3G
3G

3G

KDDI and Okinawa Cellular Launch 5 New 3G Handsets

KDDI Corp. and Okinawa Cellular recently announced plans to launch five new handsets from the end of May increasing their new lineup of 3G mobile phones (CDMA 2000 1x), a format that enables high-speed data transmission of up to 144 kbps. All the new phones are Movie Mail-compatible, a function that allows users to shoot and send seamless movies. The new handsets scheduled for launch are the A5401CA manufactured by Casio, the A5402S produced by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, the A5306ST and A1303SA both made by Sanyo, and the A5303H II manufactured by Hitachi.

Wireless Watch Japan Update

Wireless Watch Japan UpdateWe’re hard at work preparing our new site and July line-up which will include an exclusive look at NTT DoCoMo’s 505i-series launch event held in Tokyo to announce the latest of their super-sophisticated i-mode handsets, visits with several mobile technology-focused ventures being fledged at Tokyo’s Venture Habitat, and a profile of a unique mobile health-care management service. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Wireless Watch Japan mailing list to stay up-to-date on our relaunch activities and to receive the first issue of the new and improved WWJ mail magazine.

NTT DoCoMo to Offer Video Streaming Service for FOMA Phones

NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its eight subsidiaries announced today that they will launch V-Live(TM) service for videophones beginning May 1, 2003. M-Stage V-Live is a one-to-many video streaming service that enables users to download or stream a variety of live and archived content via 64 Kbps circuit-switched wireless transmission. The new offering will be available for P2101V, P2102V, D2101V, SH2101V, and T2101V FOMA handsets.

Sharp in Agreement to Supply Mobile Phones to China

Sharp Corporation has signed an agreement with Datang Telecom Technology Co., Ltd., a major Chinese manufacturer of communications equipment, to supply camera-equipped GSM mobile phones to the Chinese market. Sharp has been manufacturing and selling audio-visual products, home appliances, office equipment and electronic components in China, but this is the company’s first entry into the Chinese mobile phone market.

DoCoMo Gets a Clearer Signal

A year ago, NTT DoCoMo looked like yet another Japanese company gone astray. A year ago, NTT DoCoMo looked like yet another Japanese company gone astray. After writing off half of the $16 billion it had invested in overseas phone companies, Japan’s No. 1 wireless operator plunged into the red for the first time since its founding in 1991. Its reputation as a leader in innovation took a beating after it was late to offer cell phones with built-in cameras, the latest rage in Japan. And the launch of its much-hyped 3G high-speed mobile service turned out to be a much-publicized flop.

Japan Handsets Technology Isn't Everything

Japanese companies have a technology edge derived from digital media expertise, and particularly long experience with displays and cameras; experience in multimedia applications, from i-mode in the domestic market, has led to software and application expertise. Japanese companies have a technology edge derived from digital media expertise, and particularly long experience with displays and cameras; experience in multimedia applications, from i-mode in the domestic market, has led to software and application expertise.