Society | Jan 13

CES goes virtual amid pandemic

One of the world's largest technology-trade fairs has kicked off. The "Consumer Electronics Show" normally attracts over 100,000 visitors who crowd into a venue in Las Vegas.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic has forced the event to go fully online.

The media got a glimpse of CES on Monday. Participating companies showed off their products and services. Organizers say over 1,800 are taking part, less than half compared to last year.

Panasonic is showcasing a new technology called "emotion and physical condition sensing."

It takes images of people's faces and analyzes their features and subtle changes in expressions. The data reveals their physical condition, feelings and personalities, which are indicated in colors and shapes.

Agarie Mayu, who is involved in the technology's development, said it helps people make smooth communications. She added it also gives them a chance to see themselves in a new light.

Japanese telecom giant NTT is screening a video explaining the concept behind its next-generation communication infrastructure.

Officials say the high-speed network will harness optical technologies to dramatically change autonomous driving and farming.


MORE Society NEWS

The Imperial Household Agency has announced that Princess Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family, is scheduled to visit Greece in late May to promote international goodwill.

The Taiji Town Whale Museum in Wakayama Prefecture conducted a memorial service on Tuesday for marine mammals and fish that have died in captivity.

A startling projection has been unveiled, suggesting that if current trends continue, every Japanese person might eventually be named 'Sato'.

POPULAR NEWS

Four men have been arrested by Tokyo police for allegedly recruiting women for prostitution in the United States via a website, promising encounters with affluent clients and high earnings.

For the first time in 73 years, Japan has unveiled a newly constructed whaling mother ship, equipped with drone technology for whaling operations in the Antarctic Sea.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Nara Prefecture has disciplined its former Youth Division Chief following a controversial dance party incident.

Residents of Japan's oldest student dormitory, self-managed for over 100 years, are digging in as Kyoto University attempts to evict them from the premises.

A Japan Airlines flight en route from Melbourne to Narita Airport encountered sudden severe turbulence on April 1, causing injuries to several cabin crew, including a broken leg.

FOLLOW US