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Fujitsu's palm-scanning laptops won't be fooled by severed limbs
For all the popularity of fingerprint scanners, Fujitsu believes that it can go one better. The Japanese company has been working on palm-based systems for the last few years, and we've already seen turnstiles, wallets and tablets that are accessed from your hand. Fujitsu believes that palm vein sensing is around a thousand times more secure than conventional biometric methods and it's implementing the technology in its next range of business-focused laptops due out this week. We've been shown around some of these models, which have the new sensor fitted into an area that is roughly the same size and position as the company's existing fingerprint scanners, just below the bottom right corner of the keyboard. Using it is simple: Hold your hand a few inches above the sensor and the hardware will quickly scan the unique arrangement of your veins. If it judges you to be the real deal, it'll open up its secrets for your enjoyment.
We get touchy-feely with Fujitsu's haptic sensory tablet (video)
Since Fujitsu's prototype Haptic Sensor Tablet revealed yesterday is all about touch, describing it will be like trying to explain how a steak tastes. But here goes: It works by emitting ultrasonic vibrations below the touchscreen, which can be pulsed with varying force on any region of the screen. Those oscillations actually push your finger off the surface of the tablet and, depending on the strength, can give different tactile sensations. For instance, a high-pressure layer of air can reduce friction, making the surface of the screen seem slippery. By contrast, rapidly varying the pulses can make the display seem rough or even bumpy. At least, that's the theory. After trying it, we found some illusions like the slippery surface to be very convincing. Different textures could also exist on different regions of the screen at a resolution of several pixels. That made other simulations, like the clicking of a combination lock or DJ app volume control uncannily accurate. But the rough-texture test felt more like the screen was just sticky, and the bumpy experience was even less convincing. When touching the crocodile skin, for instance, it just felt like I was moving my finger over slippery and then clingy patches. When using it, there's also an unnatural, mildly disconcerting buzzing sensation. All said, though, it was still a lot of fun, and it's hard to see how you could get much more realistic than that with a smooth, 2D surface (as opposed to the popup overlay on the Tactus display, for instance). There's a video after the fold showing it in action, but we apologize for the occasionally poor sound quality -- as you'll see, each time the haptics activated, it messed up our camera's microphone.
Fujitsu's working on another senior-friendly smartphone for Europe
Fujitsu's evidently so impressed with how its luddite-friendly Stylistic S01 smartphone has performed in France, thanks to a deal with local carrier Orange, that it's ready to start plugging a follow-up handset. Only, the company doesn't have a clue on specifics just yet, but we'll award a few points for enthusiasm, we guess. All we know of the Stylistic S02, assuming that'll be the device's name, is that it's "expected" to wield NFC and LTE chips, an "energy-saving display" and a processor of the quad-core variety. Plans are to launch the smartphone aimed at "mature users" in a number of European locations this autumn. Not a lot to talk about, we know, but Fujitsu had to announce something phone-related at MWC. Otherwise, people'll just think it makes tablet concepts with scaly touchscreens.
Fujitsu plans to launch feel-o-vision haptic tablets by 2015
Back in 2012, we were all excited at the idea of haptic technology -- touch screens that fool you into thinking that you can feel what's on display. As quickly as we saw Senseg and NEC's implementations, however, haptic fell out of the mainstream. Now, however, Fujitsu is working on an ultrasonic system, that varies the friction between your finger and the glass, which could be ready for prime time. In the demonstration, users are apparently able to pluck the strings of a Japanese harp, turn a combination lock and even stroke an Alligator. The company has knocked together a prototype in time for MWC, and Fujitsu has a goal to get the tech into commercial hardware by 2015 -- assuming, of course, that realistic lizard stroking is the one feature you've been waiting for.
PulseWallet lets you pay for things using palm recognition, but only if you're a returning customer
PulseWallet is going to get a lot of attention at CES this week, thanks to its point-of-sale system that allows you to pay for things with a wave of your palm. The interesting thing, though, is that PulseWallet already has a setup that lets customers pay with their fingerprints. The problem, say company reps, is that fingerprints can potentially be lifted. (Also, they're a bit messy.) So, the outfit is moving to a Fujitsu-made palm sensor, which is more secure and supposedly faster, too. Here's how it works: After you visit a store once, you can register your palm and link it to the credit card of your choosing. Then, the store will have it on hand (har) the next time you stop by. When it comes time to pay, you can swipe your palm, after which point you'll need to enter your phone number to verify it's really you. Et voilà! You've managed to pay without digging out your credit card, and without getting (as many) greasy fingerprints all over the point-of-sale system. No word on when you'll start seeing these in stores, though the company says it will only be available in the US to start.
