We have just discovered that S.T. DuPont, a French company is making a new handset called “Pantech Sky DuPont IM-U510LE” in collaboration with Pantech, South Korea’s largest handset manufacturer. The luxurious phone is inspired by DuPont’s famous lighters, which Pantech integrates as a push-up button with the same cling sound that is produced when the lighter cap opens.

The phone comes with a lot of interesting features. It has a 3-inch touch screen display, a 2G-only connectivity, GPS, a MP3 camera with 3 megapixel, Bluetooth, mobile dictionary, and gold plated edges. The features look appealing but the DuPont phone will be available only for SK Telecom network users. It is very unfair to those who really want to buy this phone. However, around 30,000 of this handset are expected to be sold.

The phone is priced at $832, which is by far the most expensive handset for Pantech. The phone is already doing well in the US, Japan and the South America markets. Only time will tell how well it is appreciated in Korea. It’s more than possible that Korean market will welcome it.

Via: Techfresh/Cnet

Contrary to popular belief, the super-rich do have a conscience. Well, how else do you explain the endless charities and drives to save the earth? Folks like Edward Humes with a good heart and a splurging bank balance will definitely be interested in the new concept carports that are doing the roundd of the eco new world thesedays. A perfect substitute for the Bond-style pop-up garage, these are actually solar panel roofs.

A creation coming from Japan-based Sankyo Tateyama Aluminum is a great way to go green for the rich without having to compromise on their ultra-high standards of living. Referred to as M.Shade (aka M. frontage Solar Shade) this one has the ability to generate power to the capacity of 2.52kw vis-a-vis its photovoltaic cells. Other than that, it can accomodate two cars too.

Each carport has been made from 12 solar panels that together provide 2,235kw of energy per year, as per Sankyo this is can cover 50% of a typical household needs. M.Shade costs $40,000 plus installation charges.

Via crunchgear

We have just discovered some new Television remote controls by Sony Japan. These remote controls have simple basic functions and they come with big buttons. This will make it easier for the users to see the buttons and change the channels easily. These remote controls are waterproof. Thank God somebody at least came up with a waterproof remote control. Mine just stopped functioning as I accidentally poured water on it.Now I can care less if it happens again.

These Sony remote controls are compatible with most TV manufacturers. They will be on sale from September 10 onwards at but only in Japan. They will be available for 2468 Yen ($29). They come in five different colors. Interestingly, the remote controls have sharp numbered buttons but the button no. zero is printed on the button no. 10 in a small size.

I wonder why they had to do this. Probably Sony wanted to save some space for other purposes. Nevertheless, it’s not a bad deal considering it’s a water-proof remote control. My only worry is if this will ever be available in other places apart from Japan.

Via: Google\NewLaunches

In this fast moving and highly technological world, laptops are fast replacing the old desktops. Interestingly, laptops are becoming the must have electronic gadgets for many of the techno-savvy people. Well, working for long hours on the laptop is sometimes a painful task to do so. Gorocool designed by Japan’s Thanko is an amazing laptop desk that will let you work more comfortably on your laptop.

You can fix this in any seating surface like the lounges, sofas, beds and chairs. You can adjust the Gorocool according to your comfortable seating position with the help of the hinges.This will also protect your lap from getting heated up that happens often as the powerful fan inside the laptop generates a lot of heat.

Interestingly, Gorocool comes with an built-in fan, which can be turned on or off depending on your wish. This works with a USB cable.You can buy the Gorocool for $90 from Thanko in Japan. This is a cool product that everybody may soon need. The price is also reasonable and I will definitely get one for myself.

Via: Unplggd\JeansNow\Thanko

Recent surveys have revealed that iPhone is enjoying a good reign as the most popular mobile device in the tech-savvy Japan. And there is an ultra-luxe item which is being made available to mark the occasion. One of the major cell phone providers in the country, Softbank has just launched the Japan Texture Special Edition mobile accessory for iPhone which is really an attempt to bring a distinct Japanese flavor to the widely successful gadget that almost everybody owns or wants to own.

The new collection has mobiles fitted in lacquer cases that play five different designs each paying homage to the days of samurais and shoguns. In fact, the elegant presentation cases by themselves look nothing short of a work of art.

