Big Idea Archive

  • Cerevo Cam: A digital camera that automatically uploads pics to the web

    Cerevo Cam: A digital camera that automatically uploads pics to the web

    Posted on December 13, 2009 | No Comments
    An easy to use digital camera that automatically uploads pictures to various websites without using a USB cable, a memory card reader or Eye-Fi? If that's something you've always wanted, the Cerevo Cam, made by Tokyo-based startup Cerevo [JP], might be the right device for you. After months of development work (the camera was completely designed from scratch and in-house), the shoot-and-upload camera is finally available in Japan. To recap, the big idea here is to simplify the process of uploading and sharing pictures online. Cerevo Cam users can send pictures directly from the device to the corresponding photo management site (dubbed Cerevo Life), mail addresses or to a number of web services - even when the camera is turned off (a feature that Eye-Fi doesn't offer). The so-called "Networked Camera" detects Wi-Fi spots and transfers pictures automatically without you needing to take it out of your bag. You can choose at which time(s) the upload should take place or initiate this yourself from the menu. The auto upload function, probably the most important feature, worked flawlessly during my test (Cerevo gave me a sample for a few days). Alternatively, you can use a 3G modem with it (to be connected through USB).

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  • Report: Panasonic to use notebook batteries to power electric cars

    Report: Panasonic to use notebook batteries to power electric cars

    Posted on October 1, 2009 | No Comments
    Japan's biggest business publication, the Nikkei, is reporting that Panasonic is thinking about using lithium ion batterries used in notebooks to power electric cars. Obviously, the big idea is to bring down the overall costs of these vehicles (and make some money for the company, too).

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  • Japan field-tests floating wind turbine

    Japan field-tests floating wind turbine

    Posted on September 8, 2009 | No Comments
    There can be no doubt "green" energy is becoming more and more important in Japan. And just like the many other inventions in this area, I am sure this newest invention that's potentially beneficial for the environment can one day make its way outside Japan, too: A floating wind turbine that's currently in prototype mode and is 12.5m tall (5.5m are above the surface).

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  • Leopard: Oki starts selling robotic chair in Japan

    Leopard: Oki starts selling robotic chair in Japan

    Posted on June 24, 2009 | No Comments
    I blogged Leopard, a robotic office chair, last November when it still was in prototype status. Now, more than half a year later, the chair finally went on sale in Japan. And it might find its way outside this country as well, as both Japanese companies involved in the development of the chair, office equipment maker Oki and furniture company Okamura, are active overseas.

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