Casio launches core models of lamp-free projector

EFT Report, Tokyo: Casio is set to expand its lineup of core models that support the next generation lamp free projectors with the release of XJ-V2 that can be availed at affordable prices with projectors that delivers 3000 lumens of brightness.

Priced less than USD 700, the lamp- free projectors are equipped with SSI*2 light sources and LED that have only been available in the high end of the projector market due to their advanced technology.

However, Casio has been developing a lineup of new reasonably priced projectors named "Core models," under the slogan of "Time to Go Lamp-Free for Everyone." The first core model, XJ-V1 with 2700 lumen brightness has gained an excellent reputation since it was released in the spring of 2015. It is now used in a wide range of settings spanning from education to business.

For the new XJ-V2 model, Casio worked to achieve an attractive base price and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO), while increasing brightness to 3000 lumens. This level of brightness enables images to be clearly projected in bright places, such as a classroom with sunlight shining through its windows.

Casio developed a lamp-free projector as a pioneer in the industry in 2010, and has since gained an 87.4% share of the world market for hybrid light source projectors.

Casio developed the XJ-V2 by building on this strong track record as a leading provider of hybrid light source projectors.

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Maruti Suzuki's new Baleno to be exported to Japan

EFT Report, Kolkata: In a first-ever move, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSIL) will start exporting its newly-launched premium hatchback Baleno to Japan next year onwards, the company said here on Monday.

"The car (to be exported to Japan) will have the same features as the one rolled out in India. This is our first ever export to Japan", the company's chief general manger of marketing Sanjeev Handa told media persons here on the sidelines of the car's launch.

Japan-based Suzuki Motor Corporation owns 56.21 percent stake in the company.

"Besides Japan, we will also be exporting the car to Latin America, Europe, Sri Lanka and several other countries," he said.

To be exported to over 100 countries from January 1 next year across the globe, MSIL is expecting Baleno exports to touch 30,000 units.

The car is available exclusively from its Nexa outlets and is produced at its Manesar plant in Haryana.

First unveiled in the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, the car is priced at Rs.523,912 lakh (ex-showroom Kolkata) for the petrol variant and Rs.644,108 lakh (ex-showroom Kolkata) for the diesel variant.

"The car design is based on liquid flow both for exteriors as well as the interior and has anti-lock braking system and dual air-bags for all models," Handa said.

The official said MSIL's much-anticipated compact SUV will be launched by March 31, 2016.

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JGC, GMR to develop food processing park in AP

EFT Report, New Delhi: GMR Infrastructure announced on Sunday its subsidiary Kakinada SEZ Pvt Ltd has signed an agreement with Japan's JGC Corporation for co-developing an export oriented food processing park at its Kakinada Special Economic Zone in Andhra Pradesh.

"JGC and GMR will jointly undertake a detailed study for developing and operating the export oriented food processing park catering to various food and agro processing sectors like sea food, fruits and vegetables, pulses and grains, dairy and spices and nuts," GMR said in a stock exchange filing.

"The significant traction built by the governments of India and Japan and the recent discussions between the CM (chief minister) of Andhra Pradesh and the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI), government of Japan have persuaded Japanese industry to increase investments in India," it said.

The park is envisaged to be spread over an area of 300 acres, having both value added and ready-to-eat products. 

Japanese organisations like JBIC, JETRO, METI, Japan's ministries of land infrastructure and transport and agriculture forestry and fisheries as well as other Japanese financial institutions have expressed their support for this park, GMR said.

"GMR Group has 10,500 acres of industrial region at Kakinada which is strategically situated on the eastern coast rich in oil and natural gas deposits," it added.

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Ramadan 2014 Around the World From Saturday/Sunday

EFT Report: Majority of Muslims around the world will celebrate the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan on Sunday, June 29, while some Muslim countries will observe the dawn-to-dusk month a day earlier. 

Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, said that the fasting month will start on Sunday, June 29.

Egypt's Iftaa House said the new moon of Ramadan was not sighted Friday, June 27. "Therefore, Saturday, June 28, will be the last day of Sha`ban and Sunday, June 29 will be the first day of Ramadan.

The Higher Judicial Council of Palestine has also announced that Saturday will be the last day of Sha`ban. Therefore, Ramadan will commence on Sunday.

In Kuwait, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and South Korea, it has been announced that Ramadan will start on June 29. 

Muslims in UK start fasting on Sunday, June 29, in accordance with Saudi Arabia's declaration.

Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammad has announced that Ramadan will start on Sunday, following a meeting with the Australian National Imams Council.

