Goin' Mobile Japan

Top Stories: 2006 - 2007

3G, 3.5G and 4G

KDDI's 1-Seg mobile phones exceed 2 million in sales
DoCoMo will develop a USB-interfacing High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) data terminal for PCs together with Korean wireless operator KT Freetel as part of their joint purchasing tie-up. DoCoMo and KTF will conduct the development project through their Business and Technology Cooperation Committee; a body dedicated to promotion of joint purchasing established when the partners signed a strategic alliance in December 2005. The terminal will be market in Japan as FOMA A2502 HIGH- SPEED, and will be available as early as autumn 2007. Downlink speeds of up to 3.6Mbps will be available in Japan in HSDPA service areas ("FOMA HIGH-SPEED Areas"). International roaming on 3G will also be possible.
[2/28/2007] www.kddi.com (Japanese Release)

DoCoMo, Renesas, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Sharp, and Sony Ericsson to Jointly Develop Platform for 3G Mobile Phone Handsets
DoCoMo, Renesas Technology, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Sharp and Sony Ericsson announced that they plan to jointly develop a next-generation mobile phone platform for dual-mode handsets supporting HSDPA/W-CDMA (3G) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE (2G). Development of the platform is targeted to complete during Q2, FY2008 (July-September). The six companies agreed to the joint development project in an effort to provide a platform with advanced functionality for 3G mobile phones. The new platform will be based on the SH-Mobile G3, a single-chip system LSI which implements a baseband processor supporting HSDPAcat.8/W- CDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE communications and an application processor with high-end multimedia functions, and the reference design will integrate audio, power supply, and RF front-end modules. The platform will also include common software for basic functions, including compatibility with sophisticated operating system such as Symbian, device drivers, middleware, and third party communication software.
[2/8/2007] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

ACCESS to develop NetFront Browser v3.5 for 3G Handsets
ACCESS announced its plans for NetFront Browser v3.5, a 3G handset version of its NetFront Browser, and it will be available starting in fall of 2007. Increased availability of Web 2.0 services for mobile devices, NetFront Browser v3.5 is being designed to facilitate the development of widgets, or virtual elements of graphical interfaces. New specifications are expected to make Asynchronous JavaScript + XML (Ajax) content for embedded devices easier to use and run smoother. NetFront Browser v3.5 will comply with the latest Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Browsing 2.3 specifications and provide enhanced support for Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) Tiny version 1.2 specifications for two-dimensional vector and mixed vector/raster graphics in XML. This new version will feature the Smart Slider Menu, a short-cut bar on the display that enables one-touch access to frequently used functions, such as zooming. Other new features will include Smart Swing Navi, which enables intuitive scrolling of content in line with the flow of pictures captured with a handset’s camera, and Smart Page Viewmark, which enables smooth, optimized browsing by memorizing the view settings for each page, such as rendering mode and character size.
[2/8/2007] www.access- company.com (English Release)

Aquacast starts video streaming service with a maximum 30fps on 3G networks
Aquacast will provide its new video streaming service called “MediaCast Movie” which enables 30 frames per second video to be streamed on 3G and 3.5G networks. “MediaCast Movie” is a downloadable viewer application that is capable of streaming 30fps videos on a 150kbps wireless bandwidth network. The application also has fast-forward, rewind and zooming functions and currently works on DoCoMo’s FOMA 901i or newer handsets. The company plans to adopt KDDI and Softbank handsets in the future. Aquacast offers a server solution called “MediaCast Movie Solution” to video content providers. For those who don’t want to invest in the server solution, an ASP solution called “MediaCast Movie ASP” will be available for those who want to host video at a lower cost. “MediaCast ASP” requires 150,000 yen (approximately $1,300) for the initial setup and there is a monthly charge of 200,000 yen (approximately $1,700) for up to a maximum of 100 simultaneous users and 600 MB of data storage.
[11/27/2006] www.aquacast.co.jp (Japanese Release)

