Willcom releases specs of MID with voice capability

Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) are entering the voice domain of smartphones with a value proposition of a full PC functionality and ability to make voice calls – not only VoIP calls. Willcom, the last-standing PHS carrier in Japan, has made device differentiation its main weapon to protect its small turf from grabs by three national cellular carriers - NTT DoCoMo, KDDI au and Softbank. So far this strategy combined with the introduction of flexible voice and data plans and targeted marketing works just fine for Willcom – it was even able to grow its user base a little to 4.5 million in 2007. Having relied on close partnership with device manufacturer Sharp, Willcom has a long history of wooing the rather conservative handset market of Japan with innovative designs and form factors of its devices. For instance, its W-ZERO3 introduced in 2005 was a big hit in Japan, spotting a QWERTY keyboard for the first time. This time, Willcom is the first to introduce Willcom D4 – a pure-cut MID with voice function built-in. Of course, the data-centric form factor will limit the usage scenarios of making phone calls with this device, but enclosed headsets and Bluetooth should enable users to make phone calls when in stationed position. Still, this device will not replace the voice-centric mobile phones but most likely will play a complementary role for some niche segments in both consumer and enterprise markets. Windows Mobile-based smartphones are most likely to be affected by such MIDs if more introduced on a global scale in a long run.

Specs
Model:	WS01SH
Carrier:	Willcom
Maker:	Sharp
OS:	Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1)
CPU:	Intel Atom processor Z520 (1.33GHz)
Chipset:	US15W
System bus (memory):	133MHz (533MHz)
Main memory:	1GB (DDR2-533, PC2-4200 supported)
Display:	5" Wide TFT LCD (WSVGA supported, LED backlight)
Keyboard:	64-key full keyboard
Touchpad:	illumination-enabled touchpad
HDD:	40GB (1.8", Ultra ATA/100)
WLAN:	IEEE 802.11b/g
Bluetooth:	Ver.2.0+EDR
GPS / Location:	GPS
Memory card:	microSD
TV tuner:	one-seg
Camera:	2MP (autofocus)
Battery life:	TBD
Weight:	470g (with standard battery)
Size (W x H x D):	188 X 84 X 25.9mm
PHS:	W-SIM (W-OAM supported)

Related Willcom Mobile Internet Device article:

• Willcom reveals details about its mysterious Mobile Internet Device

Willcom reveals details about its mysterious Mobile Internet Device

At CES 2008, Intel booth was a center stage for the debut of Internet-optimized terminals, which Intel marketing people called Mobile Internet Devices (MID). There was one device or a mockup, to be precise, with Willcom brand name on it and no information about its specs among the showcased MIDs in Intel’s booth.

Finally, Willcom broke the silence and revealed some specs about its MID scheduled for launch in June this year. Contrarily to many MIDs it won’t run on Linux but will stick to Windows Vista instead. Sharp will be the manufacturer. On the CPU side, the terminal will spot Intel Atom processor based on Intel’s Silverthorne platform. The device will be used for voice and data communications. More information about its specs is promised to be released in April.

The introduction of the MID is a part of Willcom’s strategy to move toward the deployment of the next-generation PHS network that should enable downloads at 20Mbps. Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications granted a license for the 2.5GHz band to Willcom in December 2007. Because the next-generation PHS will rely on OFDM and MIMO technologies it shares a lot in common with WiMax. However, it is hard to secure vendor’s dedication to manufacture the gear tailored for Willcom because of the proprietary nature of the PHS technology. At least, the gear comes at higher price, which puts Willcom in disadvantage. Other countries using PHS include China and Thailand.

Source: Willcom press release

Disney Mobile reinvents itself in Japan

It seems that everything is ready for the launch of Disney Mobile service on March 1st in Japan. Softbank is going to provide its cellular network, while Sharp will ship the handset specifically tailored for Disney service. Additionally Yahoo! Japan, in part owned by Softbank, has built a portal site - Disney Web, full of Disney content and services.