The first day Ramadan in Japan will be on Sunday as the moon could not be sighted on Friday, the Islamic Center of Japan announced.

Malaysia’s Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, announced that fasting will start on Sunday in the announcement carried live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

In the Philippines, Ramadan officially starts Sunday after Muslim religious leaders failed to view the crescent moon Friday evening.

Saturday

The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) has announced earlier this month the start of Ramadan in North America on Saturday.

In Lebanon, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussein Fadl-Allah announced that Saturday will be the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

In Turkey, Belgium, Russia, Italy and several Eruopean countries, Saturday has been announced as the first day of Ramadan.

Yemen's Iftaa House has also announced Saturday, June 28, as the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Sunday or Monday

In Pakistan, Chief Meteorologist Mohammad Riaz has announced that the holy month of Ramadan was expected to start on June 30, 2014.

Same position was in India where the moon sighting will be made on Saturday to define the start of the holy month, either on Sunday or Monday.

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Italy Beat England, Costa Rica Upset Uruguay, Ivory Coast, Colombia Win

EFT Report, Rio de Janeiro: Both Ivory Coast and Costa Rica rallied from a goal down to beat Japan and Uruguay respectively while Italy outlasted England 2-1 and Colombia slammed Greece 3-0 in the group stage of the World Cup football.

Superstar Didier Drogba gave Ivory Coast a huge lift after coming off the bench as the Ivorians beat Japan 2-1 in a Group C match in Arena Pernambuco.

After midfielder Keisuke Honda scored the opener in the 16th minute, Japan kept the 1-0 lead till Drogba showed up in the field in the 62nd minute.

"The Elephants", as the Ivorian squad is nicknamed, found the rhythm back as two headed goals were scored in a span of two minutes by Wilfried Bony in the 64th and Gervinho in the 66th minute.

In Fortaleza, Costa Rica fought back from one-goal down to upset a highly rated Uruguay 3-1 in Group D.

Uruguay's star striker Luis Suarez, recovering from a knee surgery, was left on the bench as Tabarez did not want to take any risk. PSG forward Edinson Cavani paired up with veteran Diego Forlan, the winner of Golden Ball award in 2010 South Africa World Cup, to lead the attacking line for the Uruguayans under a 4-4-2 formation.

Center-back and Uruguay captain Diego Lugano was brought down in the box 22 minutes into the match when he was trying to meet a freekick from the left flank. Cavani converted the penalty with a powerful shot into the low right corner.

Uruguay also had a goal turned down in the 14th minute because defender Diego Godin was found off-side by the assistant referee.

The "Ticos", as Costa Ricans call themselves, paid much attention on their defense as they fielded five defenders and only left Arsenal forward Joel Campbell upfront. Their best opportunity in the first half came in the 30th minute when a deflected shot from Giancarlo Gonzalez hit the side of the net.

Costa Rica posed more threats in the second half. Defender Oscar Duarte's close-range hammer from the far post was blocked by Urugary akeeper Fernando Muslera five minutes after the break. 

But the "Ticos" did not wait for long to level the score.

The 21-year-old Campbell, on loan to Greek giants Olympiacos last season, chested down a cross deep from the right and slotted home the equalizer with his left foot in the 53rd minute.

The Uruguayans were still coping with the astonishment of conceding the goal when Costa Rica scored again three minutes later. Duarte, again, received a freekick pass in the far post and only this time his sharp-angled diving header managed to beat Muslera and awarded the "Ticos" a one goal lead.

In the 84th minute, Campbell set up a fine through pass to second half substitute Marco Urena. The 24-year-old striker from Russian side FC Kuban Krasnodar rounded off the score to 3-1 with his right foot effort only one minute after being brought onto the pitch.

However, Uruguay's misery did not end there. During injury time of the match, their defender Maximiliano Pereira received a red card for deliberately kicking Campbell and will miss the next match against England.

In the European affair, Mario Balotelli struck a second-half winner as Italy got the better of England 2-1 while Group C seeds Colombia breezed past Greece 3-0.

In the sapping Amazon heat at Manaus, Claudio Marchisio opened the scoring at the Arena Amazonia stadium in the 35th minute with a fizzing low drive that gave Joe Hart no chance.

Daniel Sturridge equalized two minutes later by slotting in from a close range.

But AC Milan striker Balotelli regained the Azzurri's advantage by heading in at the far post just after halftime.

Wayne Rooney, who as expected played in a deeper role, began to assert greater influence in the second half as Italy's legs tired.