Intel unveils RealSense hardware and software line, including 3D camera module
The takeaway at today's Intel press event? All signs point to the RealSense product line -- a number of hardware and software products that "make interaction with technology simple, more natural and immersive," according to Intel's own words. The first product bearing the compound name is the RealSense 3D camera. Intel describes the product as "the world's first integrated 3D depth and 2D camera module that helps devices 'see' depth much like the human eye," suggesting that this isn't just a substitute for Leap Motion or Kinect. The camera does full-color 1080p and has an on-board sensor for gesture and face detection. The latter of which apparently helps it "understand emotions." It also recognizes foregrounds and backgrounds, so you can replace that messy room and make it appear as if you're Skypeing from the Moon. But, if you're looking for something more practical, you can also use it to scan objects in 3D using 3D System's Sense software. The RealSense 3D camera is set to be integrated into a number of diverse devices come the second half of this year, including tablets, Ultrabooks, laptops and all-in-ones, from top companies like Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo and NEC. Seven such devices are being demonstrated today, and Intel itself has a demo unit. If you'd rather talk to your computer than wave at it, there's also a next-generation version of Dragon Assistant from Nuance that will be part of Intel's RealSense push. Of, course, while all this sounds good on paper, it remains to be seen how much people will actually want to wink, point or shout at their laptop to get it to open Netflix or point Chrome towards Engadget.
NTT Docomo's winter lineup arrives, includes Sony Xperia Z1 mini and Samsung Galaxy J
As is tradition this time of year, NTT Docomo's annual winter/spring lineup has just fallen in our laps, unveiling a slew of devices that includes ten smartphones, a tablet, two feature phones, a photo panel and two mobile WiFi routers. On the smartphone front, several standouts include the new LG G2, the Galaxy Note 3, the Sony Xperia Z1, the Sony Xperia Z1 f and the odd Japan-only Samsung Galaxy J. The latter two are of particular interest, as this marks their first official unveiling. The Xperia Z1 f is essentially a miniaturized Xperia Z1 -- it has a 4.3-inch screen instead of a 5-inch one -- and packs in specs that are similar to its bigger brother, such as a 2.2GHz MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 processor and a 20.7-megapixel camera. The Galaxy J, meanwhile, has a 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor and a 13.2-megapixel camera. Also of note is the Fujitsu Arrows NX-F01F, which has a 5-inch full HD screen, a 2.2Ghz quad-core processor, a 3,200mAh battery, a 13.1-megapixel rear shooter plus a fingerprint scanner. For fans of Disney and Square Enix, there's a special Disney branded phone from Fujitsu plus a Dragon Quest handset that's really just a rebranded Sharp Aquos Zeta. The latter is pre-installed with Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King and is limited to just 30,000 units. The lone tablet on the list is a 10.1-inch Fujitsu Arrows Tab, which happens to be both water- and dust-proof. All smartphones and the tablet are compatible with Docomo's high-speed Xi LTE service, several of which are capable of hitting the 150Mbps maximum download speed. They also come equipped with long-lasting batteries, quad-core CPUs and the docomo LIVE UX home screen application. Though not listed as part of the 16 devices in the release, NTT Docomo also added a couple of wearables to its winter lineup -- the new Samsung Galaxy Gear and a wrist device called "move band" that tracks steps, calorie consumption and sleep hours. All of them are slated to arrive on or after October 11th, though we should note that the Xperia Z1 mini won't arrive until the end of December. If you wish to find out more details on what the Japanese carrier has to offer this holiday season, go on and hit the source link below. Update: We've included a promo video of the Sony Xperia Z1 f below as well.
