDIA's Tegra 3, WiMAX connectivity, 16GB of built-in storage and a 4.6-inch 1280 x 720 display, Fujitsu's somehow jammed it all into less than 11mm of smartphone. The 13-megapixel camera includes an Exmor R sensor, while a microSD slot can add up to 32GB of space. The AQUOS Serie is another belle of KDDI's spring ball, with a 4.6-inch 1280 x 720 display, 1-seg TV tuner and a 12-megapixel camera on the back. It's also the first phone to pack both NFC and Felica mobile payment hardware into the same device, mobile wallet fans. The collection is also joined by the HTC J and the final retail version of Kyocera and KDDI's "Smart Sonic Receiver" in the Urbano Progresso -- a phone that transmits sound through vibration. Any ex-pats in the mood for a new keitai can take a closer look at the rest of the new family at the source below. Update: Kyocera has confirmed to us that the Smart Sonic Receiver used in the Urbano Progresso is indeed the same tissue conduction technology Kyocera demonstrated last week at CTIA Wireless.
Sharp AQUOS IS14SH presses hold on the death of the phone keypad
KDDI's latest team-up with Sharp appears to be haunted by the ghosts of mobile past, present and future. The AQUOS IS14SH sends us spinning back to the 90's with a slide-out numerical keypad that hopes to appeal to those T9 typists who have honed the craft to a fine art. More future-facing customers may be sold on the combination of Android Gingerbread, Three Seg TV tuner, NFC wallet and eight-megapixel camera. The phone is available now in black, white and pink, though none, sadly, will land with Sharp's recently unveiled optical image stabilizer.
KDDI launches latest line of skinny big-screened smartphones for Japan
In addition to the already announced Fujitsu-Toshiba Arrows Z, HTC Evo 3D and Motorola Photon, Japanese carrier KDDI has now also confirmed a trio of new handsets. There's plenty of similarities; they're all Android, all waterproof and are each packing an eight megapixel camera. Kyocera's Digno is a slimline offering available in three different colors, and puts some of Kyocera's US offerings to shame looks-wise. Sharp's AQUOS IS13SH has an IPS-rivalling ASV display, whilst the NEC's Medias BR IS11 will arrive in a choice of pink, white and blue. Sadly, there's still no sign of that mythical iPhone from KDDI. Check out the links below for all the full-fat details.
Xperia Acro hits FCC, globe-trotting Japanese rejoice
Why, hello there CDMA SOI11... or should we say, Xperia Acro. This Japanese flavor of the Arc, just hit the FCC with both GSM and CDMA radios in tow for our globe trotting friends across the Pacific. In addition to the EVDO Rev A. data capabilities the Acro adds NFC and a TV tuner to the mix, but otherwise it boasts the same specs as its bowed cousin -- Gingerbread, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and a 4.2-inch screen. The filing lists AU by KDDI as the carrier, so Verizon customers shouldn't get their hopes up for an Arc of their own just yet, but at least folks from The Land of the Rising Sun can continue to use their sexy new handset when they pop by the States for a visit.