He had the chance to equalize just after the hour but could only manage to drag his shot wide off a Leighton Baines' pass.

England continued to press and the Italian keeper Salvatore Sirigu was again called into action by Leighton Baines' curling shot over wall.

But Cesare Prandelli's side defended stoically as both teams pushed themselves to the point of exhaustion in the final minutes.

Andrew Pirlo, seemingly averse to the conditions with a typically assured performance at the heart of Italy's midfield, almost made it 3-1 but his dipping injury-time free-kick cannoned off the crossbar.

In Horizonte, Colombia enjoyed a flying start as defender Pablo Armero scored only five minutes into the game. He got on the end of the cross and his shot took a deceiving deflection beating Greek goalkeeper Orstis Karnezis.

One minute later, assisted by Georgios Samaras, Greece midfielder Panagiotis Kone smashed a right-footed shot from the center of the box. It was very close, but missed, going to the right.

River Plate's forward Teofilo Gutierrez lifted Colombia to 2-0 in the 58th minute when he found the back of the net off a deflected corner and was at the doorstep to tap it in.

Greece forward Theofanis Gekas got a dive in the 63rd minute but his header smashed off the crossbar. He was replaced by Konstantinos Mitroglou one minute later.

Ioannis Fetfatzidis from Italy's Genoa, who substituted Salpingidis in the second half, played eye-catching football, but he did not get enough ball possession.

Colombia's James Rodriguez from AS Monaco, the No. 10 on the field, scored a wonderful goal in injury time to widen the gap to 3-0.

Rodriguez, the Man of the Match, said he was very happy because "we won and I scored". He hopes to keep winning in this way.

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The Rolling Stones Announce 2014 Tour; Gigs in Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Sydney

EFT Report: Grandpaas’ of Rock n Roll are all set to another round of live stage performances, The Rolling Stones have just announced a series of live dates for next year.

The Rolling Stones' 14 On Fire

The Rolling Stones' 14 On Fire tour will kick-off in Abu Dhabi on February 21 with gigs spanning across the Far East and Asia, including 3 shows in Tokyo and a one-off concert in Macau.

THE ROLLING STONES 2014 TOUR DATES:
Feb 21: Abu Dhabi, du Arena
Feb 26: Tokyo, Tokyo Dome
March 4: Tokyo, Tokyo Dome
March 6: Tokyo, Tokyo Dome
March 9: Macau, Cotai Arena
March 19: Perth, Perth Arena
March 22: Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
March 25: Sydney, Allphones Arena
March 28: Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
March 30: Macedon, Hanging Rock
April 2: Brisbane, Entertainment Centre
April 5: Aukland, Mt Smart Stadium.

Tickets to go on sale from December 12 (Thursday) at ticketmaster.ae.

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Will Smith, Son Jaden at Tokyo Premiere of ‘After Earth’

EFT Report, Tokyo: Hollywood superstar Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith attended the Tokyo Premiere of their upcoming M Night Shyamalan film ‘After Earth.’

In After Earth, a crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on Earth 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home.

Will Smith, Son Jaden at Tokyo Premiere of ‘After Earth’

Columbia Pictures presents an Overbrook Entertainment/Blinding Edge Pictures production directed by M. Night Shyamalan from a screenplay by Gary Whitta and M. Night Shyamalan and a story by Will Smith, and produced by Caleeb Pinkett, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, James Lassiter, and M. Night Shyamalan.

After Earth releases on June 7, 2013 in India.

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Tom Cruise Signs Sci-Fi Film 'Yukikaze'

EFT Report, Los Angeles: After "Oblivion," Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise has signed yet another sci-fi film "Yukikaze," based on a series of Japanese novels by author Chohel Kamayashi.

The 50-year-old actor will play the lead character in the film, whose name in the Japanese books is Rei Fukai, reported Aceshowbiz.

Tom Cruise in 'Yukikaze'

The story of the novels is based on the human race being attacked by the alien force known as JAM.

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Carolina Herrera Opens First Boutique in Japan

EFT Report, Tokyo: Venezuelan-American designer Carolina Herrera entered the Japanese luxury retail market on Wednesday (April 10, 2013), opening her first store in the country.

Herrera's new boutique in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district is part of an ambitious expansion of her brand in Asia.

The three-story boutique is similar to the others operated by the New York design house around the world, with wood and leather dominating the decor.

The Tokyo boutique, however, incorporates Japanese elements, such as sculptures, lamps and cloth wall coverings.

Carolina Herrera's First Boutique in Japan

"It's like if it was Carolina Herrera's house or apartment in Tokyo. That's the idea behind this new store," a spokesman for the design house told EFE.

