The good folks over at YAPPA have launched an interesting platform, in conjunction with Dentsu, for browsing and purchasing magazines. The MagaStore, initially targeting the iPhone but eventually available for other mobile platforms, debuts with 30 titles provided by 20 mainstream publishers including Asahi Shimbun, ALBA, Kodansha, Shogakukan, Shinchosha, SONY, Hankyu and Fuso.
DoCoMo is taking the wraps off their new compact Femtocell base transceiver station [.pdf] developed for their “Home Area” platform. The concept of course is to off-load mobile data access to fixed-line PC’s when their customers are keitai surfing while at home. This latest model also will enable e-mail notification for parents when a child arrives home, as their handset is detected, while another possible service centers around electronic coupons sent from a store to nearby potential customers.
NTT Com announced today that it will begin taking applications for a new wireless service targeted at enterprise uses which combines mobile access the DoCoMo 3G HSDPA network and Wi-Fi connectivity via their HOTSPOT WLAN platform. The service will offer speeds up to 7.2 Mbps and wide national coverage via DoCoMo combined with VPN access and global roaming into partners service areas in over 150 countries worldwide. The service is slated to launch in September.
DoCoMo just announced it has acquired 35% of PacketVideo for $45.5 million in all-cash transaction effective immediately. The companies have worked together over the last 10 years, with the PV CORE technology embedded into over 90 FOMA models, and continued growth in the mobile multimedia space the companies statement suggest it’s a natural evolution. Considering the recent JV with AVEX to launch BeeTV this spring, and expected moves into other markets, this strategic alliance may well prove most interesting as next-gen. networks come into place.
DoCoMo has announced they will launch a new mobile banking service on 21 July allowing users to transfer up to approx. $200 per transaction and $2,000 per month to any other DoCoMo customer. The mobile remittance does not require a new bank account and the total fee per transaction is set at $1.65 The funds can be sent to recipients personal bank account or credited to their DoCoMo monthly phone bill. Apparently, this platform will not be made available to corporate subscribers.
Those talented and hyper-creative folks over at SET Japan keep cranking out the stylish QR codes with the un-veiling of their new creation for Marc Jacobs Japan. According to this announcement the latest design is a hand-drawn feature of the company mascot – Miss Marc – and will be used to drive traffic to their newly minted mobile website which launches today. Talk about style meets function.. Nice One!