Disney refuses to be called an MVNO operator, a taboo word after Disney MVNO failure in the United State last year, instead saying this is a service in collaboration with SoftBank Mobile operator. While Disney will have its branded handset and original domain for mobile email, it will leverage Softbank’s handset distribution channels and ensure compatibility with Softbank’s service plans and services. This close relationship with Softbank should reduce the risk of doing business as a stand-alone MVNO for Disney Mobile. They definitely learned their lessons from the U.S. experience. Apparently, not all. The introduction of only one handset model at the service launch, even in three color variations, raises some skepticism. The history tells that users like to have a choice and you can’t satisfy them with one-size-fits-all offering. Specs-wise, the handset is even based on Softbank’s 821SH model. In Disney’s defence, they are going after twenty something women as their main target, promising to release three handsets in a year.

Disney made several safeguards to prevent its failure in Japan and relies on its brand power among single young women who are the biggest spenders on brand products in Japan. Still, it may not be enough to pursue users to leave their existing providers and jump on Disney wagon. Japan is a mature market and the segment Disney targets at is 100% saturated. Other carriers in Japan are dead serious about customer loyalty and start implementing customer retention strategies such as free calls between family members making the job of luring customers from rivals even harder for Disney Mobile.

Phone Specs
Model:	DM001SH
Carrier:	Disney Mobile/ Softbank
Maker:	Sharp
Packet data:	W-CDMA
Form factor:	clamshel
Color variations:	silver, gold, pink
Weight:	101g
Dimensions:	49X101.5X12.9mm
Main display:	2.6" Wide QVGA mobile ASV
Talk time:	220min
Standby time:	300 hours
Platform / OS:	N/A
Memory:	N/A
Memory card slot:	microSD
GPS / Location:	No
Bluetooth:	Yes
Infrared:	N/A
USB:	N/A
Wi-Fi:	No
Camera:	2.0MP
Video calling:	No
One-seg TV:	Yes
Music player:	Yes (WMA/SD-Audio)
Browser:	Yes
Push-To-Talk:	No
Mobile Wallet:	Yes
QR-code:	QR code
Biometrics:	N/A

Softbank Spring Collection: Sharp Internet Machine 922SH

With the launch of Internet-optimized mobile terminals like Sharp’s 922SH Softbank is betting on Japanese users’ desire to pick Softbank’s mobile devices over personal computers to stay connected and productive. Softbank’s reasoning is based on modern handsets’ improved characteristics: 1) HSDPA speeds; 2) Terminal’s processing power; and 3) Screen size. The combination of all three features will make mobile handsets more attractive than personal computers for users in Japan. The 922SH is the first such device in Softbank’s lineup with others to follow.

922SH Specs
Model:	922SH
Carrier:	Softbank
Maker:	Sharp
Price:	TBD
Form factor:	clamshell
Color variations:	black, white, pink, golden
Weight:	132g
Dimensions:	56 X 116 X 17mm
Main display:	3.5" Full WVGA (854x480), New Mobile ASV (260K colors)
Sub display:	1.18" (128x64) OLED
Battery:	N/A
Platform / OS:	N/A
Memory:	N/A
Memory card:	microSDHC (up to 4GB)
GPS:	Not supported
Bluetooth:	Yes
Infrared:	Yes
USB:	N/A
Wi-Fi:	N/A
Camera:	2.0MP (main), VGA (sub)
Video calling:	N/A
One-seg TV:	Yes
Music player:	Yes (WMA compatible; Music Connect service)
Browser:	Full Web browser
FM radio:	N/A
Mobile Wallet:	Not supported
Biometrics:	Face recognition
Other features:	Copy & Paste keys, QWERTY keyboard, touch sensor to answer calls when closed, HSDPA radio,

Sharp handsets do magic and spur mobile web usage in Japan

CNet Japan reported Be Trend’s research results about the mobile internet usage in Japan in January 2007. First, they show the breakdown of mobile internet access shares by carrier. The trend here reflects the recent turn around at Softbank, with carrier’s share surpassing 9% in January and gradually heading to a 10% milestone. Nevertheless, NTT DoCoMo still holds the lion’s share of mobile phone users accessing mobile web.

