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SwitchBot Announces KATA Friends: A Next-Generation AI Partner Robot with On-Device LLM, Understanding Words and Behavior, Growing with You

SWITCHBOT Corporation, a leading IoT and smart home brand, has unveiled KATA Friends, its first on-device LLM-equipped partner robot. Designed to understand words, gestures, and emotions, KATA Friends offers a lifelike interactive experience. It develops a unique personality based on interactions and time spent together. Pre-orders begin January 30, 2026, across various online and retail channels.

2026.01.30

Gadgets

CIO Launches “SMARTCOBY ULTRA SLIM 3K,” One of the World’s Thinnest Mobile Batteries at 4.98mm

CIO Co., Ltd. has announced the release of "SMARTCOBY ULTRA SLIM 3K," a mobile battery designed to be exceptionally thin at just 4.98mm and light at approximately 82g. This device integrates seamlessly with smartphones and includes Apple's "Find My" functionality for enhanced security. It supports MagSafe-compatible Qi wireless charging, USB-C wired charging, and pass-through charging, offering versatile power solutions.

2026.01.30

Chargers

NTT Docomo and VAIO Launch Mobile-Enabled “VAIO Pro PG” Windows PC

NTT Docomo and VAIO Corporation are set to release the VAIO Pro PG, a new mobile-enabled Windows PC designed for reliability and portability, available from January 30, 2026. This marks Docomo's first time handling a VAIO-branded PC.

2026.01.30

PC & Tablets

Rolling Seeds: A Phygital Educational Game to Alleviate Tablet Learning Solitude, Launching February 5

Rolling Seeds, an innovative phygital educational game for children aged 3-8 and their families, is set to launch on February 5, 2026. This product aims to transform tablet learning by integrating physical interaction, offering a hands-on experience that fosters concentration, understanding, and family engagement through playful learning.

2026.01.30

Gadgets

Back Market Announces 2025 Price Trends for Refurbished iPhones and iPads in Japan, France, and the US

Back Market Japan has released data on the price trends of refurbished iPhones and iPads across Japan, the United States, and France for 2025. The analysis reveals that the iPad 10.2 (2019) experienced the highest global price drop, with a maximum decline of 30.8% in France. In Japan, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone SE (2022) were among the iPhone models with the most significant price reductions.

2026.01.29

PC & Tablets

Haier Japan Sales and NESTA RESORT KOBE Form Comprehensive Partnership for Tourism Sector Quality Improvement

Haier Japan Sales Co., Ltd. and NESTA RESORT KOBE Co., Ltd. have signed a comprehensive partnership agreement to enhance living quality in the tourism sector. This collaboration aims to establish a demonstration model for improving hygiene and living conditions in accommodation facilities and tourist sites.

2026.01.29

Home App

CLAS Begins Offering ‘THANKO’ Products, Expanding Selection of Innovative Home Appliances

CLAS, a rental and subscription service for furniture and home appliances, has announced the start of handling products from THANKO, a home appliance manufacturer known for its 'interesting and useful' items. This collaboration aims to expand product offerings and provide customers with more comfortable and flexible living options.

2026.01.29

Home App

Elecom Sponsors “JC-STAR System” Awareness Event for IoT Product Security and Showcases Router

Elecom Co., Ltd. will sponsor "Make Future Living Safer. Choose IoT with JC-STAR," an event promoting the "JC-STAR system" for IoT product security, held at Yamada Denki LABI Ikebukuro Main Store on February 26, 2026. The company will showcase its Wi-Fi 6 1201+300Mbps 1G Router (WRC-X1500GS2-B) at the event.

2026.01.29

Home App

Belkin Introduces UltraCharge Pro 2-in-1 Convertible Magnetic Charger 25W for iPhone and Apple Watch

Belkin, a global leader in smartphone and PC accessories, announces the release of the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 2-in-1 Convertible Magnetic Charger 25W. This innovative charger features a convertible design, allowing users to switch between stand and pad modes, and offers up to 25W Qi2 certified fast wireless charging for iPhone 16 and later models, alongside simultaneous fast charging for Apple Watch.

2026.01.29

Chargers

RELAX PIXEL TUNES CD Player “Ray of Light” New Color Released

Sincere Co., Ltd.'s lifestyle brand "RELAX" has announced the pre-sale of "Ray of Light," a new color for its Bluetooth-compatible CD player, "PIXEL TUNES," starting January 30, 2026. This new color embodies the concepts of "1998," "hope," and "a bright future," drawing inspiration from Madonna's album "Ray of Light" and the original iMac.

2026.01.29

Gadgets