Fujitsu made a Windows 8 tablet with a fan that works underwater
Hidden within Fujitsu's autumn lineup for Japan was another waterproof tablet, but this one had something a little different -- an extractor fan that survives underwater. The 12.5-inch QH77/M will need it, because it runs on Intel's 1.6GHz Core i5-4200U processor, which (nearly always) requires a degree of cooling. The fan will halt when the tablet is submerged, apparently, although our allies at Engadget Japanese, asking the questions that count, posited whether the fan offered enough thrust to move the tablet "like a submarine," if left to whir away. Fujitsu's spokesman said that they tested that themselves -- like any discerning company should. Unfortunately, the tablet is "too heavy" to move along the depths of the ocean your bathtub.
Fujitsu beckons businesses with new Windows 8.1 notebooks, convertibles and tablets
As if IT managers weren't already spoiled for choice, Fujitsu's announced no less than six new Windows 8.1 devices aimed at enterprise. Joining the Lifebook series are two touchscreen laptops: the U904 Ultrabook with a 14-inch 3,200 x 1,800 IGZO display and the S904 with a 13.3-inch 2,560 x 1,440 panel. Some configuration options for both notebooks include up to Core i7 Haswell processors, 512GB SSDs and LTE radios. Fujitsu claims its U904 is the "world's thinnest 14-inch Ultrabook" at 15.5mm, while the S904's unique feature is its "modular bay concept" that'll take an optical drive, extra storage drive or second battery, which is said to boost runtime to up to 24 hours. Also new to the Lifebook range are the T904 and T734 convertibles, which both utilize rotating displays to go into tablet mode. Fujitsu doesn't seem to have nailed down the T904's hardware options just yet, bar the stylus-friendly 13.3-inch 2,560 x 1,440 IGZO screen and mobile data choices. The T734, however, sports a 12.5-inch 1,366 x 768 display (also stylus-friendly), up to a fourth-gen Core i7 processor, as well as various HDD / SSD selections and data radio configs. Lastly, Fujitsu's got a pair of new Stylistic tablets: the 10.1-inch (2,560 x 1,600 res) Q584 and 12.5-inch (1,920 x 1,080) Q704. The Q584 packs a BayTrail-T SoC with Atom Z3770 CPU and up to an 128GB SSD, while the Q704 supports up to a Core i7 chip and 256GB SSD. Both are "semi-ruggedized" as standard, with optional NFC, LTE, special shells, cradles and keyboard docks. Pricing for all this new business-focused kit remains a mystery, but Fujitsu expects to make the U904 available this month, the S904 and Q504 in November, the Q704 in December and the Lifebook T models in January next year. [Thanks, Holger]
Fujitsu's latest Arrows Tab packs a multi-user fingerprint reader
For Fujitsu, fingerprint readers on smartphones are old hat; on Android tablets, however, they're still rare. The company should make those sensors easier to find with its latest Arrows Tab, the FJT21. The 10.1-inch slate uses its fingerprint reader to streamline Android 4.2's multi-user support, signing anyone in with a swipe. Families can also implement both a simple mode for newcomers and a content-restricted kids' mode. Fujitsu isn't leaning solely on sign-in technology to sell its tablet, though. The FJT21 centers on a 2,560 x 1,600 LCD with Gorilla Glass 3 protection; under the hood, there's a fast 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 1.3-megapixel front camera and 64GB of expandable storage. Japan's KDDI will ship an LTE-equipped version of the new Arrows Tab in late November. Sadly, it's doubtful that we'll see an equivalent model reach the US.
Softbank announces the Arrows A, can fast-charge a day of use in just 10 minutes
Softbank has just held its biannual showcase to reveal its new smartphone family and, as is often the case with Japanese carriers, there's a few interesting devices alongside the more predictable iPhone fare. Poring over the company's Winter 2013 collection, it's Fujitsu's Arrows A 301F that immediately jumps out, with the particularly useful ability to charge up "a full day" of use in just 10 minutes. However, we're not sure whether that's thanks to the processor or a "dedicated" AC adapter that comes with the device. The 2,600mAh battery will reportedly offer three days of use on a full charge and is accompanied by some more familiar smartphone specs, like a 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 800 processor, and 13-megapixel camera sensor. Talking of sensors, there's one other feature that's had plenty of attention elsewhere recently: a fingerprint reader. On the Arrow A, it's located on the rear, just below the flash and camera sensor, although the company hasn't elaborated on its uses. The phone will launch in Japan this December.
