The CS-10A was the world's first electronic desktop calculator using all-transistor diodes. It sold for 535,000 yen, about the same price as a 1,300 cc car. With the release in 1964 of the CS-10A, Sharp achieved its long-held goal of downsizing computers into a compact calculator that could be used by anyone, anywhere, and anytime. In December 2005, the electronic desktop calculator first commercialized by Sharp was recognized with a prestigious IEEE Milestone*1 from the IEEE*2, a worldwide electrical and electronics engineering society.

*1 The IEEE established the IEEE Milestone program in 1983 to honor significant achievements in the history of electrical and electronics engineering that have contributed to the betterment of society. Currently there are more than 100 Milestones around the world, including Volta's Electrical Battery Invention and the Fleming Valve. In Japan, the Directive Short Wave ("Yagi") Antenna (1995), the Mount Fuji Radar System (2000), the Tokaido Shinkansen ("Bullet Train") (2000), and the Electronic Quartz Wristwatch (2004) have been recognized.

*2 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE (pronounced "Eye-triple-E") is the world's largest non-profit, technical professional association of electrical and electronics engineers. Through its more than 377,000 individual members in approximately 150 countries worldwide, the IEEE plays a leading role in technical areas ranging from computer engineering, electronics, and telecommunications, to electric power, aerospace engineering, and biomedical technology, among others.

Ogami Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on Ogami Island off the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture in southern Japan. It was in 1959 that Sharp first succeeded in developing a prototype solar cell. In the years that followed, engineers improved durability and sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency and paved the way to commercialization. Solar cells have a long service life and can run without maintenance for long periods of time-qualities that led to the very first solar cell installation on an unmanned lighthouse on a remote island with no source of electricity.

The EL-805 COS-type pocket calculator introduced in 1973 was the world's first product on the market to use LCDs. In December 2005, the EL-805 was one of the calculators recognized with a prestigious IEEE Milestone*1 from the IEEE*2.

*1 The IEEE established the IEEE Milestone program in 1983 to honor significant achievements in the history of electrical and electronics engineering that have contributed to the betterment of society. Currently there are more than 100 Milestones around the world, including Volta's Electrical Battery Invention and the Fleming Valve. In Japan, the Directive Short Wave ("Yagi") Antenna (1995), the Mount Fuji Radar System (2000), the Tokaido Shinkansen ("Bullet Train") (2000), and the Electronic Quartz Wristwatch (2004) have been recognized.

*2 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE (pronounced"Eye-triple-E") is the world's largest non-profit, technical professional association of electrical and electronics engineers. Through its more than 377,000 individual members in approximately 150 countries worldwide, the IEEE plays a leading role in technical areas ranging from computer engineering, electronics, and telecommunications, to electric power, aerospace engineering, and biomedical technology, among others.

While conventional transmissive LCDs used a backlight to make the display visible, the effects of sunlight made them rather difficult to see outdoors. And achieving a full-colour display with conventional reflective displays was difficult. Sharp's Super Mobile LCD was perfect for outdoor use, in fact, the brighter the ambient light, the easier it was to see. With about one seventh the power consumption, one third the thickness, and about one half the weight of previous displays, it was the ideal LCD for mobile equipment.

The world's first 1-Bit Amplifier. To convert an analog audio signal to digital form, 1-bit amplifier technology performs sampling at high speeds-approximately 2.8 million times per second, a rate 64 times faster than CDs. This sampling rate made it possible to reproduce sound as close to the original sound as possible. Because Sharp's 1-bit amplifier technology offered outstanding energy savings as well as high-quality sound and also made more compact equipment possible, Sharp went on to incorporate it into other AV equipment, such as AQUOS LCD TVs.

Sharp's innovative AX-HC1 Superheated Steam Oven used a newly developed superheated steam generator to "roast" foods with water. By spraying food with superheated steam*1 at a temperature of 300℃, the oven delivered approximately eight times more heat content*2 than convection ovens. This Superheated Steam Oven made possible a whole new level of healthy cooking, allowing low-calorie cooking that reduced fat in fried foods, low-salt cooking that reduced salt in foods and low-oxygen cooking that limited the loss of nutrients such as vitamin C due to oxidization.

*1 A clear, colourless gas obtained by heating ordinary steam at 100℃ under normal pressure to even higher temperatures.

*2 Compared to the heating capacity per cubic meter of Sharp's RE-MA1 convection/microwave oven when the oven is cooking at 230℃.

The world's largest when released, Sharp's 65-inch full-HD LCD TV employed a full-HD LCD panel that displayed high-definition signal images 'as is'. With technologies such as quick response speed for sports and other fast-moving images, this Sharp LCD TV allowed viewers to be entertained in unprecedented clarity. And Sharp's four-wavelength backlight system, which complements blue, green, and red with 'deep red', enabled more faithful reproduction of the pure red colour.

Sharp's 905SH AQUOS Phone from carrier Vodafone was compatible with One-Seg mobile terrestrial digital broadcasts. The phone featured Sharp's Cycloid*-style 90-degree rotating screen, an industry first for watching television in widescreen horizontal view. Another industry first was the ability to talk on the phone and do e-mail while watching television. In the beginning of an era of on-the-go TV and image viewing, the 905SH put Sharp's renowned AQUOS LCD TV technology into people's hands wherever they went.

