Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has developed a blue-violet semiconductor laser operating at output power of 4.5 W, which is 1.5 times higher than that of the conventional one even at 60ºC, the maximum operating temperature for lasers in general.　 It can also oscillate with the high energy conversion efficiency, which is 1.2 times higher than that of conventional lasers. This has been made possible by Panasonic’s unique double heat flow packaging technology that improves the heat dissipation. This newly-developed laser will help laser application systems, such as vehicle and industrial lighting as well as laser machining equipment, to be made smaller and consume less power.

Panasonic will present with Shochiku, renowned global Kabuki producer, with support from MGM Resorts International, an elaborate, high-tech outdoor performance unlike anything Las Vegas or the U.S. has ever seen. The show will feature a Kabuki-style theatrical event with larger-than-life animation and water choreography in the Kabuki masterpiece entitled “Koi-Tsukami,” or “Fight with a Carp,” as a large fish and turbulent sea are projected onto the Bellagio Hotel Fountains in a battle scene.

Panasonic aims to increase its European lighting revenue in 2018, reported Kyodo News.

Panasonic intends to close two LED factories in Japan by late September 2015 to raise the company’s profitability, reported Japanese media Kyodo News.

As part of its restructure efforts to raise LED profit margin, Panasonic will be shutting down its LED manufacturing factories in Indonesia while moving production to Japan, reported Nikkei Asian Review.

Panasonic Corporation announced that it donated 3,000 solar lanterns to United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for use in Ebola affected regions. These lanterns have started to be distributed in 3 West African countries (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone). Panasonic first donated 240 lanterns back in December 2014.

Panasonic intends to halt fluorescent lights in Indonesia by the end of June 2015, and will be laying off about 700 employees at the plant, reported Nikkei Asian Review.

Panasonic Corporation announced today that it has developed the industry’s smallest*1 semiconductor device, the “PhotoMOS”[1] CC type series, which achieves low consumption current and contributes to equipment downsizing. The relay is operated with a low consumption current, and as a result the working time of the battery operating the equipment is longer. It enables steady operation for measuring equipment, probe cards [2], wearable devices, security equipment and medical equipment.

Panasonic Corporation today reported its consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2015 (fiscal 2015).

Panasonic Corporation showcases its innovative solutions under the theme of “A Better Life, A Better World” at the 2015 International CES, which runs from January 6 to 9, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States.

Japanese conglomerate Panasonic has been a very active player in the Asian lighting market in 2014, having ventured into the Indian market and signing onto a World Heritage Site program with the Indonesian government in late December that year.

The Ministry of Culture and Elementary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, PT. Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (Persero)[*1], the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Office in Jakarta, and Panasonic Corporation signed a four-way Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 9 to promote "conservation and awareness raising for the protection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites" and "education and cultural activities aimed at sustainable development for young people in the vicinity of the Borobudur, Prambanan, Ratu Boko sites in Indonesia." The signing marked the launch of the following joint projects. 

Panasonic Corporation is promoting its “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” in which a total of 100,000 solar lanterns will be donated to regions around the world without access to electricity by the year 2018, which marks the 100th anniversary since Panasonic's establishment. In hopes of getting more people to know about the challenges faced by people in regions without access to electricity, Panasonic will open up the "Cut Out the Darkness" project for participation to people all around the world, delivering solar lanterns and manufactured shades based on designs recruited from all over the world to schools and households located in regions without access to electricity.

On November 6, 2014, India's second largest Electrical accessories manufacturer - Anchor Electricals, a Panasonic group Company since 2007, launched a stellar range of 276 Professional LED Luminaires for commercial & hospitality premises. This is Anchor's first major venture into the Professional LED Luminaires spectrum in India following its entry in the already expanding residential LED luminaires in 2013. It aims to rise as a leading lighting solutions provider in the Indian market by FY 2018 with market sales to the tune of 4.25 billion INR plus.

