Tech Biz

From Silicon Valley to Mumbai, Sony to Samsung, the Asia-Pacific drives global technology today, which in turn increasingly influences local and international politics, economics and society. The Diplomat's Tech Biz blog looks at the products, the companies, the industries and the trends that make technology one of the most dynamic aspects of the region.

Kobo: Three New Tablets and an eReader Arriving October 16

New “Reading Mode” will put the emphasis on reading first and apps second.

Nissan: “Affordable” Self-Driving Cars to Hit Market by 2020

Self-driving automobiles could reduce accidents caused by human error.

Nintendo Pulls Zelda Trailer after Wii U Bundle Reveal

Also: 3DS outselling all other gaming hardware in US, Metroid fan flick shut down.

Will NTT DoCoMo Finally Embrace the iPhone?

DoCoMo stock rises after CFO expresses interest in future Apple agreement.

Moto X: Wood Back Plates to Cost $50, Dev Edition Teased

Premium look will get a premium price tag, developer edition coming “in days.”

Steve Ballmer to Retire After $900M Microsoft Surface RT Write-Down

CEO Ballmer will leave Microsoft within 12 months.

Will the Affordable iPhone 5C Make Apple Number One in China?

Analysts predict success for iPhone 5C in China, Apple stock forecasts increase.

Sony Teases Xperia Honami with Twitter Photo Upload

Official announcement seems imminent after power button photo appears online.

Ubuntu Edge Crowd-Funding Campaign Falls Short of $32M Goal

Undeterred, company founder vows to bring Ubuntu Mobile to the masses.

App Store and Google Play Gaming Revenues Crush 3DS, Vita Spending

Consumer spending on iOS and Android games pushes traditional handhelds to third place.

Sony’s Gamescom 2013 Presentation Roundup: PS4, PS3, and PS Vita

Sony reveals PS4 launch dates, PS3 “upgrade program,” and a PS Vita price cut.

LG Announces World’s Highest Resolution Smartphone Screen

LG’s “Quad HD” display panel is also the world’s thinnest and narrowest.