Japanese Company Launches Smart Ring

March 16, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. helmet /ˈhɛl mɪt/ (n.) – a protective hat made of plastic
Example: He wore a helmet equipped with a phone holder.

2. Bluetooth /ˈbluˌtuθ/ (n.) – technology enabling short-range connection between devices through radio signals
Example: I transferred a song to his phone via Bluetooth.

3. longhand /ˈlɔŋˌhænd/ (n.) – a typical way of writing done with a pen or pencil
Example: She did an article in longhand.

4. stroke /stroʊk/ (n.) – movement or lines done with a writing tool
Example: We studied the basic strokes of Chinese characters.

5. fashionable /ˈfæʃ ə nə bəl/ (adj.) – showing good style and elegance
Example: The CEO wore a fashionable dress during the launching ceremony.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Fujitsu Laboratories has developed a ring-type device that lets users write words and navigate on a mobile gadget using only finger movements.

A demonstration of how the Fujitsu Smart Ring works was shown in a press event in Tokyo. A helmet was wirelessly linked to the ring that enabled the user to see and use a smartphone without holding it. Through a screen display, the audience saw how the employee tapped icons and wrote letters on air.

Motion sensors, Bluetooth, and near field communication (NFC) enable the device to respond with 95% accuracy. Users can connect their smartphones or tablets with Bluetooth to a Fujitsu app. The ring is made of plastic material, weighs 10 grams, and lasts up to eight hours.

Fujitsu Smart Ring can recognize Japanese, Latin, and Chinese characters written on air by the user. The device can recognize longhand and number strokes. The inclusion of NFC reader lets users exchange data with a device or areas with NFC tags like shops and transportation terminals.

The company plans to release the device in the market by April 2016. Fujitsu Laboratories is the first to develop ring-type devices, and other companies are following suit. New York-based Ringly is currently working on a fashionable ring that notifies the wearer of his or her smartphone notifications. The California-based MOTA will also release SmartRing, a ring with smartwatch features, by April 2015.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How do you think the Fujitsu ring will be helpful to you at work?
·         In what other situations will the Fujitsu ring be most useful? Kindly discuss.

Discussion B

·         Is technology making our lives easier? Why do you say so?
·         What has been the most useful invention for you? Kindly discuss.

March 16, 2015