mobile and ubiquitous computing
Sharp has a wide product range, but lately the focus is on two areas: globalization of consumer products such as mobile phones, TVs and home appliances, and starting new businesses in energy and lighting. Generally in the consumer electronics world we are seeing the value move from the hardware product itself into services and applications. We will increasingly see a seamless, ubiquitous, and adapted user experience that combines the terminal with applications or services operating in the cloud. Strategically, we are taking a whole systems approach. The information technology research group looks at the software side of this equation. Ubiquitous computing and user adaptive technologies will be critical in this new environment, so we are building up a team in this area and also looking to establish partnerships with the research community and other relevant companies.
a connected society
In the emerging connected society, many of our home appliances will be linked both to each other and to the Internet. We are researching software and systems that will support the new services and functionalities that are enabled by this advanced connectivity. The penetration of broadband and wireless audio-visual (AV) networks is increasing rapidly. In the near future, most consumers will have access to video-on-demand through the Internet and personalised hard disk recorders, which will allow them to record and watch any broadcast at their convenience. From the TV they will be able to control and configure their domestic systems and appliances; access any multimedia content available in the house; interact with remote service-providers; and join virtual communities. Outside the home, mobile appliances, such as phones and personal organisers will give seamless access back to people's homes. Sharp is already a provider of much of the infrastructure in the home for doing this, such as the Aquos LCD TV, AV-networking over powerline, digital video recorders, domestic appliances, energy systems, and lighting systems.