*Cycloid is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.

Sharp released the DL-L60AV LED lamp featuring a remote controller for changing the colour of the light, an industry first*. Users could select their preferred shade of white according to the weather, season of the year, or time of day; for example, warm white during the winter or at dinnertime when a relaxing atmosphere is desired, or a crisp cooler daylight white during the summer or in the morning for a refreshing wake-up. And combining this with the dimmer function, users could adjust lighting to the colour and brightness they desired with one remote controller. *As of June 11, 2009 for LED lamps having nearly the same physical size and shape as a standard incandescent lamp used for general illumination.

Sharp announced a multi-screen display system with the world's thinnest system frame width of 6.5 mm*, making the seams between adjacent monitors inconspicuous and expanding the potential for digital signage. The LCD monitor for this display system featured an LED backlight that reduced areas of uneven brightness in multi-screen configurations.

*For the 60-inch PNV601 LCD monitor; world's thinnest frame width for LCDs 46 inches and larger as of June 7, 2010.

Sharp introduced the LV Series AQUOS Quattron 3D LCD TVs, which use four-primary-colour*1 3D LCDs, a world first*2. Developed based on Sharp's proprietary UV2A technology*3, this technology adds Y (yellow) to the three RGB (red, green, blue) primary colours.AQUOS Quattron gives vivid reproduction of colours such as brilliant yellow, brassy gold, and emerald green, colours difficult to achieve faithfully with conventional three-primary-colour technology. In addition, increased light utilization efficiency provides a level of brightness approximately 1.8 times greater*4 than three-primary-colour LCD panels, enabling users to enjoy breath-taking images. Further, proprietary Sharp technology gives life-like images with dramatically reduced crosstalk.

*1 Four-primary colour is a proprietary Sharp technology for reproducing colours on a display; it differs from the conventional three-primary-colour concept of light and colour.

*2 As of April 12, 2010; for commercially available LCDs for 3D TV.

*3 Acronym for Ultraviolet induced multi-domain Vertical Alignment. Photo-alignment technology that can precisely control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules using a manufacturing method based on UV light exposure.

*4 Screen brightness when displaying 3D images compared to Sharp's previous technology (three-primary-colour Advanced Super View LCD without FRED technology).

Shortly after releasing a line of LED lamps, Sharp introduced the industry's first* LCD ceiling lights, designed to serve as the new main lighting in homes. These lights featured dimming and colour adjustment functions, which combined to offer 110 different levels of colour and brightness, and energy-saving eco functions.

*As of August 19, 2010, for LED ceiling lights with a luminous flux of at least 2,000 lumens, compatible with JIS-standard ceiling rosettes (ceiling wiring sockets); based on Sharp research.

Sharp released the PNL702B/602B interactive whiteboard with touchscreen display capable of showing still or moving images, as well as PC screens, in amazingly high resolution. The bundled application software gives easy touch operation, allowing users to write notes directly onscreen with a stylus or finger, zoom in or out, and flip through pages. By hooking the interactive whiteboard up to a Sharp multifunction printer, users can print out the whiteboard's screen contents, scan documents to show on the big screen, and even write notes over top of onscreen data. Sharp's interactive whiteboard is a business communication tool that can boost work efficiency in so many ways.

Sharp developed a sakura (cherry blossom)-coloured LED light. Test results* have shown that pale-pink light is effective in providing a sense of healing and in contributing to sound sleep. Along with cool-white light and warm-white light, found on Sharp’s conventional LED ceiling lights, these lights provide two types of cherry-blossom-pink light—yaezakura (a richer pink) and somei-yoshino (a lighter pink). 

*The use of these pale-pink LED lights is not intended to guarantee prevention or alleviation of mental stress, or improvement in quality of sleep. Actual results will vary depending on the person and on the usage environment.

Sharp embarked on the development of robotic home appliances that bring comfort and peace of mind to daily life through advanced functions. The first such appliance was the RX-V100, a room-cleaning robot equipped with a high-concentration Plasmacluster Ion generator. Artificial intelligence allows the RX-V100 to react to things such as its battery level and the room’s cleanliness, and voice-recognition technology* allows it to communicate with its owner. The RX-V100 moves around freely in a room and cleans it up for you.

*This product employs a voice-recognition engine from Ray Tron Co., Ltd.

Sharp released a unique rice cooker minimizing inconsistencies in rice rinsing and rice cooking this year. This rice cooker cooks healthy, delicious rice. An industry-first* stirrer unit designed under a biomimetic concept creates an ideal flow of water that stirs rice effectively while preventing the rice from scattering and colliding against the cooker's inner bowl. The result is full, fluffy, delicious rice.

*As of October 1, 2012, for home-use induction-heating rice cookers for the Japanese market.

The SH-02E is the first smartphone in the industry*1 to be equipped with the next-generation IGZO display, which boasts extraordinarily high resolution and improved energy efficiency. This smartphone's battery can last approximately 4.8 times longer than that of previous models*2 (for continuous display of still images). You can use the smartphone for two days*3 without worrying about the battery running out.

*1 As of November 26, 2012, for smartphones available on the Japanese market; based on Sharp research.