What is more interesting is that Be Trend was able to track down the mobile web access statistics to a single handset model, publishing top five models for each carrier. First come DoCoMo handsets with the top five ranking being occupied with spring and summer models of 2007. However, the latest models of 905i series also start penetrate the ranks, with Be Trend reporting that the P905i has made the Top 10 list with a 2.7% share.

Sharp entered KDDI au’s Top 5 list the W52SH model for the first time. Considering Sharp’s leading positions with other carriers, this success with KDDI au tells that Sharp has found a winning formula to manufacture both the CDMA and WCDMA handsets with appealing design and user friendly interface.

Softbank’s Top 5 list of devices used to access mobile web is dominated by Sharp model – only Toshiba handset prevents Sharp from taking all five positions.

Source: CNet Japan (Japanese)

Sharp SH905i first to feature Dolby Mobile

Sharp came up with an amazing piece of technology when they recently announced the SH905i handset for NTT DoCoMo. According to Sharp, it is the first handset in the world to use Dolby Mobile technology to enhance the sound of music and live TV played on the SH905i. The list of wow things they put into this phone doesn’t end with Dolby Mobile. Other advancements worth mentioning include 3-inch Wide VGA AQUOS display that uses Sharp’s proprietary developed vertical alignment technology called Mobile Advanced Super View enabling wide viewing angles, TOUCH CRUISER pad, which is an interface similar to the touch pads on notebook PCs, Manga Book Reader, IrSimple & IrSS standards for easy wireless transfer of pictures to compatible printers, and HSDPA for high-speed data transfers of up to 3.6Mbps.

Phone Specs
Model:	SH905i
Carrier:	NTT DoCoMo
Maker:	Sharp
Price:	N/A
Form factor:	Clam/swivel
Color variations:	Black, White, Pink, Blue
Weight:	125 g
Dimensions:	112 X 48 X 16.9mm
Main display:	3 inch (480X854) Full Wide VGA (16,777,215 colors)
Talk time:	200 min
Standby time:	max 540 hours
Platform / OS:	Symbian
Memory:	memory
Memory card slot:	microSD/HC
GPS / Location:	Yes
Bluetooth:	No
Infrared:	Yes
USB:	N/A
Wi-Fi:	No
Camera:	3.2MP
Video calling:	Yes
One-seg TV:	Yes
Music player:	Yes (AAC/WMA/SD Audio)
Browser:	Full browser
FM radio:	No
Mobile Wallet:	Yes (DCMX)
QR-code:	Yes
Biometrics:	Yes (Writing recognition)

Source: Sharp press release

Related articles on Sharp's mobile phones:

• Sharp handsets do magic and spur mobile web usage in Japan
• Softbank Spring Collection: Sharp Internet Machine 922SH
• Sharp is still undisputed handset leader in Japan: 1Q07 data

SoftBank's top ten selling phone models

GfK, a market research company, published ranks of top selling mobile phones with each operator in Japan during the last week of November. This post will cover SoftBank. See table below for the top 10 sellers with SoftBank brand.

SoftBank Top Ten
1 (3)	Sharp 920SH
2 (1)	Sharp 911SH
3 (2)	Panasonic 705Px
4 (5)	Toshiba fanfan. 815T
5 (7)	Panasonic 810P
6 (6)	Sharp 910SH
7 (8)	Toshiba 911T
8 (10)	Toshiba 814T
9 (4)	Sharp Fullface 913SH
10 (11)	Sharp 812SH

Source: GfK via ITMedia

KDDI au's top ten selling phone models

GfK, a market research company, published ranks of top selling mobile phones with each operator in Japan during the last week of November. This post will cover KDDI au. See table below for the top 10 sellers with au brand.