Panasonic exhibited at the 16th China Chain Store Industry Conference and Exhibition (CHINA SHOP 2014), which was held from November 6-8 in Fuzhou City, the capital of Fujian Province. In a booth designed to resemble supermarkets and convenience stores, Panasonic introduced one-stop solutions for retail under the theme of "A smart, beautiful lifestyle with intelligent retail," aimed at the rapidly growing demand in China for safe and comfortable shopping environments.

Continuing with its focus on providing the best of innovation and technology, India's leading electrical solutions provider - Anchor Electricals Pvt. Ltd (A Panasonic Group Company), today inaugurated its second LED lighting experience centre in Bangalore, after Mumbai.

B/E Aerospace new Emteq unit Diehl Aerospace and other aircraft cabin lighting might be getting LED lighting upgrades from Panasonic in the near future, according to a report by Runway Girl Network.

Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (“INCJ”), Japan Display Inc. (“JDI”), Sony Corporation (“Sony”), and Panasonic Corporation (“Panasonic”) announced hat they have executed a definitive agreement to establish a new company, JOLED Inc. (“JOLED”), to integrate Sony and Panasonic’s R&D functions for organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display panels. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to accelerate the development and early commercialization of OLED display panels. JOLED is scheduled to be launched in January 2015, subject to receipt of any necessary approvals.

Whenever innovative technologies emerge, speculators often will sail with the wind and urge for the technology’s advancement. They will also start listing the old technology’s flaws. In reality, there is nothing definite in new and old technology. By using innovative technologies for reference, old technologies can further advance, while immature new technologies might meet an early demise.

Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, a leader in delivering professional display and digital signage solutions, today announced several new additions to its industry-leading line of professional displays, including the TH-55LFV70 LED Video Wall Display, the TH-47LFX6N Outdoor LED display and an expanded LFE7 LED backlit Display Series. The company is showcasing these new displays, along with other AV solutions, at InfoComm 2014 (booth #C5416).

LG Display is in talks with Panasonic to supply big-screen OLED TV panels as the Japanese company lower production costs, according to a Bloomberg report.

TCL’s subsidiary China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) recently announced plans to begin mass producing OLED panels by 2016. 

After recent reports of Panasonic and Sony abandoning OLED TV, the two companies might be returning to the OLED arena through a joint partnership with Japan Display, according to a Reuters report.

Lately, several prominent Japanese and Korean manufacturers have dropped OLED TV projects. Japanese manufacturers Panasonic delayed OLED display mass production plans, Sony halted OLED TV R&D, while Korean manufacturer Samsung decided to stop investing in OLED displays in 2014. LG Electronics is the only North Asian manufacturer still active in OLED R&D, according to a recent report by Chinese-language ENorth Netnews.

Panasonic released their fiscal 2013 financial report on April 28, 2014, which recorded the company’s financial performance up to March 31, 2014. The company had a turn around after three consecutive years of losses. Net profit reached JPY 120.4 billion (US $1.18 billion). 

Japanese manufacturers are beginning to shift market strategies from a product sales promotion approach to value adding technologies, according to a Chinese-language Tech-On report. Manufacturers are restrategizing business approach as the LED industry matures, and profits shrink as LED prices fall.

Panasonic Corporation today announced the opening of its “SLIDING NATURE” concept installation at this year’s Milano Salone Del Mobile, one of the largest and most influential design exhibitions in the world, held in Milan. The installation this year was designed by noted architects, TORAFU ARCHITECTS. Images and videos from the event will be available on the company’s Milano Salone del Mobile 2014 site.

Panasonic will be selling its LCD TV plant in Mexico as part of its restructuring measures, according to a recent Kyodo News report.

Panasonic will be closing its OLED business in April 2014, according to report by Japanese news agency Kyodo News.

As smart lighting becomes a major trend in the lighting industry this year, it is no surprise that Panasonic’s smart LED lighting system, Symphony Lighting, caught the attention of many visitors at the recent Taiwan International Lighting Show (TILS) 2014.