NEC tests parking tech that only starts charging once you exit your car

NEC, a Japanese company, has begun testing a new parking technology that charges drivers only when they exit their vehicles. Typically, parking facilities charge based on the time a driver enters and leaves, resulting in additional fees for time spent searching for a spot and exiting. NEC, alongside Japanese company UrbanChain, plans to test a system using cameras and AI analysis of real-time video in September.

The test aims to determine the optimal number of cameras required for the system to function effectively. Additionally, NEC's announcement hints at potential data utilization services for commercial facilities, such as monitoring vehicle occupant exit counts and analyzing visitor trends. The new system could also enhance safety by detecting drivers who remain in their cars for extended periods, which could indicate potential health issues.

If drivers are aware they won't be charged while searching for a spot or exiting, they may drive more cautiously. Meanwhile, Fujifilm is considering a partial spin-off of its printer business, aiming to focus on its other businesses. Japan's printer market is facing uncertainty due to structural changes and cyclical pressures, as reported by IDC.

In other news, a two-gigawatt-plus datacenter has been commissioned in western China by Envision, powered by renewable energy and capable of hosting one million GPUs for AI computing. An Australian submarine cable operator, Bevan Slattery, expressed concern over "suspicious" activity near two of his cables, which could be linked to a second such incident in a protected zone.

Finally, Indian tech services giant Infosys has signed a deal to modernize Crocs, Inc.'s operations, helping the shoe brand unify data, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience.