Today, Casio announced the world’s first 3.2-megapixel camera phone, the A5406CA [image] for KDDI. Fully equipped with an automatic focus function, the 2048×±536 QXGA image size compares in quality to what the company calls “traditional” digital cameras. Mobile snappers can choose from 9 Best Shot modes, including twilight, panoramic, fireworks, and the unlikely named “food” setting. The unit also boasts up to 60 minutes of video recording (clips are saved to the onboard 12-MB data folder). A WWJ English Web news scoop! Press Release in Japanese.

If all that wasn’t impressive enough, the phone is also equipped with stereo melody playback capability, all the EZ mobile Internet services (EZ movie, EZ Navi, EZ application (Java) EZweb (WAP2001)), and KDDI/au’s blockbuster “Chaka Uta” music download service. Casio, known for being the company that added a few chunks of plastic to a 50-cent digital watch to create the “G-Shock” brand (sellable at a several-hundred-percent profit margin), is touting the new handset as “high class.” And, of course, the terminal comes in three colors: “Nautilus” white, “Tailored” blue, and “Cloud” purple.

Other specs include:

Size: 52ױ02ײ8mm
Weight: 125g
Standby time: 200 hours
Continuous talk time: 2 hours 40 mins
Main display: Approx. 2.3″ crystal fine LCD (QVGA)
Sub display: Approx 1.1: LCD (72×96 pix)
External memory: miniSD
Camera: 3.2MP CCD (with autofocus)
Ringtone voices: 64

Related posts:

1. Casio Bullish on Overseas Handset Sales
2. DoCoMo to Introduce P505iS: World’s First Auto-Focus Camera Phone
3. Samsung’s 5-Megapixel Cam-Phone
4. Vodafone’s 2-Megapixel Camera Phone
5. Casio to Buy LCDs from Taiwan

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!