Cover Story
Two Faces of iPhone
On July 11, 2008, the iPhone3G, a cellphone developed by Apple Inc., was launched in Japan. Whereas the U.S. iPhone launched in June 2007 was merely a high-function cellphone, the iPhone3G is an application software platform. Most important for developers is Apple's new application marketing framework, called the "App Store." Since Apple handles global marketing of applications, even individuals and small/medium software-developing corporations can compete based solely on the attractiveness of their applications. Apple's closed-door policy, however, could pose a risk of hindering the iPhone’s growth.
The iPhone wears two faces. One is a "good face" that captivates developers and the other is a "bad face" that constrains them. Apple strategically switches between these two faces to assist the development of attractive applications that will contribute to the future of the iPhone.
Upheaval
Morphing from a Mere High-function Cellphone into an Application Platform
Attraction
App Store's Sweet Honey attracts Developers
Comparison
Basic Components were Inherited, but the Configuration was Boldly Modified
Reality
Mesmerizes Developers with an Open Source, then Covertly Restrains them with SDK
Special Feature
Incorporation of Projector in Mobile Devices Leads to Intense Device Development Competition
Targeting standards of 10cm3 or smaller and 101m/W or brighter
A businessman takes out a keyboard from a briefcase and opens it up on a desk.When the switch is pressed, an image is projected from the tip of the keyboard onto a white wall, and the man becomes immersed in his work.
Such a scene, seemingly out of a science fiction movie, may soon become a reality.There is an increasing possibility that projectors small enough to be incorporated into mobile devices will be introduced into the market.Manufacturers of light sources, display devices, and other related components are accelerating the pace of their R&D to develop ultra-compact components designed for incorporation into mobile devices.The world of mobile devices could soon change dramatically.
Mixed-Signal Oscilloscopes: Finding Their Unique Product Characteristics
A user of a mixed signal oscilloscope can see at a glance how analog and digital signals work together inside a circuit.When errors are discovered, they can be easily analyzed.The oscilloscope can also vividly display a serial communication protocol.Mixed signal oscilloscopes are essential all-round tools for anyone developing a present-day circuit in which digital and analog circuits are complexly intertwined.Major manufacturers have all introduced unexpectedly unique models.Users must have a clear understanding of their application purposes to select the right model.
Guest Paper
Technology that Automatically Adjusts TV Image Quality According to Audio-Visual Environment
Toshiba has developed a technology that automatically adjusts TV images to their optimum settings, based on elements of the AV environment such as the ambient light level and the color tone of lighting fixtures. This technology constantly monitors changes in the brightness surrounding the TV and automatically adjusts the image brightness and color tone. We asked Toshiba to describe the development background and technical details of their new technology.
Documentary
Origin of Innovation: Development of Matsushita Electric Industrial’s UniPhier (Part 5)
NE Tutorial
Key Points of A-D Conversion Everyone Should Know: Part 1
ΔΣ Type to Become the Mainstream for A-D Conversion in Low- to Medium-Speed Applications
Devices that have been using sequential comparison-type A-D converters are starting to switch to the ΔΣ Type, whose performance has dramatically improved.Many device designers, however, are hesitant to use the ΔΣ Type because they do not understand its operating principle.This series systemically explains the workings of A-D converters for the benefit of such designers.
Media Merger and Telecommunications Law (Second Half)
Telecommunications Law Targeted for 2010 Enactment Expected to Integrate and Streamline Broadcasting and Communications Laws
A successful merger between communications and broadcasting could produce a 30-trillion yen market.Part 2 provides an overview of the Telecommunications Law (tentative name) currently being drafted with leadership from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and explains new trends in the utilization of radio waves.
Academy
Session 4: Bus for Exchanging Data with Memory
Keyword
SSD
Key Person
x86 Architecture
NE Interview
Keio University Policy Media Research Department, Professor Emeritus, Takeshi Natsuno: The iPhone Would not Have been Created if Senior Executives Had not Carried through with Their Original Mission
World Seport
From Taiwan: Building a Third Core Industry Based on WiMAX
News
- TDK and EPCOS Pursue a Comprehensive Partnership
- Fourteen Companies Form a Consortium around Sony’s Short-Range Wireless Technology
- Saga Electronics’ New IC Package Production Method
- MIT Develops Technology that Uses a Glass Window to Concentrate Sunlight onto Photovoltaic Cells
- Technology Companies Come Up with a New Way to Handle “Patent Trolls”
