Transcript

Hello and welcome to today’s news from TotemoTech on January 9th, 2024. In today’s news, Meiji University’s Watanabe Laboratory has proposed a system that allows external audio and music to be inserted into headphones and earphones worn by individuals. The researchers suggest that only the person wearing the headphones can hear the injected sounds. This system could potentially revolutionize personal audio experiences.

In another news story, researchers from Linkoping University in Sweden have developed a new electrically conductive cultivation medium called ‘eSoil’ for hydroponics. By providing electric stimulation to the roots of plants, the researchers claim that the growth rate can be increased by 50% compared to traditional methods. This innovation could have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and food production.

Moving on to our next story, Google’s chat AI, ‘Bard,’ has introduced new features that integrate with popular services like Google Maps and YouTube. Bard’s expansion allows users to seamlessly interact with these services using natural language. This development enhances user experience and demonstrates the potential of AI assistants in everyday tasks.

In a collaborative effort, KDDI has announced that it will provide 350 units of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service for free to evacuation centers in the Noto Peninsula, Japan. This initiative aims to ensure that residents have access to internet connectivity during emergencies, regardless of their mobile carrier. The partnership between KDDI and SpaceX highlights the importance of reliable communication infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.

Looking ahead, camera enthusiasts can anticipate the release of new models in 2024. While the number of camera releases in 2023 was relatively low, there was a focus on compact and affordable casual models. It remains to be seen what technological advancements and trends will shape this year’s camera market.

In response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, Docomo and KDDI have jointly deployed ‘ship-based base stations’ to provide mobile network coverage. This initiative allows users of Docomo, au, UQ Mobile, and povo networks, including MVNOs, to stay connected during emergencies when land-based infrastructure may be compromised.

Lastly, PayPay Securities has announced that it now supports the opening of NISA accounts through their PayPay app. Users can access their investment accounts and conduct stock and mutual fund transactions within the app. Additionally, users can accumulate reward points through these transactions, adding further value to the PayPay ecosystem.

That’s all for today’s news. Thank you for listening to TotemoTech. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest tech developments. Visit JapanDailyNews.com for the news, yen exchange rates, and a daily Japanese proverb.

Keywords - japan, tech, news