NEC selected as Super 3G handset vendor for DoCoMo
NEC Corporation announced that it will develop Super 3G handsets, following a request for proposal from DoCoMo, NEC plans to deliver commercial Super 3G mobile handsets in 2010 to DoCoMo. The Super 3G standard is expected to provide super fast downlink data rates of over 100Mbps and uplink data rates of over 50Mbps, low-latency data transmission and improved spectrum efficiency. Super 3G features highly advanced versions of high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), which are W-CDMA packet transmission technologies standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The 3GPP, a telecommunications standards body, has been in discussion to standardize Super 3G under the name Long Term Evolution (LTE). The 3GPP plans to release LTE's final specifications in 2007, but has completed most of the basic system designs at its June meeting. DoCoMo is thus set to begin developing equipment for practical application of the Super 3G technology and started to accept supplier proposals from July this year. Also, Fujitsu is selected to develop Super 3G wireless base station for DoCoMo.
[11/21/2006] www.nec.co.jp (English Release)
www.fujitsu.com (Japanese Release)

Sharp to ship new digital dictionary device with 1-Seg
Sharp started selling a new digital dictionary with a 1-Seg turner on December 8. This new device, the “Papyrus PW-T900”, has a 4.3” LCD screen which rotates 180 degrees so that users can watch 1-Seg TV program at 2 different sizes (TV-style and Handheld-style). The display uses an ASV LCD color screen with a resolution of 480 x 272 dots per inch. The device also has an SD card slot for external memory allowing users to also play MP3 music stored on the card. The dictionary is also compatible with XMDF/TXT formatted digital books. The market price will be around 50,000 yen (approximately $430) and the target market is businessman in the forties.
[11/20/2006] www.sharp.co.jp (Japanese Release)

KDDI develops world's first MMD central system of Ultra 3G Structure with NEC
NEC received an order from KDDI to develop and provide a Multimedia Domain (MMD) that will be the core system of the KDDI’s Ultra 3G infrastructure. KDDI aims to integrate mobile phones, fixed-line networks, and data communications networks into an all-IP network system with the adoption of Ultra 3G. The MMD system ordered by KDDI is a service platform defined by 3GPP2, which is similar to IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) of 3GPP. Once completed, it will enable KDDI to offer a multifaceted lineup of services, ranging from the integration of landline and mobile services to linkages of various multimedia services. Initially, the service platform will only serve a limited number of mobile phone subscribers. As the scale expands, the platform will have the capacity to accommodate all mobile phone and fixed phone line subscribers.
[11/1/2006] www.nec.co.jp (Japanese Release)

NTT Data Aura starts movie delivery system for HSDPA
NTT Data Aura announced that its video streaming system called “MOVIT’SMO” is now compatible with HSDPA fast speed networks so viewers can enjoy better video quality on mobile devices. New functions to take advantage of the higher speed network have also been added to improve streaming quality. The resolution and video speed will be 240x180 dots and 16fps respectively; the service is also capable of streaming long videos with unlimited playtime.
[10/10/2006] www.nttd-aura.com (Japanese Release)

KDDI to introduce world's first EV-DO Rev. A and BCMCS mobile services
KDDI announced a world first expansion of the CDMA2000 1x EV-DO system, with an 'EV-DO Rev. A' data infrastructure to roll out from December 2006, with BCMCS (Broadcast and Multicast Services) to start from September. It launched the CDMA2000 1x EV-DO (EV-DO Rev. 0) standard in November 2003 as the CDMA 1X WIN service for au mobile phones, with more than 10 million users now enjoying EZ "Chaku Uta Full" and other rich content on that system. The new EV-DO Rev. A network sharply increases upload speed - 144 kbps to max 1.8 Mbps - as compared with the earlier EV-DO Rev. 0, enables delay control, and is suited for bi-directional real-time IP communications. KDDI is moving toward "All IP" for transmitting data and voice via IP in "Ultra 3G" format, and plans to systematically deploy EV-DO Rev. A as the next mobile network base infrastructure beginning in December 2006.
[8/22/2006] www.kddi.com (English Release)

DoCoMo to implement new congestion control system for 3G FOMA network
DoCoMo announced that it would separately manage call and data packet transmission congestion over the 3G FOMA network to prevent voice traffic congestion control from affecting packet communication traffic and vice versa. Currently, excessive congestion in either voice or data transmissions can force DoCoMo to limit network usage for both voice and data in order to prevent network breakdown. One result of the move is the increased ability to successfully transmit text messages via i-mode mail, or to DoCoMo's i-mode Disaster Message Board service, even if voice traffic should rise sharply during a major disaster. The i-mode Disaster Message Board service, launched on January 17, 2004, enables i-mode subscribers to post text messages on a special i-mode site. The new system will initially apply only to selected handsets — D902iS, F902iS, N902iS, P902iS, SH902iS, DOLCE SL, SH702iS, D702iF, N702iS, P702iD, and N902iX HIGH-SPEED. A similar control system for the 2G mova network was implemented in April 2004.
[8/21/2006] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

