digidenki Japan Digital Lifestyle

Just weeks after the news of Softbank taking over Vodafone Japan appeared in the media things start to get serious. Softbank seems to be pushing hard to de-brand the former J-phone and then Vodafone carrier.

Current ads for the new digital TV (One Seg) handset from Sharp for example no longer carry the big red Vodafone branding. All that is left is a red logo frame and a small logo on the ad itself.

Looks like the message is clear: “Sayonara Vodafone. Softbank is here to successfully change the business!” And sure they will.

The ISSA restaurant chain in Japan introduced an interactive ordering and menu system for their customers.

Each table is equipped with a deatchable tablet PC like device featuring a 10 inch high resolution touch screen. Visitors can browse the menu, look for seasonal specialties or find a cocktail that suits their current mood.

Orders can be placed by simply clicking on the desired items and are then sent via WLAN to the kitchen and the order tracking system. It is also possible to check the current balance or re-order items separately.

This could be the first step towards replacing traditional menu cards and maybe also replacing the human resources necessary for taking orders and recommending meals to the customers.

A logical step would be to integrate FELICA RFID readers into these devices so customer could pay right at their desk using their mobile phones.

And who knows perhaps the next step would then be to abolish the tablet device completely and let the mobile phone handle everything from checking the menu, placing an order up to payment.

(c) Visuals: Ertain Japan K.K. 2006

Have you ever felt you want to use your DS to become more creative and turn it into a a drawing tablet? Then here is the answer: The Japanese company Ertain will launch a special painting program for the Nintendo DS in July. The concept is based on the classic “paint-by-number” idea. The user can “re-paint” famous classic paintings on the screen with the pen using different techniques like crayons, ink, oil, etc.

Sales price will be around 4,000 Yen.

The Nintendo DS is turning more and more into a general education and leisure device. Many dictionaries, language courses, Japanese Kanji trainers already exist for the DS and sell very well.

Actually now amongst the Top 10 best selling games in Japan 6 are Nintendo DS titles. And the interesting this is that most of these titles are not pure game titles but focus on educational content.

Another perfect example of how Nintendo and its partners are changing the rules of a whole industry by re-defining “gaming” and by winning total new target groups.