*2 Compared to Sharp SH-01D.

*3 Measured by Sharp based on assumed conditions of usage (e.g., sending/receiving e-mails, using apps). May vary greatly depending on factors such as how apps are used and the network environment.

The ICC Purios employs ICC (Integrated Cognitive Creation)*1, a “visual creation” technology from I3 (I-cubed) Research Center Inc.*2, and a 4K panel with 8.29 million pixels (3,840 x 2,160), four times*3 that of full HD. This LCD TV also has panel control technology for fine-tuning of brightness.

These features combine to give scenery images a realistic perspective and objects a 3D feel, making viewers almost feel like they are part of the on-screen world. They also result in meticulous reproduction of images with a consistent brightness exceeding that of standards for commercial master monitors used at TV stations and in other professional settings.

The ICC Purios was the world’s first TV certified for the THX 4K Display standard*4 stipulated by THX Ltd.*4. It’s a premium model for consumers who demand an authentic home theater experience and images second to none.

*1 Technology for making HD images even more life-like and detailed.

*2 Based in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; President: Tetsujiro Kondo

*3 Compared to full HD (1,920 x 1,080). ICC Purios model: 3,840 x 2,160.

*4 World’s first conformance (December 13, 2012) to THX 4K Display certification. THX is a registered trademark of THX Ltd.

This AQUOS brand 4K-compatible LCD TV employs the 4K Moth Eye®*1 panel and the AQUOS 4K-Master Engine Pro, a new image processing circuit.

Employing the 4K Moth Eye panel gives incredibly detailed images with 8.29 million pixels, four times*2 the resolution of full HD. 

*1 Moth Eye technology represents an application of a phenomenon occurring in nature. Based on research into the structure of moth eyes, which do not reflect moonlight, moth-eye-like nanostructures are formed on film to prevent it from reflecting ambient light. Moth Eye is a trademark and registered trademark of Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. The 4K Moth Eye panel is an ultra-high-definition Moth Eye panel compatible with 4K.

*2 Compared to full HD (1,920 x 1,080). ICC Purios model: 3,840 x 2,160.

Sharp developed a microbe sensor that can automatically measure the amount of airborne microbes, such as bacteria and mold spores, in as little as 10 minutes*1.

The sensor takes in air from the measuring area and extracts the microbes that need to be detected. Using Sharp’s proprietary version of the fluorescent detection method*2, it automatically measures the amount of microbes in as little as 10 minutes. The microbe sensor can be linked to a computer to conduct continuous measuring, making it possible to monitor changes in microbe counts over time*3.

*1 Measurement time will vary depending on factors such as the amount of microbes and the measurement environment.

*2 Microbes give off fluorescent light when subjected to a certain wavelength of light, making it possible to measure the amount of microbes.

*3 The monitored data is compiled by a PC or other device that the sensor is connected to.

Sharp released the UD20 series of 4K-compatible LCD TVs, which give consumers powerful, life-like images and allow viewing in original resolution of 4K trial broadcasts*1, an industry first*2, and 4K Internet streaming videos.

*1 4K trial broadcasts were begun in June 2014 by the NexTV-F (Next Generation Television & Broadcasting Promotion Forum) on a dedicated, no-fee channel on 124/128° CS digital broadcasting in Japan. It is not a SKY PerfecTV Premium Service channel. To watch these broadcasts, users require a UD20 series TV, AQUOS 4K recorder (TU-UD1000), a SKY PerfecTV IC card, a SKY PerfecTV Premium Service-compatible antenna, and a viewing subscription (free of charge).

*2 As of May 20, 2014; for a 4K recorder or 4K-compatible TV.

Sharp’s TU-UD1000 AQUOS 4K recorder can receive, record, and play back 4K trial broadcasts*1 (4K 60p) in their original resolution, an industry first*2. It has a 1TB hard disk for storage of approximately 53 hours*3 of 4K broadcasts in DR mode. It is also compatible with the HDMI 2.0 standard (4K 60p) for digital image transmission and the HDCP 2.2 copy protection standard, which means that users can play back the 4K trial broadcast images (in 4K 60p) in their original 4K resolution.

*1 4K trial broadcasts were begun in June 2014 by the NexTV-F (Next Generation Television & Broadcasting Promotion Forum) on a dedicated, no-fee channel on 124/128° CS digital broadcasting in Japan. It is not a SKY PerfecTV Premium Service channel. To watch these broadcasts, users require, in addition to the TU-UD1000 AQUOS 4K recorder, a 4K-compatible TV (HDCP 2.2 compatible) or a Sharp AQUOS Quattron Pro (XL10 series), a SKY PerfecTV IC card (comes with the TU-UD1000), a SKY PerfecTV Premium Service-compatible antenna, and a viewing subscription (free of charge).

*2 As of May 20, 2014; for a 4K recorder.

*3 Number of hours of 4K trial broadcasts at 40 Mbps. Note that the actual number of hours that can be recorded will be greater or less than this number depending on the quality of the images recorded and other factors.

The JH-WB1401 and JH-WB1402*1 cloud battery storage systems combine with Sharp’s cloud HEMS*2 to realize efficient energy management by adapting to changes in the usage environment.