TV-ready mobile phones will reach 10 million handsets in 2007
Fuji Chimera Research Institute published its market research report of the television industry, “2006 Television and Broadcasting Industry Report”. According to the report, the sale of mobile phones with broadcasting systems, including 1-Seg, is expected to reach 10 million units in 2007. The report also says KDDI is the most aggressive carrier in mobile TV broadcasting and it will add new line of mobile phones developed by Sony Ericsson which supports digital radio broadcasting in addition to mobile TV broadcasting. DoCoMo started selling the P901iTV; however, it may not add new mobile phones in the near future, the report says.
[5/19/2006] www.fcr.co.jp (Japanese Release)

KDDI and NHK develop content-protection technology for mobile broadcasting
KDDI, KDDI R&D Laboratories and NHK Laboratories developed content-protection technology for mobile broadcasting including protection for 1-Seg service. With the new technology, encrypted broadcasting content will be decoded on a mobile handset upon obtaining a decoding key or license online. The technology uses coding algorithm called “K2”, which was developed by KDDI Laboratories and Kyushu University. Companies say the technology diversifies viewing styles because users can choose which programs they want to watch while copyrights of the content are protected.
[5/17/2006] www.kddi.com (Japanese Release)

DoCoMo develops FOMA M2501 HIGH-SPEED data card
DoCoMo announced the development of the FOMA M2501 HIGH-SPEED PCMCIA Type II data card for speedy mobile packet transmissions with PCs. Downlink speeds of up to 3.6Mbps are available in new HSDPA service areas ("FOMA HIGH-SPEED Areas") in Japan. The card works on W-CDMA, GSM and GPRS networks. Packet communications roaming is possible in 69 countries/regions and voice roaming in 132 countries/regions (end April 2006). Voice and videophone calls can be made with a PC (requires installing dedicated software, optional earphone/microphone, and web camera).
[5/11/2006] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

DoCoMo unveils new eight FOMA "9 Series" phones
DoCoMo unveiled the new lineup of eight FOMA "9 Series" handsets. All “9 Series” phones are preinstalled with i-appli software required to use DoCoMo's DCMX credit card. The series includes Japan's first HSDPA-compatible handset, the N902iX HIGH-SPEED. HSDPA is a new high-speed packet-transmission technology for downlinks at up to 3.6Mbps, or 10 times faster than current FOMA handsets. All models in the 9 Series have music players. Some are also compatible with DoCoMo's Chaku-Uta Full service for downloading full music tracks from i-mode sites, as well as Music Channel for programmed, automatic downloading of music from i-mode sites during the night (N902iX HIGH-SPEED), and Windows Media Audio files (F902iS).
[5/11/2006] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

US Wireless companies in Japan

ClubIt to start movie news from Hollywood Reporter
ClubIt and Hollywood Channel will start distributing entertainment news and trailers from the US based popular publication “Hollywood Reporter” at its movie information site “Hollywood Channel”. The service is available for DoCoMo and au handsets and will soon be available for Softbank’s handsets also. For the first issue, new movie trailers featuring Charlize Theron, Tommy Lee Jones, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal will be released. Also, interviews with Sharon Stone and Emilio Estevez from Bobby will be introduced. The monthly fee for the site is 315 yen for i-Mode and Yahoo! Keitai and the fee for Ezweb users will be 300 yen.
[1/30/2007] www.clubit.co.jp (Japanese Release)

New middleware platform enables interactive communication between mobile phones and sensor networks
DoCoMo and Hewlett-Packard announced they have been conducting joint research with the goals of developing a new application platform to interconnect mobile telephone systems and sensor networks and to develop a prototype of a new middleware platform. The middleware is equipped with an interface that works with various transmission methods and enables the exchange of data between mobile phones and sensor networks. Software using this middleware is installed on both the sensor network and the mobile phone thus enabling the phone to access the sensor network directly across a variety of transmission methods. Software equipped phones can then be used to pull data, or even control devices connected to the network. The middleware also makes it possible to develop applications and devices compatible with any sensor network, regardless of the type of transmission method it employs. This technology is expected to be useful for a wide range of services such as enabling seamless connections between mobile phones and crime-prevention equipment, home appliances, IC tag readers, and other devices.
[10/13/2006] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

