Janome to Release Smartphone-Controlled Sewing Machine

Tokyo, Aug. 15 (Jiji Press)--Janome Sewing Machine Co. <6445> said Wednesday it will launch an embroidery-only sewing machine that can be remote-controlled from smartphones and tablets on Aug. 27. It will be the world's first sewing machine that can be controlled through smartphones, said the company, based in Hachioji, western Tokyo. The small-sized new IJ521 can create embroideries up to 102 millimeters square. It cannot sew straight lines. Using a dedicated app, called "dot Customizer," users can pick from a selection of 260 designs and choose the sizes they want. The machine can also embroider letters. The product will be available at major electronics retailers nationwide. First-year sales are estimated at 1,500 units. END