With this new energy solution from Sharp, the system predicts how much power will be generated based on the next day’s weather forecast and analyzes the user’s daily power usage situation, in the process automatically controlling battery charging and power supply in the most optimal way and reducing electricity bills.

*1 These are the model names of the storage batteries only. To constitute a storage battery system, the JH-42EM2P power conditioner and JH-RWL6V multi-energy monitor are also required.

*2 The JH-RTP4 and JH-RTP5 cloud HEMS (home energy management systems). The JH-RTP4 went on sale (in Japan) on July 4, 2014 at a suggested retail price (excluding tax) of 74,000 yen and the JH-RTP5 went on sale (in Japan) on July 4, 2014 at a suggested retail price (excluding tax) of 75,000 yen. Also required for the system are a broadband router, a broadband Internet connection, and membership in the Sharp iClub.

Sharp released smartphones equipped with Emopa, a newly developed function that, for example, gives the user audio and text messages, and changes the screen, depending on the time, place, and user's personal needs. The smartphones have been released in models for three major Japanese mobile phone carriers*. The word "Emopa" stands for "emotional partner." Emopa knows what the user needs to hear as it gives suggestions regarding what to do next. For example, when the user is about to leave home, Emopa's voice will say "Don't forget your umbrella" if the weather forecast calls for rain. Such well-timed messages give the phone a heart and soul and make possible a whole new world of communications between people and their smartphones.

* AQUOS Zeta SH-01G for NTT Docomo, AQUOS Crystal X for SoftBank, and AQUOS Serie Mini SHV31 for KDDI. The KDDI model will be released before the end of 2015.

Sharp developed and released for commercial use the LZ0P420A infrared colour night-vision camera, the first product of its kind in the industry*1 that allows video capture in zero-lux settings.

This product employs a CCD*2 jointly developed by Sharp and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). By irradiating objects with near-infrared rays, smooth colour video can be captured even in settings of zero lux—in other words, pitch-dark settings.

*1 As of November 4, 2014; for infrared colour night-vision cameras using a single-sensor (one-chip CCD) system supporting HD 720 (1280 x 720 pixels) and 30-fps video capture. Based on Sharp research.

*2 This camera's night-vision image sensor (CCD) is based on colour night-vision technology developed by AIST (announced by AIST on February 8, 2011 and December 3, 2012). The image sensor (CCD) was developed jointly by Sharp Corporation and AIST (announced by AIST on May 14, 2014).

Sharp released the EC-HX100 Cornet cyclonic vacuum cleaner for bedding, the first vacuum cleaner in the industry*1 to employ a heat cyclone that takes advantage of mites*2 weakness against heat by blowing warm air onto bedding to loosen mites' grip from the fibers of bedding and then powerfully sucking them up.

*1 For household electric vacuum cleaners sold in Japan. Equipped with a system to blow air warmed utilizing heat from the interior of the unit out from the bottom of the unit and to apply suction using cyclonic action. As of May 21, 2015. Based on Sharp research.

*2 House dust mites

Sharp released the AQUOS 4K Next 4K LCD TV, with a 4K LCD panel employing Sharp's proprietary 4-colour*1 technology for combining red, green, blue, and yellow sub-pixels to enable 8K-equivalent resolution*2, as well as the world's first*3 8K upscaling circuit for rendering 8K images.

*1 Sharp's 4-colour concept was designed for use with displays; it differs from the conventional three-primary-colour concept of light and colour.

*2 Evaluation of the resolution of a brightness signal manipulated by Sharp using a 7,680 (H) x 4,320 (V) resolution chart. Not compatible with external device input of 8K resolution (video) or receiving of 8K broadcast.

*3 As of May 21, 2015; for commercially available 4K LCD TVs with an 8K upscaling circuit.

The Tuly Robot, developed jointly by Sharp and Huis Ten Bosch Co., Ltd., has been installed in rooms at the Henn-na Hotel* ("Strange Hotel"), a smart hotel at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. The hotel opened on July 17, 2015.

Tuly is the mascot of Huis Ten Bosch, and a lamp-sized Tuly Robot sits on a bedside table in each of the hotel's rooms, acting as a personal concierge to make guests' stay as comfortable as possible.

Sharp also provided the Henn-na Hotel with porter robots that guide guests to their rooms and carry luggage.

Sharp released two models of digital cordless facsimiles, and two models of digital cordless phones which have functions for helping prevent bank transfer swindling (in which callers trick people into depositing money into a bank account).

There are seven functions useful in preventing bank transfer swindling over the phone. These include functions that warn users about incoming calls before they answer. With one function, for incoming calls from numbers not registered in the main phone unit's database, the phone automatically switches to a voice message asking the caller to give his or her name. The user will also be notified of incoming calls from unregistered numbers with a flashing red LED lamp*1.

An automatic call recording function*2 records an entire phone conversation after giving a warning message that it is about to do so. These facsimiles and phones are also easy to use, thanks to features like a large LED screen and a button for increasing receiver volume so callers are easy to hear.

Sharp also released two models of digital cordless facsimiles, which have the industry's first*3 function for filtering incoming calls by automatically discriminating calls and blocking ones that are suspicious.

*1 Users must sign up for caller ID (fee-based service) to use this function.