KDDI to develop integrated platform for mobile phones
KDDI, in collaboration with Qualcomm, has decided to develop an integrated platform for mobile phones and, in the uniform development of basic software, to encourage commonality among mobile phone manufacturers. The Company aims to strengthen its cost competitiveness in the development of mobile phones, an industry characterized by the continuous advancement and ever- increasing complexity of its software. In the development of basic applications for mobile Internet, such as browsers and mailers, for its au mobile phones, KDDI conventionally attained commonality of software among various models through the KDDI Common Platform (KCP), using Qualcomm's MSM chip set and BREW as its base.
[7/19/2006] www.kddi.com (English Release)

Microsoft, Intel and Bitwallet promote Felica
Microsoft, Intel and Bitwallet announced that they will promote FeliCa based personal identification methods and electronic commerce. They established a forum called, “Smart Digital Life Promotion Project” to expand Felica users using a platform developed by Microsoft and Intel. The project has 3 goals. These goals are to increase FeliCa based online services, to create Felica based service models, and to vitalize FeliCa based EC. The companies also plan to provide Felica technologies and marketing information, to promote PCs compatible with Felica, and to improve Felica usage environment and marketing. Actual goals are to double online services from their current number of 1,400 sites, to ship three times the amount of products, which is urrently 3 million units, and to double annuals sales which are currently at hundreds of billion yen sales. 35 other associate members participate in this forum including Sony, Sharp and USEN.
[6/13/2006] www.microsoft.com (Japanese Release)

PacketVideo teams with DoCoMo to deliver advanced music services
PacketVideo announced its collaboration with DoCoMo to enable advanced mobile music services for the Japanese market using Microsoft Windows Media technology. The collaboration has resulted in the first-ever support of Windows Media Audio protected by DRM in DoCoMo’s 3G FOMA handsets, powered by PacketVideo’s Universal pvPlayer media player. PacketVideo has long supported Windows Media in US mobile service launches and has provided i-motion player capabilities for more than 20 of DoCoMo’s FOMA handsets. The first product as a result of this collaboration is the F902iS handset from Fujitsu, which will be available shortly. The F902iS features PacketVideo’s new Universal pvPlayer technology that enables multiple file formats to be played by a single multimedia client solution. With PacketVideo Universal pvPlayer, the F902iS can play 3GPP (MP4), i-Motion (MMP4) and Windows Media content, using Windows Media Audio and Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10 for portable devices.
[6/13/2006] www.fmworld.net (English Release)

Qualcomm introduces world’s first universal mobile TV chip
Qualcomm announced its single-chip Universal Broadcast Modem (UBM) solution supporting three of the world's leading mobile broadcast standards. The UBM solution unifies the world's leading mobile TV standards into a single, cost-effective chip with support for FLO technology, as well as for Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVB-H) and one-segment Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting - Terrestrial (ISDB-T), creating a common platform that handset manufacturers can leverage to address multiple standards. The UBM solution includes support for FLO, which is part of the MediaFLO system, DVB-H, and one-segment implementations of ISDB-T to address the needs of network operators in Europe, Asia, North America and elsewhere for the deployment of mobile broadcast services. The UBM solution offers a high level of integration to deliver a single-chip FLO solution for the North American market that also includes specific enhancements necessary for deployment outside of North America.
[5/26/2006] www.qualcomm.com (English Release)

New search service uses image recognition system
D2 Communications and Bandai Networks start providing a new service called “Camera de Kensaku! ER Search”. The new service enables users to search products using mobile phone’s camera. When the user takes an image such as CD cover, catalog and wine label, the image recognition system pulls out certain characteristics from the image and search related products based on the data. The image recognition system “ViPR” is developed by Evolution Robotics in U.S. The service is preinstalled to DoCoMo’s new mobile phone “N902iS”.
[5/12/2006] www.d2c.co.jp (Japanese Release)

GPS

Application enables users to chat on a map
IncrementP and Mitsui started a new chatting service using the map feature for i-mode users. The new application, called “iMapFan Chizu (Map) Messenger” is available for GPS enabled 903i series phones. Users can text a message and their location will appear on a map at the same time when using this new application. The session is initiated when one user starts the messenger application and invites another user from his/her communication list. An invitation email is delivered to the other party and upon acceptance of the invitation, the messenger application will automatically open and the chat session will start. When the two users are close in proximity the phone will beep or vibrate. The monthly fee will be 315 yen.
[2/8/2007] www.mapfan.com (Japanese Release)

