Eye-Fi, makers of the wireless memory card for cameras and Mixi has partnered to support automatic upload of photos to Mixi.

Eye-Fi SD share-card (2GB) utilizes mixi-Connect, Mixi’s application API to automatically upload photos over WiFi connection to the user’s Mixi’s account. As Mixi’s press release states [JP]: “Uploading Photos becomes easier”.

Eye-Fi supported applications:

and required Mixi-Connect application approval:

This announcement is another important milestone of Mixi-Connect and the long awaited open application platform.

Tags: Japan by Avi Telyas
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Japan’s only PHS operator Willcom announced today it would start trial of new high-speed mobile data service next week, which is called XGP and enables logically 20Mbps Internet access not only in downstream but also in upstream. Starting on April 27th, the trial will be in operation until the end of coming September, and the service will be available in the area surrounded by Yamanote Loop Line[J] of Tokyo as well as several cities in the country.

Willcom lends 500 sets of XGP-enabled PC card to application development partners (described below) for free, and encourages them to develop innovative applications and services.

Digital Signage Advertising (in Kanagawa):
JCB (credit card company), Asatsu DK (ad agency) and NKB[J] (transit-ad agency) jointly develop a new type of digital signage device, accepting “touch-and-go” by passer-by’s wallet cellphone and requiring no data cable.

Hand-carry device for Live TV Broadcasting (in Tokyo):
Fuji-TV plans the trial to build up a network for gathering news source pictures in HD quality, and XGP’s specification of high-speed upstream allows it without broadcast van nor microwave truck.

Building up the network for railway operations (in Osaka):
Hanshin Railway and its two subsidiaries of railway-related system integrators use XGP for carrying images and data from rail-side CCTV cameras and remote sensors.

Installing digital signage devices on streetcars (in Hiroshima)
The city’s authority on promoting ICT plans to install digital signage devices on chassis of streetcars running in the city. Willcom’s XGP service carries image data for the devices.

Solving digital divide issues (in Yamagata)
The prefectural government uses the new technology in order to encourage the equalization of education opportunity in the rural areas where fiber optic has been not yet installed.

See Also:

• Features and Outlines of XGP (XGP Forum)
• A Willcom’s tech guy reported the scene on his blog, showing you a base station was under construction for installing XGP-enabled devices[J]
• “Willcom Core” special website[J]
• These YouTube videos shows you demonstrating applications using XGP technology[J] (Gigazine)

Tags: Cellular Phone, Community, Company, Event Report, Japan, New Service, Service, Technology, Video by Masaru IKEDA
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Zappallas, a Japanese Fortune Telling content company has moved up to Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section. Enlisted in Mothers section in 2000, Zappallas has managed to meet TSE requirements of moving to the First Section.

Zappallas offer Furtune Telling content on Mobile Websites as well as normal web access. According to Zappallas financial reports, demand to their services has been growing steadily in the last few years, expected to bring around $100 Millions in 2009  (about $86 Millions for 2008).

Zappallas earnings are based on subscription fees of $3 per month (¥300), targeting women in their 20s and 30s.

Fortune Telling has a bit market in Japan, I wonder what the stars hold for Zappallas in the future.

Tags: Company, Japan, Trend by Avi Telyas
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