*2 When signing up for caller ID service, the user can choose to play the warning message with this function only for incoming calls from numbers not registered in the phone's database. Registered numbers refer to the following: numbers registered in the main phone unit (not the cordless handset), in the one-touch dial database (only on the JD-AT80), in the Peace-of-Mind Consultation database, and in the Peace-of-Mind database.

*3 For cordless phones and personal facsimiles in Japan. As of August 25, 2015. Based on Sharp research.

Sharp released the FU-GK50, a Plasmacluster air purifier that can catch mosquitos. A world-first*, the FU-GK50 makes use of its suction force and mosquitos’ behavior to catch those annoying insects with a sticky sheet instead of chemicals. Because it uses no chemicals, the FU-GK50 has been lauded for bringing peace of mind to households with infants, the elderly, and pets.

*The world’s first air purifier to have a mosquito-catching function using UV light, a black mosquito-attracting panel, and a sticky mosquito-catching sheet. This function was first available in September 2015 on models for the ASEAN market, and was made available in Japan on April 23, 2016

RoBoHoN is a world-first*1— a small, easily portable robot-shaped phone.

It was developed in collaboration with Tomotaka Takahashi, Project Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology and CEO of robot development company Robo Garage Co., Ltd. This humanoid robot can walk on two legs and is compact enough (approx. 19.5 cm tall) to be carried almost anywhere.

RoBoHoN has all the basic mobile phone functions—phone, e-mail, camera—as well as a built-in projector*2 for projecting photos or videos onto a screen or wall. Users can also download dedicated apps to give RoBoHoN new functions.

Not only can RoBoHoN communicate through dialogue and gestures, but it can also make body movements like standing up, walking, and dancing. 

*1 For mobile phones, as of April 14, 2016 (based on Sharp research).

*2 RoBoHoN’s projector function can only be used by the registered user of that particular RoBoHoN.*RoBoHoN and the RoBoHoN logo are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation.

Sharp released the UW-A1 ultrasonic washer, which quickly and effectively removes stains*1 on clothes and other fabric products. Using ultrasonic vibrations of 38,000 times per second, the UW-A1 gets rid of stains that are otherwise hard to remove by hand or with a washing machine.

The UW-A1 can easily remove grime from collars and sleeves, cosmetics such as foundation and lipstick, and food stains. Because the UW-AI cleans with the power of bursting bubbles, it is gentle and thus minimizes damage to fabrics*2.

The UW-AI is cordless, rechargeable, compact, and weighs only 200 grams*3. This means you can take it outside the laundry room and use it to remove stains on the go.

*1 The cleaning effectiveness may differ depending on the clothing material, the type of stain and detergent, and whether or not detergent is used. The UW-A1 cannot remove dyes, chemically altered stains (old yellowish stains, discolourations, etc.), and stains affixed by adhesive or organic solvent (paint, permanent markers, India ink, hair dyes, manicure, inks, colourants, etc.).

*2 The results may differ depending on the material, thickness, weave, and stitch of the clothes.

*3 Not including the cap.

Sharp released the AX-H1 Healsio Griller superheated steam oven, which uses the same superheated steam as Sharp’s other Healsio ovens for healthy, delicious cooking. The compact AX-H1 is exclusively for superheated steam cooking and can quickly make fried or roasted dishes, or reheat them*1.

*1 Of the cooking functions on Healsio ovens, the AX-H1 can roast and fry, but it cannot steam or boil.

*Healsio, the Healsio logo, Healsio Griller, and the Healsio Griller logo are trademarks of Sharp

Simply insert your finger to have the RQ-AG01J measure your body’s accumulation of AGEs (advanced glycation end-products). AGEs contribute to aging*1.

No blood samples are required. Simply put the tip of your middle finger into the device, and after 30 to 60 seconds, the RQ-AG01J will measure the amount of accumulated AGEs. Certain types of AGEs have autofluorescence (the natural emission of light after having absorbed light). Taking advantage of this characteristic, the RQ-AG01J applies near-UV light to the finger and calculates the accumulation level of AGEs by measuring and analyzing the amount of light emitted by the AGEs in the finger’s veins.

The results are displayed on a five-point scale from A to E. It also shows the user’s rank (1st to 100th place) when compared to people of the same age group*2. The included printer can be used to print out the results.

*1 Glycation (the bonding of sugar to protein) is one of numerous factors that contribute to aging.

*2 Based on data of several hundred people gathered through Sharp’s own clinical research, the RQ-AG01J places 100 people in each age group and indicates the rank of the user (1st to 100th place) in that age group.

*Note: AGEs are the result of the bonding of sugar to protein. AGEs can be generated inside the body, when a person takes in sugar through food or drink, and that sugar bonds with protein, which is a major component of the human body. When there is excess sugar inside the body due to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as a poor diet and lack of exercise, AGEs are generated at an accelerated pace and accumulate in veins, bones, skin, and other bodily organs. AGEs are believed to be a factor in aging and are rapidly becoming a new index in gauging people’s health.

Sharp released RACTIVE Air, a cordless canister vacuum cleaner weighing a total of 2.9 kg, the world’s lightest*1 for a cleaner with a motorized power brush. Sharp made this possible by making the main unit lighter and using lightweight material for the wand.