And at that point, let us tell you that ironically the Japan Texture Special Edition cases cost far more than the smartphone itself. The current price tag reads $1,057, which is huge. Some might wonder about its success in the recession recovering Japan, but hey, the folks here are never heard of compromising on trends and fashion…no matter what!

Via dvice, j-cast & valumore

The desire to own brisk modes of transportation is on every rich person’s list. And we are not just taking super cars here. In fact, if you are in Japan you might just see one of these speeding off in the skies thanks to the efforts of the Japanese Mori Building Co. Yes, if rumors are to be believed, then you can get to Narita airport from downtown Tokyo in a matter of just 30 minutes if you hire a Hermes helicopter.

The service will be run between a rooftop in the central district of Akasaka and Narita International Airport, which are 44 miles apart and would require an hour and a half of car travel. We are told that the helicopter ride will not just save time but will also allow the passengers the luxury of looking down the splendor of Tokyo while sitting in comfy seats made from rich-brown calf leather.

The chopper, we are told, has been painted in white with orange ribbons on the sides. It will carry four passengers in each flight, some 22 times every day. The service starts from September 16 and will cost $790 for a one-way ride. But hey, that’s minus the food or drink services.

Via reuters

Always expect the Japanese to think out of the box or should we say circle, this once. Well, we are told that a farmer in the town of Tsukigata in Hokkaido has grown watermelons in the shape of a pyramid. Bored of the regular shape of the juicy fruit, the man decided to grow it in a  specially shaped plastic shell and hung it upside down.

So far, some sixteen pyramid watermelons have been shipped all across Japan including the high-profile Iwataya department store in Fukuoka, where it has been kept in storage because the fruit isn’t ripe yet. We are informed that the unique watermelon is 25 centimeters high and comes for a huge $555. But then so are the other exotic fruits in Japan.

Now this fruit might be out of the budget of many especially in the financial hard times. But then who has stopped us from window shopping and then dreaming about this uniquely-shaped fruit. Again, the taste of the pyramid-watermelon won’t be any different from the regular one!

Via mainichi

Recession might seem like one big joke to those in Tokyo. Well, we don’t mean to only refer to the 12K yen that government shelled out per person in Japan to aid in the financial crisis, but also to the marketing strategy adopted by French jewelry store Mauboussin. Believe it or not, but as part of the launch of its new store in Ginza, the brand gave away 5,000 diamonds for free.

Each diamond was worth 0.1 carat with a cost of $55. This strategy was used to encourage people to invest in luxury gems during the hard times. But we do have serious doubts about the finances of a company who is offering diamonds like promotion cookies.

As a matter of fact, the little show went down pretty well with the public who waited patiently outside the new store. But there was a catch here too. The brand was also offering the prospective customers a chance to make the free diamonds into rings of pendants for a fee of $520. A very unique thinking� that sure got everyone’s attention across the world.

Via japantoday

In this fast moving world, everybody needs a break to pamper oneself once in a while. One thing that attracts me the most at the moment is Hitoma. It is a gigantic portable tea room and it has the ability to transform any ordinary room into the perfect tea or meditation retreat. We often neglect to focus on medication as we are too occupied with our daily routines.

Hitoma is originally dispatched from the Japan Brand Pop Up Shop and is currently available at NYC’s Felissimo till 30 May 2009. Besides the latest fashion accessories, kitchen props and home decor, which come straight from Japan, Hitoma is the centre of attraction. Hitoma literally signifies a room that is used to promote a time and place for relaxation. It is built using Kishu timber. It is a high quality cedar from the city of Gobo.

It is known for its extraordinary grain patterns and long life span. The sliding doors are covered in bamboo paper display calligraphy. The floor is covered by tatami mats. This tea room is developed by the Gobo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is retailed for $18,000. This is not a bad deal considering the serene features it has.

Via: CoolHunting\Hitoma

Steve has been on our elite list long ago before Deborah from Life In A Fast Lane could remind us of our missing him. We had always admired his writings over Inventorspot with little knowledge that he has started contributing on other renowned blogs well i.e. Weburbanist. Wish Steve could spare sometime for elitechoice also and breed his creativity here.

Hailing from Toronto, Steve is our first elite guest who is consciously aware of Japan’s economy in and out. Here, we managed to get more insight of Japanese culture from him and also, his take on other areas.