The New York fashion house has stores in Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul.

Carolina Herrera plans to open boutiques in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok in the next few months.

The Carolina Herrera boutique in Tokyo's Ginza district, one of the most upscale retail districts in the world, is offering 2013 spring/summer collections for men and women inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, as well as accessories and luggage.

"The Japanese are very sophisticated, they know fashion and appreciate quality," the Carolina Herrera spokesman said.

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Sony PlayStation 4 Launch in NYC on Feb. 20

EFT Report, New York City: The Japanese electronics giant, Sony is all set to unveil the PlayStation 4 in New York City on Feb. 20, 2013.

Sony recently invited journalists to an evening press event. The company has not said what it plans to show off, but signs indicate that it’ll be the PlayStation 4.

Such a console would follow Nintendo’s Wii U, which launched last fall, and precede Microsoft Corp.’s next Xbox game console, which will likely be unveiled in June at the E3 video game conference in Los Angeles.

Sony PlayStation 4

Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter says it’s a “super smart” move for Sony Corp. to pre-empt Microsoft’s expected launch by several months. This way, the PlayStation 4 will get the spotlight without much competition.

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Tokyo to Host World Bank Public Seminar on Jan. 18

Tokyo is set to host the World Bank Public Seminar "From Tohoku to the World: Further Collaboration with Japan to Mainstream Disaster Risk Management" on Jan. 18, 2013.

Program

Opening:

Shigeo Shimizu, Director, Development Institutions Division, International Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan

Panel Discussion:

• Fumihiko Imamura, Tsunami Engineering, Disaster Control Research Center, Tohoku University
• Yukie Osa, Professor, Rikkyo University / President, Association for Aid and Relief, Japan
• Kenzo Hiroki, Principal, International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM)
• Masami Fuwa, Director General, Global Environment Department, JICA
• Francis Ghesquiere, Manager for the World Bank’s Disaster Risk Management Practice Group and Head of GFDRR Secretariat

World Bank Public Seminar in Tokyo

Date & Time:

January 18, 2013; 4.30 pm–6.30 pm

Venue:

The World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center
10F, Fukoku Seimei Bld. 2-2-2Uchisaiwai-cho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011

Admission is free. To attend this event, send your name, affiliation, contact information via email to jointokyo@worldbank.org.

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Corinthians Wins FIFA Club World Cup 2012; Beat Chelsea FC 1-0

Brazil's Corinthians won the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 beating English giants Chelsea FC 1-0 in the final played at the Nissan Stadium (Yokohama), Japan on December 16. This is their second Club World Cup title having already lifted the cup in 2000.

Both clubs missed lot of chances to score in the match with Chelsea FC being the more dominant side but failing when it comes to final touch. Peruvian international Paolo Guerrero (28) scored the lone goal of the match with a header in the 69th minute for the Brazilian outfit. Fernando Torres was the main culprit for the English side missing easy scoring chances but that’s how the ‘Beautiful game’ rolls sometime. Torres did find the net in the 90th minute but was ruled off-side. Corinthians keeper Cassio, who made some sensation saves in the final, was rightfully named ‘Player of the tournament’.

Mexican side Monterrey defeated African champions Al Ahly 2-0 in the third place play-off.

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Club World Cup: Chelsea FC Beat Monterrey 3-1; To Meet Brazil’s Corinthians in Final

Goals from Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and an own-goal from D. Chavez helped English side Chelsea FC beat Mexican champions Monterrey 3-1 in their Club World Cup semi-final played at Nissan Stadium, Yokohama (Japan) on December 13.

Rafa Benitez’s men now will take on Brazilian side Corinthians, who defeated Egypt’s Al Ahly SC 1-0 in the other semi-final played at Toyota Stadium, in the final on December 16. Former Bayern Munich striker Paulo Guerrero scored the lone goal of the match for the Brazilian club.

This will be Rafa’s second Club World Cup final having already won the tournament with Inter Milan back in 2010.

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Nissan to Launch Duster SUV in India by Diwali 2013

Japanese automaker Nissan will launch the compact Duster SUV in India by October 2013, coinciding with the auspicious time of Dussehra and Diwali.

Nissan would launch a rebadged version of the Duster (codenamed NH79). The new vehicle will get major cosmetic tweaks both to the inside and outside, but will remain the same underneath.

The NH79 will slot in below the Renault Duster due to the Renault-Nissan hierarchy. The compact SUV is also likely to fare better than its French sibling as it will be cheaper and the fact that Nissan has better presence in India.

