Author Archive: admin

Apple Sets Aside Automotive Goal, Cuts Manpower

2016年10月28日

  Pre-reading questions: What is your idea about a self-driving car? What do you think of a futuristic vehicle that is being built by a company that originally creates smart phones and gadgets? Are you familiar with car manufacturers outside your country?   Apple, Inc. makes adjustments on project Titan which originally aimed to develop a self-driving system and construct vehicles in 2020. The company refuses to pursue automobile manufacturing with the fear of compromising quality which could negatively affect their existing products in the market. The project’s team leaders redesigned the plan to give Apple, Inc. the option to tap car makers instead, or delay building its own vehicles…
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Intermediate

Apple Sets Aside Automotive Goal, Cuts Manpower

2016年10月28日

  Formed in 2014 to innovate an autonomous driving system and manufacture cars in the next 3 years, Apple, Inc. initiates modification on Titanic plan. The technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California fears pressing risk on quality assurance might cause a detriment to the distinguished brand, thus, eases on its initial scheme of establishing an automotive line. Reports say the team leaders made revisions on the previous proposal to pave the way to collaborate with car manufacturers momentarily, or reconsider automotive ambitions in the long run. While some workers were reassigned or let to leave voluntarily, this decision led to termination of hundreds of employees previously participated in the project….
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Expert

527 South Koreans Sue Samsung over Galaxy Note 7

2016年10月27日

Business - B

  Pre-reading questions: Do you like Samsung phones? Are Samsung phone popular in your country?   527 South Koreans who use Galaxy Note 7 sued Samsung Electronics. They sued Samsung Electronics because they are afraid their smartphones might catch fire. The people who sued Samsung want payment or their time in returning their smartphones. They also want payment for the time they spent waiting at the shop and the trouble. Samsung is now giving 50% discount to customers who will buy Galaxy S8 or Note8 next year.   Vocabulary: sue – 訴える [verb] to take legal action afraid – 恐れて [adjective] filled with fear or concern catch fire – 発火する…
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Beginner

More low-cost options for smartphones

2016年10月27日

  Pre-reading questions: What is the difference between an expensive phone and a cheaper one aside from the price? Based on your monthly telephone bills, is having an expensive or a cheap phone model worth it?   In Japan, companies are offering low-cost smartphones to everyone with specific type of data. Comsumers may choose a contract that suits their budget. They can be charged up to 20 yen for 30 seconds for a call charge. NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI Corp. and SoftBank Group may charged consumers up to 7,000 yen with unlimited phone calls and a transmission volume of 5 GB. “Though transmission speeds become slow sometimes, I’m satisfied with…
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Intermediate

More low-cost options for smartphones

2016年10月27日

Japan - Beginner

  Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite smartphone brand? Would you like an expensive phone or a cheaper one? Why?   Cell phone companies in Japan want to offer low-cost services. Customers can choose from a lot of services. NTT Docomo Inc. and KDDI Corp. will be offering low-cost smartphones. People who do not make phones calls often may choose the low-cost smartphones. Monthly fees can be lowered for many people. The monthly fees will be fixed. The new plan is also very good for people who always want to see videos but worry about their bills.   Vocabulary: offer- 提供する [verb] give low-cost- 安い [adjective, adverb] not expensive; cheap…
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Beginner

Nintendo gives sneak peek at new portable console

2016年10月27日

Japan - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: Do you play video games? What is your favorite video game? Nintendo posted a short video about their new product. Nintendo calls its new product “Nintendo Switch.” It is a gaming device that can be played in any place. The Nintendo Switch is like a tablet, but with controllers. It will be sold in March next year. Vocabulary: post – 投稿する [verb]- make information available on the Internet product – 製品 [noun] something that is manufactured call – 呼ぶ [verb] to name gaming device – ゲームをするための機器[noun] a gadget used for playing (games) controller – コントローラー [noun] a device that manages or directs (the flow of data) True or…
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Beginner

Nintendo gives sneak peek at new portable console

2016年10月27日

  Pre-reading questions: Do you play video games? Tell me more about it. What are the things you are looking for in a video game? What makes a good video game? What do you think is the best gaming device? Tell me more about it.   Nintendo, a most famous video game company, recently gave a sneak peek of their new video game console–Nintendo Switch. A high tech gaming device that will surely be enjoyed by gamers since it can be played  both indoors and outdoors. This new device of Nintendo is like a tablet, but with controllers attached. The company has not given any details yet, but the Nintendo…
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Intermediate

Nintendo gives sneak peek at new portable console

2016年10月26日

  The gaming company Nintendo just recently gave a sneak peek at their highly-anticipated new console–Nintendo Switch. The said portable hybrid device that can be played both in and outdoors was introduced in a video on the company’s YouTube channel. The firm promised unique gameplays while having the mobility on a powerful home-gaming system. It has a removable screen with attached controllers that give the device a tablet-like vibes. While the console is expected to roll out in March next year, the tech giant did not drop a hint on its specifications and pricing. The revelation of several key partners like Capcom, Ubisoft, and Square Enix, is a nice giveaway,…
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Expert