Read further to know more about this self-employed blogger:

•    Steve, kindly introduce yourself to my readers and take us through your usual day at work.

Hi fellow Elite Choice readers! Let me first thank you for inviting me to be an Elite Blogger, it’s a great honor. As for my work day, I’m self employed so I get to set my own hours… which really isn’t as much fun as you might think. Being the boss AND the staff, I can’t goof off without the boss knowing what I’m up to. Seriously though, I don’t lock myself into a rigid 9 to 5 schedule but I do try to complete 3 major tasks every day. That way I feel I’ve accomplished something and I clear room for the next day’s projects.

•    To what extent have blogs become an integral important part of the way people now access information? When did you sense an inclination towards blogging? Are you satisfied with the functionality of the blogging ecosystem or think there is a need for revamp?

It’s very exciting to be a blogger in this day & age. Getting in on the ground floor just a few years ago and watching the medium grow in so many ways is like having the window open as history unfolds around you. I’m convinced that the trend away from traditional sources of news and entertainment and towards dedicated blogs will only continue – and that’s a good thing! People who know what they like can go online and get it at their convenience, and those who don’t have any particular interest can browse the web until they find something that DOES interest them. Blogging is democratic in nature, universal in appeal and available to anyone with an Internet connection. One would hope the rest of the world follows down the peaceful path the Blogosphere has blazed.

•    How different is Japan’s culture from countries that you have visited?

From my experience, Japan’s modern day culture is unique. Rising from the ashes of not just war, but nuclear war, Japan has risen to become the world’s second-largest economy while managing to keep much of its traditional culture and society intact. This is a cultural anchor that supports people and helps prevent them from getting swept away by rapid societal and technological change. Things are by no means perfect in Japan but in my opinion, the rest of the world can learn much from observing – even imitating – the Japanese model.

•    Steve, you have been writing a lot about Japan and also international technology. How would you relate technology with luxury products? Do they correlate with each other?

In many cases technology does correlate with luxury products since many people are willing to pay more for something more technologically advanced. On the other hand, today’s technology may be surpassed tomorrow, yet with traditional luxury items like jewelry, gold and fine art there is an intrinsic value that will always be appreciated no matter what.

•    While it is true that most luxury products are assumed elite, and most elite products as being luxurious, we think there is a difference. What do you think?

Well, it all depends on what market the product is intended for. Just like the old cliche goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.

•    Having seen Japanese culture up close, can you tell us why there are no evident signs of an economic recession that has clawed onto this country for more than a decade now?

The signs are there if you look in the right places. Unemployment and even homelessness are up but most tourists don’t visit Toyota City, where many auto workers have been laid off. Also, many full time jobs have been quietly replaced by part-time jobs – the trains may still be full but the commuters’ pay packets, not so much. There’s also been change in the retailing sector: “100 yen stores” (1 yen = roughly 1 dollar) and low-priced chains like Uniqlo have become more popular.

•    We also hear that the Japanese government is issuing a ‘help allowance’ to those living in Japan to help pull through the hard times. Frankly, we have never heard of anything like this before. What’s your opinion — is it just plain bizarre or do you understand the psyche behind this step?

I understand what the government is trying to do: put money in people’s pockets and hope they’ll spend it but it’s more likely people will just save the money. Japan has a very savings-oriented culture. The amount of money being given out is also very small, only us$120 or so. Here in Canada, our provincial government will be giving people up to $1,000 so that’s something I’m in favor of… and very much looking forward to!

•    Is it true to say that technology and gadgets are being produced at a rate that poses a tough time for the makers themselves considering the cruelty of terrorism age?

I wouldn’t say so; people have always looked to distractions from bad news and tough times. In the Great Depression, movies were a favored escape, at least for those who could afford to go. Today people distract themselves by playing video games, using their Wii, fiddling with some new cool gadget and so on – all these are more fun than reading the financial news.

•    Tell us about your ‘must-read’ or favorite blogs?
I’m lucky to write for blogs like InventorSpot, WebUrbanist, Burbia and The Thinking Blog that also feature some really great writers and I’d recommend them to anyone looking for great reading, interesting information and something a little out of the ordinary.

