Japan's desire to completely leapfrog over the need to use traditional PCs in the same manner as Americans got another boost recently with the launch of the au Box from KDDI. Utilizing the set-top box along with a cellular phone, consumers can download music and video from the Internet to their phone via USB and surf the Internet using the au Box connected to their TV.

The device also plays standard music CDs, DVDs, and boasts a robust set of AV connectors and built-in stereo speakers. Subscribers to the Japan-only service will only have to pay 325 yen per month ($3) which sounds cheap, until you realize that the unit probably won't allow you to use Photoshop, Powerpoint, or write the next great work of science-fiction.

Via Impress Watch