Bluetooth
Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Sprint Launches Sanyo Handset

US carrier Sprint has started offering the new Sanyo MM-7400 [.jpg image] as part of a new breed of phones with the ability to stream video over the Sprint network. The streaming video service offers a “basic cable” package for mobile handsets which includes a variety of content from NBC Universal, FOX Sports, ABC News Now, Discovery Channel, The Weather Channel, Comedy Time, and more. Other premium channels are also available, but you’ll have to shell out extra for them.

Nissan Wings Mobile Navigation

Nissan Wings Mobile NavigationNTT DoCoMo and Nissan Motor are flying in tandem through a new tie-up between i-mode and the carmaker’s Carwings navigation system. The new service, Okutto-Keitai, allows drivers to receive destination-based i-mode digital maps and restaurant data via their NTT DoCoMo mobile handset. Drivers can also request information from Carwings’ live operator or by selecting information manually through the navigation system. Digital maps are provided by Zenrin; restaurant information through Gourmet Navigator, Inc.

Given the GPS technology on many wireless handsets these days plus the rich variety of navigation content sites, the main offering navigation systems have going for them is bigger screens. DoCoMo competitor KDDI would have you just lose the navigation console completely and rely on their increasingly micro-comprehensive 3G “Navi” systems. Nevertheless, automotive electronic devices continue to show strong growth here. A recent survey of auto parts makers by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) estimates sales of auto electronic devices — including car navigation systems — will hit 2.79 trillion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2005.

Free Access for Mobile Phones

NTT Advanced Technology has announced a prototype Internet access system for mobile phone users. Hot Access utilizes a cellphone’s infrared communications capability and a fixed-rate broadband network service to enable users to access mobile Internet content without being charged a packet fee. (Have to wonder what DoCoMo thinks about competition from a sister company? — Ed.)

Nissan, DoCoMo Offer i-mode for CARWINGS

Nissan Motor and NTT DoCoMo today announced that they would offer a new service that enables drivers to receive i-mode content on their mobile phones using their Nissan’s CARWINGS navigation system. This is the first time an automaker has connected its telematics services to DoCoMo’s i-mode. The new service, called Okutto-Keitai, allows drivers to receive i-mode digital maps and restaurant information corresponding to the area in which their car is located or destined. The service was made available for the first time on Nissan’s Tiida compact hatchback which went on sale on September 30.

Bluetooth Driving Hands Free

The (enforced) Road Traffic Law comes into effect Nov. 1 banning mobile phone usage while driving. With stiff fines, and even prison terms, announced people will be shopping for alternatives like this new Handzu-Free Bluetooth product. Tested to run on over 40 different DoCoMo Mova handsets these handy little devices will likely see critical mass adoption in Japan during the next year, then again it’s always a good idea to read the fine print..

NTT DoCoMo and Motorola Announce 3G FOMA Handset Developement

NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Motorola Inc. and Motorola Japan Ltd. announced today that they have signed an agreement to jointly develop a FOMA handset targeting business users by taking advantage of high-speed 3G FOMA technologies. Commercialization is scheduled for spring 2005. The new handset, which is compatible with GSM/GPRS technologies, will be the first FOMA model that may be used outside of Japan. Unlike i-mode®-capable phones, the handset will enable access to the internet through mopera® or any other available internet connection service. What’s more, its browser will be able to display standard web pages. Full Press Release Here.