Stairways are particularly hard to clean, but with RACTIVE Air, the strain placed on the arm is reduced by up to 20%*2 compared to Sharp’s previous model (cordless stick vacuum cleaner). And thanks to a smaller and lighter main unit motor and electronic circuits, the main unit’s weight*3 is just 1.8 kg. The cleaner is easily portable over thresholds, steps, and stairways.

The RACTIVE Air lineup includes a bagged type for easy dust removal and a bagless cyclonic type that maintains suction power even when the canister is filled with dirt.

*1 Total weight of a household canister vacuum cleaner with a power brush (including main unit, battery, hose, wand, and suction head). As of August 2, 2017 (based on Sharp research). Released September 14, 2017 in Japan.

*2 According to tests by the Hyogo Prefectural Institute of Technology. Based on Sharp standards, the strain put on the muscles of the right arm was compared when cleaning a stairway with the EC-AS500 (RACTIVE Air) and with the EC-A1R (cordless stick cleaner released in 2016). This figure may vary depending on usage conditions and environment.

*3 Weight of the main unit and battery.

Sharp released the 8C-B60A professional-use 8K camcorder, the world’s first*1 camcorder integrating capabilities*2 for shooting, recording, playback, and line output of 8K (60p*3) video. This all-in-one camera/recorder unit was developed with technical cooperation from Astrodesign, Inc.

Besides the ability to shoot images in high-resolution 8K (60p), this camcorder is designed to offer ease of use in shooting and recording and to lessen the burden on the camera operator in the post-recording editing process. Because it allows real-time output of 8K (60p) uncompressed images at the same time that recording is taking place, the 8C-B60A can be used for live transmissions as well.

*1 As of November 7, 2017 (based on Sharp research).

*2 The 8C-B60A requires a commercially available lens, viewfinder, microphone, and other equipment.

*3 Displays 60 frames per second (progressive).*4Grass Valley HQX Codec

Funband is a wristwatch-type wearable device for fans of Japanese professional baseball. It uses Bluetooth® to connect to the cloud via a smartphone. The display shows live game scores and at-bat performance (such as home runs or hits). And it notifies you of incoming news by vibration and LED lamps.

In 2017, Sharp released models for each team of the two Japanese professional baseball leagues. Not only does funband bring new excitement to baseball, but it can also be used as a regular wristwatch.

Sharp released the AQUOS R2, the world’s first smartphone*1 to have two cameras—one for shooting videos and the other for taking photos—on the back*2. This unique configuration allows you to take videos and photos at the same time. The R2 was sold via carriers NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI in Japan.

*1 As of May 8, 2018, based on Sharp research. For a smartphone with two rear cameras that can take photos with the still-image camera while shooting video with the video camera.

*2 In addition to two rear cameras, the R2 has a front-facing camera

Sharp released the 4S-C00AS1 4K tuner and AQUOS 4K recorder, which enable viewing*1 and recording of new 4K satellite broadcasts*2, and the AQUOS 4K AIoT-ready LCD TV. These products were launched in the run-up to the start of new broadcasts, which began on December 1, 2018 in Japan.

The 4S-C00AS1 is equipped with BS 4K/110° CS 4K tuners. Simply connecting it to a 4K-compatible TV*3 via an HDMI cable enables you to easily watch new 4K satellite broadcasts in stunning 4K resolution. You can also record these broadcasts in 4K quality onto an optionally available external hard drive.

The 4S-C00AS1 supports the new HDR (high dynamic range) standard, called HLG (hybrid log gamma), adopted for the new 4K broadcasts. If your TV supports the previous HDR standard*4, called HDR10, the 4S-C00AS1 will convert HLG images to HDR10 images, so that you can still enjoy high dynamic range.

The 4B-C40AT3/C20AT3 AQUOS 4K recorders (equipped with BS 4K/110° CS 4K tuners) connect to a 4K-compatible TV*3 for watching new 4K satellite broadcasts. The built-in hard drive records 4K-resolution images as is, and these 4K recordings can be dubbed onto Blu-ray discs.

It also allows playback of Ultra HD Blu-ray discs*5. This new format supports high-resolution 4K, high-brightness HDR, and wide-colour-gamut BT.2020 standards.

The 4T-C60AN1/C50AN1/C45AL1 AQUOS 4K AIoT-ready LCD TVs have two built-in BS 4K/110° CS 4K tuners. This means you can watch a program on a new 4K channel while recording a program on another 4K channel to an optionally available external hard drive.

These TVs incorporate AQUOS 4K Smart Engine PRO, a technology for reproducing the quality of new 4K broadcasts. This makes you feel you’re right in the middle of the action. The TVs also support Sharp’s Cocoro Calendar service, which displays news on community events and also lets you enter family members’ schedules via voice into the onscreen calendar.

*1 To watch new 4K satellite broadcasts requires replacing existing equipment with an antenna supporting right-/left-handed circularly polarized waves, a mixer, a booster, a splitter, and other necessary equipment having the “SH” mark, as well as a wideband cable and the necessary electrical engineering work.

*2 “New 4K satellite broadcasts” refer to 4K BS/110° CS broadcasts. The 4S-C00AS1 does not support the viewing and recording of 8K broadcasts.

*3 To watch 4K requires the 4K recorder and a 4K-compatible TV (supporting HDCP 2.2).