Toyota develops world's first technology for automatically delivering differential map data to car navigation systems
Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it has developed the world's first technology for automatically delivering differential map data to car navigation systems. This technology, called "Map on Demand", will be made available to drivers as a new feature of Toyota's Japanese-market G-BOOK telematics service from the spring of 2007. Map on Demand, which was jointly developed with Aisin AW, Zenrin, Denso and Toyota Mapmaster, delivers updated data on all Japanese expressways and toll roads, as well as on roads near the registered home of the subscriber and on roads in the vicinity of user-specified destinations. Data is delivered via cell phone networks, Internet downloads, etc.
[2/8/2007] www.toyota.co.jp (English Release)

KDDI’s new Junior Keitai line offers improved location functionality for children
KDDI announced three new models in its safety mobile lineup. The new au 3G CDMA 1X mobile phone line will be released in late January and includes the “Junior Keitai A5525SA” and the “Sweets cute” from Sanyo. Both phones come with the new security features and are equipped with “Movement Tracking System”, a technology that allows parents to track the location of their children from their mobile phone or PC. The system will also notify the parent when the child's phone is turned off. This system has an automatic camera and phone feature that can be controlled remotely; thus allowing parents to confirm the child’s location through sounds and images. All of the models in the safety mobile lineup come equipped with “Safe Navi” and the service menus have been renewed to meet customers' demands for safer service and improved functionality.
[1/10/2006] www.kddi.com (Japanese Release)

Softbank starts new locator service, “Ichi-Navi”
Softbank Mobile will start its new service “Ichi-Navi” which enables users to locate GPS equipped mobile phones. The location data can be transmitted to Softbank’s 3G mobile handset or personal computers and will allow users to locate registered family members and friends geographically. In addition, the “Scheduled Search” feature allows users to search appointed mobile users, up to 10 at a time, at scheduled time periods and the “Operation Lock” feature prevents unintentional changes to operative parameters. The monthly fee is 210 yen and the usage fee is 5.25 yen per search. The company will offer free monthly charges through April.
[1/25/2006] broadband.mb.softbank.jp (Japanese Release)

Toyota and au will ship TiMO, mobile phone designed for automobile
Toyota and KDDI developed, using Toshiba’s W44T (CDMA 1X WIN device), a new mobile phone accompanied with automobile, called TiMO. TiMO is equipped with 1GB memory, music player, Bluetooth based navigation system and hands-free guidance features. An optional cartridge, attaching to the arm-rest, is also available. Those who purchase TiMO will also receive “HELPNET Keitai” (an emergency communication service) with one-year free subscription and “Free Contents Warehouse” which users can download games and music with one-year free subscription. The mobile phone has 200-minute-last battery, 3.2M-pixel camera and 240x320 dot LCD display.
[8/30/2006] www.kddi.com (Japanese Release)

Mobile Commerce

Lawson starts accepting DoCoMo’s credit service “iD”
Lawson, one of the major convenience store chains in Japan, announced that all 8,511 stores would start accepting DoCoMo’s mobile credit card service “iD” from March 9. Prior to this business arrangement, DoCoMo purchased 9 billion yen (approximately 76 million dollars) worth the company’s shares last March. Lawson added the iD feature to its credit card “Lawson Pass VISA”. “Lawson Pass” has currently 2.67 million members who can earn points every time they shop at Lawson. The members can use their mobile handsets as a credit card by downloading a credit processing application and a member authentication application.
[2/27/2007] www.lawson.co.jp (Japanese Release)

Bit Wallet and Mitsui Sumitomo Card jointly develop common terminal for Edy and iD
Bit Wallet and Mitsui Sumitomo Card announced that Mitsui Sumitomo will start servicing Edy merchant account business and jointly develop common terminal device (reader/writer) for Edy and iD. The development will start early in 2007. Also, Bit Wallet and JCB announced that they would jointly develop a common terminal device for Edy and QUICPay. The machine will be installed starting from December, 2006.
[11/6/2006] www.edy.jp (Japanese Release)

DoCoMo’s “DCMX” contracts exceeded 1 million
DoCoMo announced that its credit card “DCMX” contracts exceeded 1 million as of November 12. DoCoMo began issuing DCMX credit cards for “iD” (mobile phone based credit card system) on April 28, 2006. Their users can use “DCMX mini” and “DCMX” credit card with FOMA handsets via “iD”. The company also provides plastic credit cards via a partnership with VISA and Master Card. Approximately 70,000 terminals that can process “DCMX” have been installed and the company plans to increase that number to 350,000.
[11/14/2006] www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release)