Also, Nissan might introduce a 4x4 and automatic variants (the Duster already has them in Europe) for the NH79 when it is launched.

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An Evening of Japanese Fusion Music in Kolkata on Dec. 4

Internationally acclaimed Japanese musical group Aun and Hide will showcase fusion music on the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata on Dec. 4, 2012.

The musical extravaganza will incorporate Japanese guitar, flute and drums played by percussionists Ryohei and Kohei Inoue of Aun along with Hideyuki Saito of Hide, according to a media release by the Japanese Consulate.

Aun, formed by the Inoue twins, has previously graced the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York city with their experimental sound and as part of the group Ondekoza, has also received Emmy awards.

Hide, formed in collaboration with Japanese Taiko drums group Kodo, in 1987, has performed with the likes of Paul McCartney and has also contributed to numerous Hollywood soundtracks.

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Man Utd’s Kagawa Out for 4-Weeks Due to Knee Injury

Manchester United new signing Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa (23) will be out of action for 4-weeks after twisting his knee during the Champions League match against Braga.

Sir Alex’s men will take on current leader Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League clash on Sunday (Oct 28).

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Brazilian Student (20) Sells Virginity for $780,000

A Brazilian student by the name of Catarina Migliorini is all-set to give away her virginity to a man called Natsu from Japan for $780,000 after she put it up for auction online.

The 20-year-old was the subject of 15 bids during the auction and she would be filmed by an Australian crew for a documentary flick called ‘Virgins Wanted’. Sex toys will be banned and condom is a compulsion during the encounter.

According to Reports, Japanese Natsu outbid American bidders Jack Miller and Jack Right and Indian named Rudra Chatterjee.

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Madrid’s Marcelo Out for 3 Months With Injury

Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Marcelo has been ruled out for three months with a fractured foot. The 24-year-old fractured his right foot while training on international duty and is likely to undergo a surgery.

Brazil will take on Asian champions Japan in a friendly international on October 16 in Wrocklaw, Poland.

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Spain's Gestamp Solar to Invest $1.16-Billion in Japan

Spain's Gestamp Solar plans to invest nearly 90 billion yen ($1.16 billion) in solar plants and panels in Japan over the next three years.

In its foray into Japan's renewable energy sector, Gestamp Solar has signed an accord with Kankyo Keiei Senryaku Soken to build and operate rooftop photovoltaic installations with a capacity of 30 MW.

The two companies have set a goal of achieving 300 MW in generating capacity within three years through a combination of rooftop and ground-mounted projects, Gestampo Solar CEO Jorge Barredo said in a press conference in Tokyo.

Of that capacity, 70 percent over the long term would come from rooftop projects, Barredo said, adding that that goal is "realistic and achievable".

In addition to its partnership with Kankyo Keiei Senryaku Soken, the Spanish firm is currently in talks with other companies in Japan, a market Barredo said Gestamp Solar is in "for the long haul."

The Spanish company is planning to start building the solar installations before year's end with the goal of having its first plant up and running before the close of March 2013.

Gestamp Solar also is in talks with supermarkets and other commercial outlets to install solar panels on some 40 or 50 surfaces.

The company, a unit of Gestamp Renewables, specializes in the development, construction, operation and maintenance of solar parks and has developed photovoltaic installations with more than 500 MW of generating capacity in 13 countries, including the US, Spain, Peru and Chile.

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Akai Smart Box Launched in India at Rs 6,590

Japan’s leading consumer electronics firm, Akai launched a ‘Smart Box’ in India on Oct. 4, 2012 at Rs 6,590. Akai Smart Box allows users to surf the Internet on their television sets.

The company, which is targeting revenues of Rs 250 crore this fiscal, expects sales of one lakh devices in the next three-four months.

The Android-based device, powered by a 1.25-Ghz processor, comes with a wireless mouse for navigation. It is equipped with 4GB internal memory, expandable up to 32GB through the SD card slot.

Similar to Apple TV, Smart Box is a digital media device which allows users to access content such as videos, games and Web sites using WiFi and broadband connection.

Google, which operates the Android platform, also plans to launch its set-top box ‘Google TV.’

The Smart Box has 4 USB ports, hard drives as well as connects to Internet using 3G dongle.

The device connects to the Internet using LAN, WiFi as well as 3G. It also acts as a router using which other devices such as tablet PCs and laptops can be connected to the Internet.

Akai India will sell the devices through e-commerce stores, its Web site as well large format stores and distribution channels. It will also launch television commercials and digital campaigns for the device.

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