J. Mark Lytle

This week's CEATEC technology show just outside Tokyo is home to not just the latest mainstream gadgets, but also some of the weirdest tech you'll ever come across.

On a busy day for Toshiba, the Japanese firm has announced that it has achieved the world's first quarter-terabyte 1.8-inch mini hard drive.

Toshiba investing heavily in US media download project

Panasonic enters third dimension with BD HD TV

We know how much you guys dig those crazy Japanese toilets, so are elated to break the news that Panasonic has just raised the bar by introducing an intelligent dunny that keeps an eye on its users.

Chrome users do not have to give their first born to Google

Weneo offers more flexibility than Oyster, but is it secure?

After the price cut in Japan last week it was hardly a surprise to see Microsoft slash the cost of its Xbox 360 in the US to just under $200, taking it under the Wii's price-point for the first time.

Something for everyone as BD matures to offer options

Also announces super-cheap price for new PSP-3000

Make money from your followers or indulge in some DS geekery

Just a week after wowing the world with its super-slim new LCD telly, Sony has gone to the other end of the innovation scale and given us a waterproof Bravia for the bathroom.

Mobile digital TV tuners may be already installed in tens of millions of phones in Japan and Korea, but the networks have one major problem with the technology - it makes them absolutely no money.

Proposals to regulate the industry as consoles threaten sales

We have at least two imminent app stores for Android phones (regardless of what they want us to call them) and a promise to actually deliver some handsets soon, so what's next?

Corporate blandness in online maps overlooks cultural landmarks

Low-tech methods may be needed if we're not to lose everything

Bravia ZX1 uses wireless link to feed 9.9mm screen

Previous anti-sharing attitude turned completely around

With the mushrooming success of SSD-based netbook PCs like the Eee family, it's hardly a surprise to discover them driving down the cost of solid-state storage.

Wikipedia approach to build engagement and broaden content

Curvy nano and new iTunes version nailed-on certainties

When Apple launched its 3G iPhone in India yesterday, there were reports of a Maharaja or two waiting in line at midnight, but otherwise generally little interest among the population of 1.1 billion.

Ace programmer shows how to waste maximum time possible

Fans of really, really small PCs - particularly those who also dig Asia-inspired cartoon art - will probably be beside themselves when they see the special-edition mini laptop from Fujitsu Japan.