DoCoMo and Nippon Televisions develop electronic coupons system for 1-Seg mobile phones
DoCoMo and Nippon Televisions have developed a delivery system for electronic coupons for 1-Seg mobile handsets (902i or later models) using the data-broadcasting band. When users watch TV programs on 1-Seg equipped mobile phones, they can receive and store electronic coupons or additional information simultaneously. The delivered electronic coupons are compatible with TORUKA, DoCoMo’s electronic card system, and DoCoMo plans to replace paper-based coupons and documents with this new system.
[10/2/2006] www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release)

All Family Mart stores will accept Edy by spring 2007
Family Mart and Bit Wallet agreed that all Family Mart stores would start accepting prepaid electronic money “Edy” by spring of 2007. In Okinawa, Miyazaki and Kagoshima, some stores already accept Edy, but with this new agreement, Edy will be accepted at all 6,789 stores that are equipped with the new POS (Point of Sale) system throughout Japan. Consumers can recharge Edy or issue Edy gifts at kiosks, called Fami Port, in the store. The company says that POS system will be ready for DoCoMo’s iD credit system as well.
[8/29/2006] www.family.co.jp (Japanese Release)
www.edy.jp (Japanese Release)

Visa Touch foresees 5 million users in 3 years
Visa International announced that they would reach 5 million users and 300,00 stores in the next 3 years with its contact- less credit card “Visa Touch”. “Visa Touch” uses "Smartplus" technology, which was developed by UFJ Nikos, so consumers will be soon able to use the contact-less cards at major gas stations, convenience stores, toll roads, etc. where the technology currently takes place. The company says that all 20 credit card issuers will be participating in the future.
[8/14/2006] www.visa- asia.com/ap/jp (Japanese Release)

Yahoo Japan and JR East agree on comprehensive business tie-up
Yahoo Japan and JR East have formally agreed on their joint venture. The two companies plan to start Suica Electronic Money payment at Yahoo! Japan site, cooperative credit cards and exchanging point/mileage between Yahoo! Points and Suica Electric Money. The companies plan to release a payment option with Suica Electric Money for products and services sold at Yahoo! Shopping in spring of 2007. Currently, Yahoo! accepts credit card and Internet banking. Yahoo expects that Suica, which is prepaid electric money, can expand the service to younger users who don’t have credit cards.
[5/22/2006] pr.yahoo.co.jp (Japanese Release)
www.jreast.co.jp (Japanese Release)

New Applications, technologies and alliance

DoCoMo and fuel cell firm Aquafairy sign new basic agreement partnerships
DoCoMo signed a basic agreement with Aquafairy Co. to strengthen the joint R&D system for development of handset rechargers using Aquafairy's hydrogen fuel cell technology. The agreement includes details of the development process and specifies the roles of each partner for the commercialization of the recharger. Also, DoCoMo's acquisition of a stake in Aquafairy, based on a business and capital tie-up that was announced on September 11, 2006, is not going ahead, so each company will have a freer environment in which to pursue R&D and business development. With the aim of ensuring the fastest-possible commercialization of the handheld fuel cell rechargers, the two companies are further enhancing their partnership through this agreement, allowing them to promote product development and technical cooperation.
[2/6/2007] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

DoCoMo conducts e-learning technology using mobile handsets
DoCoMo conducted field research for a new mobile learning system on February 17 and 18 in corporation with Benesse Corporation. DoCoMo devised technical specifications for the new learning system, which enables users to share learning materials with mobile handsets and personal computers. This project is a part of “2006/2007 Ubiquitous Learning System Development and Study” conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Although technical specifications for the e-learning system were not available, DoCoMo has developed a functioning trial system that is compatible with handsets and PCs. The company said that educational institutions would be able to provide the same educational content for both PCs and mobile handsets by using this new system.
[2/5/2007] www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release)