KDDI au Top Ten
1 (1)	Toshiba W53T
2 (2)	Casio Exilim W53CA
3 (3)	Sharp W52SH
4 (4)	Sanyo W52SA
5 (5)	Kyocera A5528K
6 (8)	Sony Ericsson W53S
7 (6)	Casio W52CA
8 (7)	Panasonic W52P
9 (9)	Toshiba W54T
10 (20)	Kyocera W53K

Source: GfK via ITMedia

NTT DoCoMo’s top ten selling phone models

GfK, a market research company, published ranks of top selling mobile phones with each operator in Japan during the last week of November. This post will cover NTT DoCoMo. As DoCoMo starts rolling 905 series phones, devices from the 904 series line-up occupied the top positions due to discounts and general popularity of one-seg phones. Fujitsu’s one-seg F904i model ranked first for the second week in a row followed with another one-seg model the 704i by Sharp (see table below for the rest).

NTT DoCoMo Top Ten
1 (1)	Fujitsu F904i
2 (3)	Sharp SH704i
3 (4)	Panasonic P904i
4 (2)	Sharp SH904i
5 (5)	Fujitsu Raku-Raku4 F883iES
6 (6)	Fujitsu Raku-Raku3 F882iES
7 (9)	NEC N704iμ
8 (8)	NEC N904i
9 (10)	Mitsubishi D904i
10 (7)	Sharp SH903iTV

Source: GfK via ITMedia

Mobile TV phone shipments surpass 11m in Japan

Built-in TV tuners seem to be the next messiah for mobile handset manufacturers in Japan. Similar to cameras a few years ago, they are driving the handset sales up and becoming a default feature for new models. For instance, in July, 1.87 million TV phones were shipped, accounting for 36.6% of overall domestic shipments, according to the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association. Overall, the installed base of cell phones with built-in one-seg TV tuners reached 11.77 million units by the end of July. Not to mention that the first shipments of one-seg phones just started in April 2006. What makes them so popular? First of all, getting the broadcast TV programs is free for handset users. Secondly, the quality of the reception and clarity of the picture is exceptionally good in most cases. These are the founding blocks to build a successful service. The strong sales of Sharp’s Aquos-branded TV phones even propelled the maker to the top market position. BCN Inc., a research company for information-technology products, estimates that Sharp accounted for 25.1% of the market share in the July-August period, nearly twice more of the 12.9% share held by second-ranked Panasonic.
Source: Asahi.com

Sharp is still undisputed handset leader in Japan: 1Q07 data

Sharp continues to hold its dominant position in Japan’s handset market through four consecutive quarters, increasing its market share to 22.6% in 1Q07 from 21.2% in 4Q06, reports IDC. Strong sales of Raku-Raku series phones are worth mentioning among other 1Q07 highlights as they helped Fujitsu get in the top five handset vendors.

Overall, handset shipments increased by 3% from last year, reaching the five-year record of 14.39 million handsets. National carriers’ flourishing spring handset collections targeting at various segments with ultra-thin and easy-to-use models and improvements in service and pricing contributed to this rather unusual burst in handset sales.

Source: IDC Japan

Lunascape browser targets Windows Mobile phones

Tokyo-based Lunascape came up with Lunascape Mobile – a browser running on Windows Mobile 5.0/6.0 machines. In Japan, it can be downloaded free of charge on Sharp’s W-ZERO3 series handsets. What makes it so special? Lunascape says the main features include:

• Tabs-based browsing (tabs can be customized by changing their number, size and number of characters displayed on a single tab)
• Easy access to browsing history and editing of it via the Address Bar
• Easy control of Favorites

Source: Lunascape

A new contender lures customers with EM-ONE smartphone

A new contender in the Japanese mobile market E-Mobile reported getting aboard 30,000 subscribers as of end of April 2007. Considering that the service went commercial in March 31, it is not bad at all for a new operator in Japan's nearly saturated market. Apparently, the Sharp EM-ONE smartphone attracted new subscribers at a bigger scale than expected as almost half of 30,000 users bought this HSDPA-enabled MS Windows Mobile terminal.