NTT DoCoMo outs Raku-Raku F-09E smartphone for 'beginners'
It's been more than a year since NTT DoCoMo unveiled its F-12D Raku-Raku handset, so it's only natural the company would follow up with a successor in 2013. The Japanese firm just introduced the F-09E, an easy-to-use, Android-based device tailored for folks looking to get their feet wet on the smartphone craze. Hardware-wise, this Fujitsu-made, 4.3-inch (qHD) F12-D will be running Android 4.2.2, while a 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600, 2GB RAM, 16GB of built-in storage and a 2,100mAh battery round out the spec list. Don't get too attached to what's under the hood, though: NTT DoCoMo notes the new member of the Raku-Raku family is still in development and things could change by the time it launches, sometime in "between late September and early October."
Fujitsu ARROWS A 202F launching on SoftBank this week, Snapdragon 600 and 3,000mAh battery in tow (video)
Fast smartphones are great and all, but they're useless once the battery goes flat. Fujitsu aims to solve that with the ARROWS A 202F. Launching with SoftBank in Japan later this week, the phone features a 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdraon 600, 2GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded via microSD, a 5-inch 1080p display and a generous 3,000mAh battery in a package that's less than 10mm thick. Fujitsu's "Human Centric Engine" is said to further increase battery life, to the tune of two days worth of juice, but details of how that works are light. Chances are slim the ARROWS will make it to US shores, though the recently announced HTC Butterfly s, with an even larger 3,200mAh battery, just might.
Computex 2013: the best of Haswell
Intel used this year's Computex to officially debut Haswell-based Core processors, and it had no shortage of willing launch partners: seemingly everyone had at least one updated PC to reveal. The refinements to battery life and graphics also led to quite a few companies pushing the boundaries, whether it was in cutting-edge screens or exotic form factors. Quite frankly, there was a lot to cope with in several days -- enough so that we're putting the more important Haswell offerings in one convenient roundup. Read on for our look at the desktops, laptops and tablets that launched in sync with Taiwan's premier tech event.
Fujitsu intros Lifebook UH90 with Haswell and a 3,200 x 1,800 IGZO touchscreen
Fujitsu burst on to the Ultrabook scene in earnest with the Lifebook UH75 last fall, and it's clearly bent on keeping our attention: it just launched an early sequel, the Lifebook UH90. The 14-inch portable is ever-so-slightly thinner than its ancestor at 15.5mm (0.61 inches) thick, but upgrades to an extra-dense 3,200 x 1,800, IGZO-based touchscreen. The improvements are more than just skin-deep, of course. A Haswell-based, 1.6GHz Core i5 helps feed that monster display, and a 500GB hybrid hard drive strikes a balance between speed and storage. Japanese buyers will get a crack at the UH90 on June 28th under the country's customary open pricing system. There's no word yet on a possible US release, but we hope one is on the cards. In case the UH90 is too pricey, Fujitsu also has a trio of more modest PCs on tap. The Esprimo FH78 all-in-one (shown after the break) runs on a Haswell-era, 2.4GHz Core i7 and stuffs a 30W, 2.1-channel Pioneer speaker system underneath its 23-inch display. The PC builder's 15.6-inch Lifebook AH models have also been given a slight bump: the AH45's battery life has doubled to 6.4 hours, and the AH42 has upgraded to a 2.4GHz Pentium while lasting for 7.9 hours on a charge. We're not expecting the Esprimo to reach the US, although the starter Lifebooks may cross the Pacific.
Fujitsu revamps E-series Lifebooks, gives Ivy Bridge one last hurrah
Intel's Haswell-based processors may be just around the corner, but the suit-and-tie crowd can't always wait to buy new PCs, can it? Fujitsu has those impatient corporate buyers covered with a refresh to its E-series Lifebooks. The 13.3-inch E733, 14-inch E743 and 15.6-inch E753 all keep on trucking with Ivy Bridge, but come in silver and red designs that are more elegant than what we saw last year. Not that they're just skin-deep upgrades, mind you. The more common configurations tout more recent 2.6GHz Core i5 processors and 500GB hybrid hard drives, while each system can scale up to 16GB of RAM and a Core i7 for extra-demanding work. When prices start at $999, the new Lifebooks may be inexpensive enough to make shoppers feel better about their timing -- at least, for a few weeks.
