I told you back in November about a Japanese cigarette vending machine that uses a face-scanning system called the Child Check System to guess the age of the buyer before processing the purchase. A new report claims that the machine is easily fooled by simply holding up a MAGAZINE PHOTO of an older person.

Original post by Mike

I told you back in August that Japan’s Rare Mono Shop was selling a USB-powered necktie with a built-in cooling fan. Now, they’ve come out with a 2.0 version. The new version is more stylish, more discreet (no more air grate on the knot — it’s now hidden), more controllable (it has an on-off switch) and MORE PORTABLE (you can unplug and run on battery power). (props to InventorSpot)

Original post by Mike

Laptops have been banned in the Bhutan national assembly considering the government fears lawmakers will use them to PLAY GAMES AND LOOK AT PICTURES.

Original post by Mike

The Un-ltd PRO-MC (UNX-8507) is a magnifying glass for digital cameras with 3-inch LCD monitors. The magnifying glass increases the image for a better judgment of photo taken. With both side multiple coating lens, the magnifying glass cuts excessive light to produce a quality magnified image.

The rubber UNX-8507 magnifying glass for professional photographers is available in Japan for approximately 4,980 yen ($47).

Olympus today announced the prototype model of a CCD camera with axial symmetrical free curved surface lens which can photograph dynamic picture images in all directions. Olympus announced the development of the lens in 2007.

Engineered for high-end home theaters, the new Sony STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES receivers feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI to a compatible high-definition television. The Sony ES receivers are all designed around a rare construction platform, digital board and a wide band ability amplifier to maintain the purity of the audio and video signals by minimizing external vibrations and internal jitter.

Sony’s Digital Media Port adds control, networking and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a Cradle for iPod, a Network Walkman cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth adapter (each sold separately).The 120-watt 7.1 channel Sony STR-DA4400ES receiver will be available in August for about $1,500, 100-watt STR-DA3400ES for about $1,000 and STR-DA2400ES for about $800.

Honda will start collaborative checking of its experimental walking assist device from July 1, 2008, with Shinseikai Medical Group, Kasumigaseki-Minami Hospital (Kawagoe, Saitama prefecture). The Honda Walking Assist Device is created to support walking by the elderly and other society with weakened leg muscles. The compatibility and effectiveness of Honda’s walking assist device will be evaluated during rehabilitation training to help public relearn to walk safely and efficiently.

Currently Honda Walking Assist Device is in the feasibility stage and Honda has been showcasing and gathering feedback from a wide range of humans who experienced the device at relevant trade shows including the universal Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled (BARRIER FREE 2008) held in April (at Intex Osaka) and at the Welfare 2008 in June (at Nagoya universal Exhibition Hall).