Tokyo-based Mobile Content Networks announced that Thailand’s leading mobile operators (AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove) have selected MCN to launch SMS triggered search using a common shortcode. The new MCN-powered SMS Triggered Search services build on the WAP-based search applications that MCN has powered for all three operators since early 2007.
Taiwan-based Shin Kong Financial Group plans to cooperate with KDDI for joint investment in Asia Pacific Broadband Telecom, a fixed-line/3G mobile telecommunication operator in Taiwan, to become the largest shareholder, according to this post on DigiTimes. Both KDDI and APBT adopt CDMA2000 for their 3G operation, a reason for Shin Kong to invite KDDI to jointly invest, the sources noted.
Singaporean telecommunications service provider StarHub plans to release a mobile wallet based on NTT DoCoMo’s Osaifu-Keitai (mobile wallet) system. Accoring to this announcement StarHub has signed a memorandum of understanding with NTT DoCoMo to explore a mobile wallet concept similar to the Osaifu-Keitai system for a near future implementation in Singapore. Singapore will be the first market outside of Japan to launch an official study and eventual pilot of this service.
The Nikkei Electronics Asia monthly magazine for June has an interesting article focused on the future potential, and challanges, for mobile WiMax. One of the key areas of consideration is the so-called power added efficiency (PAE) of this new platform, which is deemed a serious concern. There are several major players gearing up for launch with the 802.16e standard, in Japan and elsewhere, so the equipment makers would certainly seem to have their hands full in order to increase performance.
KDDI announced 12 new handset models, for the Summer 2008 season, with a keen focus on sports, style and video. The latest series lineup features three designs from Kyocera plus two Sanyo branded devices, two from Toshiba and one from each Hitachi, Sharp, Casio, Sony Ericsson and Pantech. The company has also launched a Mobile Fashion portal and introduced their new Lismo Video service, with 2,000 titles including full length hollywood films, which is available this month on 14 models.
TV Asahi has joined forces with Artificial Life to pilot a so-called interactive mobile participation television program, titled ‘Hoshi-ichi Owarairyoku Test’, which is scheduled for a one hour debut on 14 June. The concept of this show, loosely translated, is a search for the planets (or at least Japans) funniest entertainer.
Legions of mobile users will be represented on-screen, live in real time as custom 3D avatars on a system that can apparently scale to animate 100,000 concurrent identities, will participate in the contest. What are you waiting for.. advance registration starts today!
Masayoshi Son took center stage here yesterday to unveil the company’s 2008 summer line up for SoftBank Mobile. Following the handset blitz by DoCoMo last week the company has also put forth a significant collection of new models and services for the upcoming season. Although there are several notable designs on offer, the major news today is confirmation — as we had predicted on May 27th — that SBM will bring the iPhone to Japan later this year!
Here we go again! TGS 2008 is gearing up for what will clearly be yet another great event with 180,000 expected delegates attending the show which runs October 9-12 at Makuhari Messe. Organized by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), this ‘must see’ tradeshow estimates 170 exhibitors will fill 1,550 booths with nothing but the best in next-generation gaming products. See our video coverage from 2007 Here.
DoCoMo announced it’s new summer handset line-up last week and, as mentioned, there really is ‘plenty of material to wade through’. While seperate posts reviewing the increased Napster video offering and the expected impact of Flash 8 enabled handsets are certainly worthy, we had to post this link for promo video of the SH906i in action.
That 15-second tv spot was on during almost every tv commercial break here last night, no doubt the company is trying to raise awareness about it’s slick functionality before this ‘other phone’ hits the street!
As this model is also Bluetooth enabled, hardcore mobile users are encouraged to take advantage of the k-tai shop campaign and grab a wireless keyboard.. while supplies last.
Opera has posted it’s Q1 2008 mobile browser report indicating the top 10 sites visited from the top 10 countries, ranked by usage. The findings published show that social networking, search and major content portals are the most popular across all regions, no surprise, however the absense of results from Japan should certainly raise some eyebrows?
