The Next-Generation of UI’s hit the street here recently on DoCoMo 3G handsets produced by Sharp and NEC. The Vivid UI by Tokyo-based Acrodea “integrates various types of multimedia content including 3D graphics, Flash animation and full-screen movie backgrounds which enable handsets to be easily personalized with graphically enhanced menus and dynamic standby screens.”

This platform middleware shipped embedded with several nifty pre-installed stock menu designs and users can also select other unique schemes available for download, at an average Â¥500 each, via the dedicated i-mode portal. While it’s no secret that people love to customize their cellphone with the lastest ringtones, and an ever-growing collection of dangling charms, this in-your-face rich menu design functionality is set to take that trend to a whole new level.

As more developers get their hands on the content creation tool, and as brand owners begin to realize this is a natural vehicle to connect with their markets, we fully expect this style of user interface to become a common standard in the near future. Meanwhile, remember you saw it first here on WWJ! Subscribers login for the full program: run-time 18:46

Looking at other products offered by Acrodea, the Vivid Panorama ‘ware for example, it’s predictable that we will begin to see their UI available on a wider range of devices, coming from other operators, in Japan fairly soon.

As the company is fresh off their IPO here in Tokyo late last year we expect to see them become more active in other markets as well going forward. We wish them the best of luck, it will be an interesting story to follow as other major players, like Adobe, begin to step-up their activities in this space.

– WWJ Editors

Related posts:

1. Acrodea Signs Vivid Deal with DoCoMo
2. YAPPA 3D User Interface – Video Interview
3. Spin User Interface for Sharp
4. KDDI Aquires Stake in Acrodea
5. Wireless Watch Japan’s Web Video Triple Play

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!