*4 For TVs that do not support HDR (both HLG and HDR10), images are output in the SDR (standard dynamic range) format.

*5 Due to copyright matters, certain Ultra HD Blu-ray discs may not be able to play back unless the 4K recorder is connected to the Internet. To watch these discs in HDR requires connecting the 4K recorder to an HDMI jack on a TV that supports the HDR signals of Ultra HD Blu-ray.*AIoT is a word coined by Sharp, combining the words AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (Internet of things). AIoT is a vision of how all kinds of products will connect to artificial intelligence via the cloud and become a people-oriented existence. AIoT is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.

*Using the Cocoro Vision cloud service and Google Assistant requires an Internet connection.

Sharp released a succession of industry-first, people-oriented products compatible with AIoT cloud services.

The SJ-GX55E/GX50E Megafreezer Series Plasmacluster refrigerators are compatible with Sharp’s Cocoro Kitchen AIoT cloud service and are the first such products in the industry*1 to link to cooking appliances such as Sharp’s Healsio Water Oven and Healsio Hot Cook electric waterless cooker. The refrigerators’ menu navigation function provides users with ideas for easy-to-make dishes that can be prepared with the linked appliances and even helps make these dishes. The refrigerators come with a function for communication among family members: users can send messages from outside locations to the refrigerator via their smartphone, for example telling their children what snacks are in the refrigerator and confirming when children have come home based on whether messages have been read.

The wireless LAN-compatible X Series Plasmacluster air conditioners use the improved Cocoro Air AIoT cloud service. In an industry first*2, cloud-based AI uses information such as room temperature changes and air conditioner usage history. It analyzes and learns these factors—which include daily lifestyle patterns and a room’s tendency to cool down or heat up—so that it can provide optimal energy efficiency geared to the needs of each home.

The air conditioners provide maximum comfort at minimal electricity usage. They achieve this, for example, by matching their operation to when users arrive home so as to provide cooling at low electricity consumption. They also automatically adjust operation when no one is at home. These air conditioners are smarter and more convenient than ever. For example, an advice function gives tips on saving electricity, and a safeguard function alerts an app on the user’s smartphone when, for example, room temperature exceeds user parameters or when a person is detected in the room.

*1 For CFC-free residential refrigerators/freezers in Japan, as of August 6, 2018 (based on Sharp research). Released August 23, 2018.

*2 For residential air conditioners (based on Sharp research). Technology for analyzing and learning room performance and lifestyle patterns via the cloud. Released October 25, 2018.

*AIoT is a word coined by Sharp, combining the words AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (Internet of things). AIoT is a vision of how all kinds of products will connect to artificial intelligence via the cloud and become a people-oriented existence. AIoT is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.

*Using Cocoro Kitchen and some of the voice-activated functions requires a wireless LAN connection and a push-button-type wireless LAN access point device.

*Plasmacluster and the Plasmacluster logo are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation.

Sharp developed the 8S-C00AW1 8K tuner*1, 8R-C80A1 8K-compatible USB hard drive, and AX1 Series AQUOS 8K LCD TV with built-in 8K tuner, products that are compatible with the 8K and 4K satellite broadcasts that began in Japan on December 1, 2018. These products were released simultaneously and prior to the start of the broadcasts so that users could immediately enjoy the high-definition 8K images.

The 8S-C00AW1 8K tuner has two BS 8K/BS 4K/110° CS 4K tuners and 8K video output jacks comprising four HDMI jacks, and is the world’s first*2 such product that can receive the new 4K8K satellite broadcasts. Connecting this tuner to the LC-70X500*3 AQUOS 8K 8K-compatible LCD TV, which was released in 2017, gives users ultra-high-definition images of approximately 33 million pixels, a resolution 16 times greater than full HD.

The 8R-C80A1 8K-compatible USB hard drive is compatible with the new 4K8K satellite broadcasts. Using it together with the AQUOS 8K LCD TV*4 that was simultaneously released allows users to record*5 8K and 4K TV programs from the new broadcasts as is. The 8K broadcasts can be recorded in their original quality—a high resolution giving approximately 33 million pixels. Thanks to the huge 8 TB capacity of the hard drive and its ability to partition data recorded onto it, users get high-speed writing and reading of vast amounts of image data.

The AX1 Series AQUOS 8K LCD TV with built-in 8K tuner gives 16 times the resolution of full HD (2K) for viewing of 8K broadcasts that provide on-screen realism like never before, a world first*6. The display section comprises the new 8K Double-Speed LCD, which displays 8K images in high brightness and wide colour gamut, and at a refresh rate of 120 Hz, double the previous. This means gorgeous, smooth display of 8K images. The image processing engine is the newly developed AQUOS 8K Smart Engine PRO, which can carry out high-speed processing of vast amounts of data: 32 times*7 the amount of full-HD images.

Not only can it give smooth display of 8K at double the refresh rate, but it can also make use of this high-speed processing for upconverting, thus converting terrestrial digital broadcasts into high-definition 8K images.