Mobile leaders around the world launch LiMo Foundation
Motorola, NEC, DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung and Vodafone announced the official launch of the LiMo Foundation. A not-for-profit organization, the LiMo Foundation is aimed at blending the community-based development benefits of transparency, innovation and scalability with the best development practices from the mobile community to create an innovative new business model. Overseen by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from the founding member companies including Foundation Chairman, Greg Besio of Motorola and Vice Chair, Kiyohito Nagata of DoCoMo, the LiMo Foundation will be seeking new members interested in participating in the development of a set of APIs, architecture, and contributing source code for the common components of the Linux based mobile platform. Foundation members will be available to discuss membership opportunities at the upcoming 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 12-15, 2007.
[1/26/2007] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

5 companies establish joint venture to research multimedia service for mobile handsets
Fuji Television, Itochu, DoCoMo, SKY Perfect and Nippon Broadcasting have agreed to establish a joint limited liability company (LLC) named Multimedia Broadcasting Planning LLC (MMBP). The starting capital is 30 million yen (approximately 26 thousand dollars) and each company owns an equal amount of shares. The mission of the new company is to research new services using the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) protocol. Although 1-Seg uses ISDB-T, MMBP will seek different mobile multimedia broadcasting from 1-Seg. Moreover, this new service will be based on the 700MHz spectrum, which will be available after the discontinuation of analog TV broadcasting in the near future. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is researching how to best reuse the particular spectrum. Proposals include 3G mobile communications, video distribution using MediaFLO (developed by Qualcomm), emergency communication and digital radio. Both KDDI and Softbank have established venture companies to research similar feasibilities using MediaFLO.
[11/29/2006] www.itochu.co.jp (Japanese Release)

DoCoMo and Kadokawa Group to form comprehensive alliance through capital tie-up partnerships
Kadokawa Group Holdings, a group comprised of companies engaged mainly in publishing or movies/visual content, and DoCoMo announced that they would form a comprehensive alliance through a capital tie-up. DoCoMo will acquire 1,031,000 shares in the holding company, or 3.78% of total issued shares, for about 4 billion yen (approximately 34 million dollars) through a third -party share allocation on December 12, 2006. Under the agreement, DoCoMo will also tie up with the group companies Kadokawa Shoten Publishing, Kadokawa Herald Pictures, Kadokawa Mobile, Herald Enterprise and Kadokawa Media House. The alliance will combine Kadokawa's strengths as a major provider of printed and visual content with DoCoMo's huge subscriber base and i-mode mobile Internet service. The use of visual content over mobile networks is expected to increase rapidly with the ongoing introduction of high-speed network technologies, such as high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA).
[11/27/2006] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

KDDI and Tokyo Electric develop image delivery service
KDDI and Tokyo Electric developed an image delivery service called "PointScope" which is based on solar power and mobile telephony. Tokyo Electric Environment Engineering will start offering this service. PointScope can be used in remote areas, such as mountains, where electric power and human access may not be available. The only the requirement is that KDDI au wireless communication must be available in order to use PointScope. The service will be useful in situations such as monitoring natural disasters, weather, remote environments, facilities, high-voltage power station, and other locations that may be hazardous or difficult for humans to reach. Still photos will be taken by the equipped camera and transmitted via mobile phone to the server. The system can be controlled remotely or preset instructions can be programmed in advance.
[10/2/2006] www.kddi.com (Japanese Release)

Axelmark established “Axelmark Lab” to evaluate services for 3G mobile users
Axelmark established “Axelmark Lab” which conducts α and β versions of developing services for 3G mobile users, particularly those for flat-rate subscribers. Axelmark Lab researches users’ requests and brushes up services by gathering users’ feedback. For the first trial, the company released “mobazilla ver.β” which enables users to view PC websites via mobile handsets, “mogle brand auction β” which users can view various auction websites at the same time, and “toplog” which is a ranking website of blogs for mobile phones.
[8/24/2006] www.axelmark.co.jp (Japanese Release)

ACCESS, Oki Electric and OKI ACCESS Technologies collaborate in DLNA compliant products for next generation home networks
ACCESS, Oki Electric Industry and OKI ACCESS Technologies announced a collaboration agreement to accelerate the realization of next-generation home network service. The three companies will combine their current products to provide solutions that are compliant with the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) guideline, the home network standard that will promote the convergence of home networks and mobile terminals. In June 2006, ACCESS developed middleware for embedded equipment, the "NetFront Living Connect," which is compliant with the DLNA guideline. Oki Electric announced its BB Media Router (BBMR) in October 2005, which is a gateway platform provided worldwide for next-generation home network service with home gateway and server functions. Based on the agreement announced today, Oki's BBMR will be equipped with ACCESS' NetFront Living Connect, providing a home gateway function that is compliant with DLNA.
[6/28/2006] www.access.co.jp (English Release)

