Meta Platforms has implemented a policy banning advertisements from ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, across its core network of services, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. According to official statements from Meta, the corporate decision aims to restrict promotional campaigns that divert user engagement away from its primary platforms. Company spokespersons characterized the policy change…
Google Japan has introduced its latest experimental hardware interface, the Gboard Kurukuru Version, a concept peripheral that reverses standard typing mechanics by placing individual keys on motorized conveyor belts. Rather than requiring hands to travel across a static surface, the device continuously transports characters directly to the user’s fingertips. The hardware architecture relies on four…
At IFA 2026, Baseus introduced the PicoGo Mix AT51 and its Pro variant, expanding its travel-focused power ecosystem with integrated multi-functional charging solutions. Engineered to eliminate the clutter of carrying separate wall bricks, external cables, and international plug converters, the lineup targets business travelers, digital nomads, and cross-border commuters needing an all-in-one charging station. The…
A drone made mostly from cardboard sounds almost laughable at first. It suggests shipping boxes, school projects, or something that should fall apart in bad weather, not a serious piece of military technology. But that is why Japan’s cardboard drone story is getting attention. The concern is not that cardboard suddenly became a miracle aerospace…
Leica has officially introduced a new aesthetic variant for its renowned Leica M-A analog camera, characterized by a distinct texture and extremely limited availability. Named the Leica M-A Hammertone Limited Edition, the release features a specialized finish designed to simulate hand-forged metal. This launch commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Leica Store in Ginza, Japan,…
At NTT Research Upgrade 2026, I met the team behind NTT Anode Energy’s research on hydrogen pipeline transportation. They showed me a section of the resin-based pipe the company plans to insert into existing underground telecom conduits, which helped me better understand how the technology will be deployed. Hydrogen is often presented as a promising…
The OPT100 NeoFilm 100, a new release from the brand Opt!, reinterprets the classic 35mm film canister as a fully functional miniature digital camera. This device aims to merge nostalgic analog aesthetics with modern digital convenience, catering to a growing interest in retro-inspired technology. Measuring only 47 x 25 x 25 millimeters (1.85×0.98×0.98 inches) and…
CEATEC 2025 featured the usual lineup of AI demos, service robots, and experimental interfaces. But inside Hall 4, a quieter, lab-style booth stood out for a very different reason. There, the RNA Co-creation Consortium demonstrated that RNA extracted from facial sebum can provide insights into the skin’s condition and support better day-to-day cosmetic choices. The…
At CEATEC 2025, Sony showcased its latest personal thermo device, the REON POCKET PRO *, a high-end evolution of the REON lineup that began in Japan in 2020. Even though we could not touch the unit, the Sony representatives provided detailed explanations of what makes this new model substantially more capable than previous generations. Based on…
Apple is preparing a significant change to the iPhone’s voice assistant options with iOS 26.2, but the feature will be limited to users in Japan. In the third beta of iOS 26.2, developers found new code indicating that Apple is working on allowing the Side Button—normally used to activate Siri—to instead trigger a third-party voice…