The AX1 Series AQUOS 8K LCD TV with built-in 8K tuner gives 16 times the resolution of full HD (2K) for viewing of 8K broadcasts that provide on-screen realism like never before, a world first*6. The display section comprises the new 8K Double-Speed LCD, which displays 8K images in high brightness and wide colour gamut, and at a refresh rate of 120 Hz, double the previous. This means gorgeous, smooth display of 8K images. The image processing engine is the newly developed AQUOS 8K Smart Engine PRO, which can carry out high-speed processing of vast amounts of data: 32 times*7 the amount of full-HD images.

Not only can it give smooth display of 8K at double the refresh rate, but it can also make use of this high-speed processing for upconverting, thus converting terrestrial digital broadcasts into high-definition 8K images.

*1 The 8K tuner can receive 4K and 8K broadcasts (the new 4K8K satellite broadcasts in Japan) via BS and 110° CS. To watch 4K and 8K broadcasts requires replacing existing equipment with an antenna supporting right-/left-handed circularly polarized waves, a splitter, a branching filter, a booster, cables, and other equipment.

*2 As of October 15, 2018. For tuners with a function for receiving 8K broadcasts on BS, which commenced in December 2018 in Japan.

*3 Does not have a tuner for receiving the new 4K8K satellite broadcasts. Has a 7680 x 4320-pixel LCD panel.

*4 AQUOS 8K models: 8T-C80AX1/C70AX1/C60AX1. Can also be used with the 8S-C00AW1 8K tuner.

*5 The 8R-C80A1 does not have a tuner for the new 4K8K satellite broadcasts.

*6 As of October 15, 2018. For TVs equipped with a function for receiving 8K broadcasts on BS, which commenced in December 2018 in Japan.

*7 Compared to full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels, 60 Hz refresh rate), 16 times the resolution and double the refresh rate.

Sharp created the AQUOS zero smartphone, at just 146 grams—the world’s lightest in its class*1. Sharp’s first smartphone to feature on OLED display, the AQUOS zero was made for SoftBank Corp.

The 6.2-inch, WQHD+ (2992 x 1440 pixels) screen is the largest ever on an AQUOS phone and uses an OLED display manufactured by Sharp in Japan. It boasts a high contrast of 1,000,000:1 and a 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut (a standard of colour gamut for digital cinema projection). Thanks to a high-image-quality technology called Rich Colour Technology Mobile, the AQUOS zero gives smooth gradation and rich colour tone for realistic, vivid colours.

In addition to the OLED display requiring no backlight, the AQUOS zero adopts a magnesium alloy on the sides and light, high-strength Technora® aramid fiber*2 on the back to achieve a weight of just 146 grams, the world’s lightest for a smartphone with a 6-inch or larger screen and a battery size 3,000 mAh or above.

The AQUOS zero has a gently rounded convex screen that lets users enjoy smooth, natural touch operation. In addition, it features a high-performance Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 845 CPU and large 6 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM, giving it high-speed processing so users can enjoy hours of video games and movies.

*1 For smartphones with a 6-inch or larger screen size, a battery size 3,000 mAh (nominal) or above, and waterproofing (IPX5 or above). Released in December 2018. Based on Sharp research.

*2 Synthetic fiber with high strength, high elasticity, high heat resistance, and high chemical resistance.

In March 2018, Sharp launched System on Chip (SoC) Technology, which means monitors are ready out-of-the-box to be used as digital signage without the use of PC. SoC reduces the overall system cost, provides optimized performance, lower cost consumption, and ease of deployment and installation. The SoC controller is driven by the Arm® Cortex®-A17 quad-core processor (max. 1.8 GHz) with 2 GB memory and 8 GB storage. It integrates Android™ OS (4.4) and comes pre-installed with several types of signage support software.

In December 2019 Sharp unveiled the Windows collaboration display from Sharp, a 4K Ultra HD display solution designed to improve teamwork by boosting collaboration and creating a comfortable work environment through built-in sensors. The 69.5-inch interactive display meets Microsoft’s specifications, including Office 365 and Microsoft Teams. 

The solution combines Sharp’s award-winning touch technology and sensors with Microsoft Azure Digital Twin service, allowing the display to monitor meeting spaces and create ideal working environments by automatically changing conditions such as heating and lighting to suit the time of day and number of participants. The advanced features are part of Microsoft’s vision to bring the intelligent cloud into the workplace leveraging a mix of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and productivity tools to create a productive environment.

The Windows Collaboration Display from Sharp includes an integrated high-quality camera with a 4K sensor, a far-field microphone and speakers to give customers a high-quality audio and video experience, enabling them to instantly connect and collaborate. The display also uses Sharp’s Pen-on-Paper solution that offers an instant and accurate writing feel for digital markup on the display that feels similar to using a pen on paper.

The Sharp Advanced and Essentials MFPs are the first new models to support the new Adobe Embedded Print Engine, which direct prints PDF files from a variety of sources with greater performance and rendering accuracy. PDF remains one of the most commonly shared and used document formats in the world and is frequently used in mobile working and PDF workflow environments, which is why getting the best print accuracy and performance is crucial. The engine is based on the same core technology present in Adobe’s current creative applications and Adobe Acrobat DC, resulting in printers powered by it delivering superior print quality and faster print processing times. It seamlessly allows users to take advantage of the latest rendering, font and graphic engine from Adobe, so that even non-compliant PDFs achieve the best print quality possible.