Willcom sells W-ZEZO3 smartphone in package deal with Slingbox and Sky Perfect TV

While U.S. carriers are fearing that Slingbox or Orb will congest their networks with bandwidth-hungry live TV content streaming, Japanese PHS carrier Willcom teams up with Sky Perfect TV and Slingbox to offer its subscribers a package deal, containing Slingbox and Windows Mobile W-ZERO3 smartphone for JPY49,800 ($414). Besides the hardware discounts, Willcom offers an attractive monthly voice/data service plan for JPY3,950 ($33). If users exceed the allocated 12.2MB of data they will be automatically switched to unlimited data plan that costs JPY6,700 ($56). This measure will guarantee the maximum users would pay won't go over $56 dollars. Besides, the W-ZERo3 can connect to public hotspots via WiFi. The promotional campaign will run until February 15. And yes, you also need to be a customer of Sky Perfect TV.

Source: Willcom press release

Japanese handset makers markedly contribute to global smartphone shipments

The Asia-Pacific region claimed 46% of smart mobile device shipments worldwide in Q1 2006, according to Canalys. Overall, the global shipments of smart mobile devices increased 55% from 1Q 2005. Japanese handset makers played an important role in the increased shipments of smartphones, making Symbian OS global share in smart mobile devices to reach new high of 69%.

“In addition to the shipment increases made by Nokia and RIM, Japanese vendors such as Mitsubishi and Sharp have achieved very high volumes of their new Symbian-based FOMA smart phones in Q1, catapulting them into the global top five. With increased shipments from Fujitsu, and a new device from Sony Ericsson, Symbian is enjoying not only significant Japanese market success, but also seeing record global market share,” said Canalys senior analyst and research manager Rachel Lashford.

Japan's wireless market week wrap-up

DoCoMo postpones launch of Nokia handset
NTT DoCoMo has delayed indefinitely the launch of a 3G phone from Nokia, saying the handset had software glitches. The phone, which is Nokia's first 3G model for DoCoMo, was scheduled to go on sale today.

DoCoMo achieves 2.5Gbps packet transmission
NTT DoCoMo announced that it achieved 2.5Gbps packet transmission in the downlink while moving at 20km/h.

Two new Symbian OS handsets announcement
With the launch of two Symbian OS handsets from Fujitsu (FOMA F702iD) and Sharp (FOMA SH702iD), the total number of Symbian handsets shipped in Japan increased to 24.

iPod in Japan faces stiffer competition from mobile phones
While Apple's iPod is enjoying 51.3% share of the domestic digital-music player market and iTunes online music store leads in song downloads, Japan's carriers and handset makers are plotting a counterstrike to topple Apple by shipping music phones with improved battery life and song higher-quality compression format and launching user-friendly online music stores. Apple's weakness in Japan is the lack of tie-ups with domestic labels, thus Aplle can offer a limited number of songs by Japanese pop-stars.

Japan's smartphones: W-ZERO3

Credit: IT Media
The W-ZERO3 smartphone is one of the first handsets in Japan to feature Windows Mobile 5.0 OS and provide dual mode PHS/ WLAN connectivity. Developed by Sharp for PHS service provider Willcom the W-ZERO3 smartphone went for sale in December 2005. The release of this smartphone is a practical step toward fixed mobile convergence by Willcom. Willcom intends to allow users to install Skype for VoIP application as an alternative. The selling price is about $373.

The W-Zero3 characteristics:

• Intel PXA processor
• Memory: Flash 128MB/ SDRAM 64MB
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• VGA display
• Sliding out full-text keyboard
• Wireless connectivity: PHS/ Wi-Fi (802.11b)
• MiniSD memory card slot
• USB port (mini B)
• Stand by time: 200 hours
• Talk time: 5 hours
• Weight: 220g