I also read blogs like Japundit and News On Japan that specialize in Japanese content – not only do they cater to my interests but they’re also a source of great topics for my own articles. Last but certainly not least, my son’s blog, Yersys Technology Blog . He’s just 14 and High School is his main focus but in less than a year he’s managed to create a popular blog that features computers and news from the tech world. I really hope your readers will check it out; new bloggers need support but notwithstanding that, he’s done a terrific job and I’m very proud of him!

•    Provide us with your five favorite posts you have written to date over at InventorSpot and WebUrbanist.

I’ll include Burbia and The Thinking Blog in the mix as I’m now a regular contributor there:

“The Top Ten Weird and Bizarre Japanese Soft Drinks”

“Future Past: 173 Radical Retrofuturistic Directions in Design & Technology”

“Pirates Amok – Yo Ho Ho And A Sultanate Of Rum”

“Japan Tobacco’s Delightfully Disturbing ‘Smoking Manners for Adults’ Ads, Part 1″ of an ongoing series

From The Thinking Blog: “Extinct Human Species Smarter Than Us?”

How would you like to be known:
•    Explorer:
•    Blogger:
•    Technophile:
•    Product Reviewer:
•    Entrepreneur:
•    Others:

Well, I’ve had a few different careers over the years but writing and blogging has been the most enjoyable. As far as being “known”, that’s one good thing about the Internet: it gives you a measure of immortality. If what I write is appreciated then it (and “me”) will keep floating around long after I’m gone.

Quick bites:
•    Hours you invest digging the Net: About 6 hours a day, more or less. Usually more.
•    Biggest blogging mistake you made: Not learning how to write for Adsense early enough.
•    One hidden truth: Be nice to people you write about – they just might write about you one day!
•    If asked to post only on one blog (not InventorSpot or WebUrbanist): Burbia , where I’m given the most freedom regarding topics and content.
•    Advice you would have given yourself five years ago?: All blogs (and all bloggers) get off to a slow start but patience – and regularly posting good content – will pay off in the long run.
•    If not a Blogger/Writer, then… That’s hard to say, because writer and blogging isn’t my first career, it’s only my most recent one. If I wasn’t blogging, I would probably be consulting people on how to be bloggers themselves.
•    Life without Internet: I grew up without the Internet but it’s still hard to imagine living without it today. No single technological advance has changed people’s lives as much. If the Internet crashed for some reason and could not be resurrected, I think that would make the current financial crisis look very trivial.

•    Which is your favorite social networking site? Digg, StumbleUpon, Twitter or… There are so many social networking sites out there and they all have their pros and cons but I especially like a site called Fark. Posters submit actual news stories with headlines crafted to be humorous. Another feature of Fark is the Comments section, which is a real comedic goldmine.

•    Whom would you recommend as my next EliteBlogger and why?

That’s a tough decision because there are so many great bloggers out there, but if I had to choose one I’d recommend Gerri Elder from Absolutely True. Gerri writes for and operates her own blog, is active and popular at sites like Digg and StumbleUpon, and she somehow manages to manage her family in real life. I think she sets a fine example for any new blogger who’s considering starting their own blog and/or getting into social media.

•    Give us your views on EliteChoice.

Elite Choice is a very appealing site for those who want to seek out the best life offers from the comfort of their cozy computer chairs. Not everyone has the time to physically shop for luxury goods – an endeavor that requires much window-shopping due to the high cost of such goods. Why not virtually browse for the best, using your computer’s browser? A clever concept, nicely executed!

•    You can ask me one question:

Thank you Zola. I see that Elite Choice is based in India and the language used is English. How would a non-Indian, English-speaking blogger such as myself gain wider access to the vast pool of young, educated, upwardly mobile Indian netizens? I think this is the one major problem bloggers face today – how to boost readership beyond their home countries. The Internet is International so let’s try and break down those walls!

I hear you Steve and understand your concern. With social media networking/ marketing evolving as a new culture, I believe all your worries would be dumped as it offers you not only international reach but widens your approach towards things. I am saying this out of my learning from my stay at networks like Stumbleupon, digg, twitter and others. Also, I believe that its word of mouth that can drive savvy readers to a blog. Hope that answers.

At last, I would like to thank you for your interesting shot of answers and Vlad and Saba also for equally remarkable questions. Steve, we wish to luck for your future endeavors.