Fujifilm's Finepix JZ700 compact shoots for speed with 8 fps burst, 200 fps video
Camera makers seem to be scrambling to equip their compact models with wireless options, all the better to work with the smartphones that are trying to replace them. Fujifilm's taking a different tack with the 14-megapixel FinePix JZ700 by going for raw performance instead, like 8 fps burst shooting and 1080/30p video, both quite rare in low-end compacts. You'll also get an 8x Fujinon lens equivalent to 24-192mm, optical image stabilization, a 2.7-inch, 230K-dot LCD, up to 3200 ISO sensitivity, numerous filters and, interestingly, 200 fps video capture -- though the resolution at that speed isn't specified and we can imagine it's pretty low. Still, the camera's already hit the streets for around £130 ($200) and we don't know of any other near time-stopping cameras you can grab for that sum.
Fujitsu touch interface detects fingers on real objects, adds digital details to print
Bringing touch interfaces to real-world objects often involves putting hardware either inside the item or in front of it, neither of which is especially natural. Fujitsu has developed a control system that could eliminate those obstructions and bring digital interaction to many surfaces, even to old-fashioned paper. Its multi-camera approach can distinguish between objects on a table and the exact positions of a user's fingers, right down to fingertip outlines; it's accurate enough to scan text from a book as you drag your finger along the page. The system really comes alive, however, when its projector is involved. Besides providing visual feedback, the image overlay allows for both control of purely digital objects and interfaces tailored to real-world items. The company imagines brochures or maps that pop up extra details, among numerous other examples. While we wonder how long the technology will remain useful when there's an ongoing push to go paperless, Fujitsu sees enough practicality that it's anticipating a product in its fiscal 2014. That doesn't leave long until we can get a very literal hands-on.
Fujitsu software uses a smartphone's camera to measure your pulse
There seems to be an unwritten rule that Japanese carriers and smartphone makers need to dedicate R&D spend to bettering the lives of their users. And we certainly can't argue with that. NTT DoCoMo is at the forefront of said innovation, developing breath analyzers, powerful translation apps and even bicycle sharing solutions, but companies such as Fujitsu have items of their own to show off from time to time, including this camera-based pulse-measuring software. The technology, which works by measuring brightness variations in your face, does not require special hardware. Using a camera attached to a computer, smartphone or tablet, the tool can detect your pulse in just five seconds. You need to remain still in order to achieve accurate results -- the software begins measuring once you stop moving, and works by detecting the flow of hemoglobin in blood, which absorbs green light. Readers currently in Gifu, Japan for the General Conference of the Institute of Electronics, Information, and Communication Engineers can test the solution for themselves beginning tomorrow. The rest of you can continue reading up on the development in the press release after the break. Cue DigInfo walkthrough. Update: As readers have pointed out, other solutions have already made their way to market, such as the Cardiio app, which is available for iOS at 3 bucks a pop. We haven't tested the app, but iTunes feedback is quite positive. You can snag it at the source link now.
Earth's largest telescope gets to work in Chile after 30 years of planning
Nestled within the Chilean Andes, the new Atacama Large Millimeter-submillimeter Array (ALMA) is now open for space-staring business. The biggest, most complex telescope project to date, ALMA will be able to peer into the deeper reaches of space with "unprecedented power", according to astronomer Chris Hadfield. Covering around half of the universe's light spectrum, between infrared and radio waves, the new telescope should be able to detect distant planets, black holes and other intergalactic notables. The Chilean desert's lack of humidity was a big reason for the telescope's placement, 16,400 feet above sea-level, aiding precision of the scope. But it's a global project, with the US contributing $500 million and making it the NSF's biggest investment ever. From Japan, Fujitsu's contribution to exploring the final frontier consists of 35 PRIMERGY x86 servers, tied together with a dedicated (astronomy-centric) computational unit. The supercomputer will process 512 billion telescope samples per second, which ought to be more than enough to unlock a few more secrets of the cosmos.
