Toshiba has been leading the race in many technological advances of late, especially in the television industry. Having already created the Cell TV, a screen able to split into different segments to allow multiple image viewing, they have created a stir in Britain even though the product isn’t yet available. Meanwhile it seems they have been continuing with their research, developing glasses-les 3D sets which can be viewed from a number of angles.

Using a method called low-temperature poly-silicon (LTPS) and a multi-parallax design, Toshiba has not only created a screen which can easily be watched from a wide range of angles, but have solved darkening picture problems by using a “lens sheet to control reduction in surface luminance intensity, resulting in brightness comparable to standard 2D displays.”

Whilst they are not the first company to reveal the use of multi-parallax technology in screens, they are lading the pack for the size of television sets. Whilst both Nintendo and Sharp have used the method in a number of their products, neither have come close to Toshiba’s 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution, making a promising forecast that a viable glasses-less 3D television set future could be likely.

Making the initial announcement, assistant general manager of marketing Europe for Toshiba Olivier Van Wynendaele, said that the full details of specifications would be revealed at the IFA 2010 this coming September, whilst they expected the model to ship in the last quarter of the year. “We may not have announced it today but we are looking to release a 3D-Ready TV range this year. We will have more specific details at IFA 2010,” he said.

Pushed for more details on the new device, Wynendaele proved not forthcoming in information, apart from revealing that whilst they were demoing polarised technology at their current show, the set “won’t be polarised.”

“We are looking into using the best technology possible and the one which is right for the consumer,” he added, implying that the technology would therefore incorporate an active-shutter process similar to Samsung. In addition he revealed that Toshiba’s Cell TV, a television allowing the use of multiple, simultaneous screens, will be 3D-ready at launch.

Producing only 3000 units for the first run of the product, Toshiba explained that if the 29,800 yen (£195) Dynario sold well enough they would consider manufacturing more. In addition to the fuel cell, consumers will have to pay a predicted 3,150yen (£21) for five refills of methanol to power the Dynario.

Explaining the mechanics, Toshiba said that approximately 20 seconds after the Dynario had the methanol/water base placed inside, it was ready to power gadgets. With each refill creating the power to run approximately two mobile phone batteries, power is passed from the Dynario to the portable gadget via USB. Meanwhile a lithium battery inside the unit is capable of storing extra power that is being created.

With an empty weight of 280g, the Dynario will only be available within Japan on Toshiba’s website store, Shop 1048, for its initial run. Available from October 29th, it is not the first alternative fuel cell on the market. Whilst Toshiba has held back on placing fuel cell products on the market until now, both Germany’s SFC and America’s Medis Technologies have had similar gadgets in the marketplace.

Toshiba have announced plans to begin the manufacture of products able to play the highly detailed picture format of Blu-ray. The Japanese company who were the major original Blu-ray rival, and pushed the HD-DVD format of high definition discs, admitted defeat in 2008 when Warner Bros, the final movie studio to be producing HD-DVD discs, announced that from May 2008 they would only release on Blu-ray format. They today revealed plans to join the market with the production of Toshiba, Blu-ray capable products.

Mainly developed by Sony, the high selling PlayStation 3 quickly brought Blu-ray into fame and the mainstream market. With every console incorporating a Blu-ray playing device, sales of the high def format began to take over the HD sector, winning the war for top spot.

Releasing a statement on their switch from HD-DVD, Toshiba revealed that its first Blu-ray capable products would be available for sale towards the end of 2009 in time for the Christmas period. In addition to solitary players, they would also be developing a number of laptop and PC integrated drives. They also said that they would be joining the Blue-ray Disc Association (BDA). The BDA, which acts as an high disc industry group, heads development and licensing for high definition products, in addition to searching for future business opportunities.

In a statement, Toshiba said “In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA.”