Recruit and Fuji Television jointly develop “1-Seg Navi”
Recruit and Fuji Television agreed to jointly develop a new service called “1 Seg Navi” which broadcasts data information of a viewing program or commercial message and other data services such as program time tables. The companies planned the field test this summer. For example, users access “1 Seg Navi” after watching a program introducing deserts, the keywords, for example “pudding”, appear on the screen and with a click, users can access to the related information such as nearest pastry stores. The companies plan to prepare not only gourmet information, but also wide variety of information such as events and travel information all over Japan.
[6/27/2006] www.recruit.jp (Japanese Release)

Mobile industry leaders to create world's first globally adopted open mobile Linux platform
Motorola, NEC, DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics, and Vodafone announced their intent to establish the world's first global, open Linux-based software platform for mobile devices. A world-class Linux-based platform aims to provide key benefits for the mobile industry including lower development costs, increased flexibility, and a richer mobile ecosystem - all of which contribute to the group's ultimate objective of creating compelling, differentiated and enhanced consumer experiences. To help guide these efforts, the companies are also announcing their intent to form an independent foundation. The founder companies' objective is to realize the development of the platform based on the contributions of all interested stakeholders through an open and transparent process. Focusing primarily on the joint development and marketing of an API specification, architecture, supporting source code-based reference implementation components and tools, the foundation intends to leverage the benefits of community-based and proprietary development.
[6/15/2006] www.nttdocomo.com (English Release)

ACCESS develops image viewing software for Pocket PC
ACCESS announced that it has developed its image viewing software for Pocket PC, preliminarily named NetFront LocationFree Player Pocket PC. The software supports the "LocationFree" software licensed from Sony Corporation. The new software is to use for information-based home electronics and supports Windows Mobile from Microsoft. Product shipments are scheduled to begin in the second half of this year. Using information-based home electronics that incorporate the NetFront LocationFree Player software, "LocationFree" users will be able to operate and view TV and other video equipment such as DVD players on the Internet or from a wireless LAN any time and any place, as if in their own homes.
[5/18/2006] www.access.co.jp (English Release)

KDDI and Google jointly provide Google search engine to EZweb
KDDI and Google agreed to provide a new search engine service that integrates mobile and PC based Internet. KDDI au started providing a Google search box at the top of the EZweb menu. The search box can be used by CDMA 1X WIN or CDMA 1X services. In addition, the new service generates results from PC based websites as well. Search results appear in order of official websites, public websites and PC websites. The results include advertisements triggered by keywords, so that the service also acts as mobile version of Google’s Adwords.
[5/18/2006] www.kddi.com (Japanese Release)

Market trends

1-Seg will reach 34,800,000 units in 2010
Yano Research Institute conducted a survey on viewing style of 1-Seg in Tokyo metropolitan area and recently released their results. According to the survey, 1-Seg viewers’ favorite programs were news and sports. Since those respondents use HDD recorders mostly for recording dramas and movies, 1-Seg may need to implement an HDD recorder feature. In addition, potential 1-Seg buyers are more design and brand oriented more so than current mobile phone users. Yano Research concluded that this trend affects future market of 1-Seg and it foresees the shipment of 1-Seg devices reaching over 18,350,000 units, derived from 1-Seg broadcasting of Beijing Olympics, in 2008 and 34,800,000 units in 2010.
[8/3/2006] www.yano.co.jp (Japanese Release)

Phone and text message usage decreases, survey says
IPSE Marketing published “Report on Usage of Mobile Phones IV”. The survey was conducted among 2,114 mobile phone users between May 25 and June 7. According to the report, approximately 50% of daily usage is text message, 30% is phone, and 15% is viewing websites. Average usage of phone is 3 times a day, and text message is 9.3 times a day. Comparing last years survey results, phone usage continued to decrease and text message usage also decreased for the first time. 20% of 3G users browse websites. 20% of Suica equipped mobile phone users shop online. 1-Seg ready mobile devices reached 2.6% of respondents and 60% of those users actually watch 1-Seg broadcasting.
[7/6/2006] www.ipse-m.com (Japanese Release)

The number of Internet users via mobile terminals surpasses those via PCs
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications compiled "Communications Usage Trend Survey" as of the end of CY2005. According to the survey, the number of Internet users via mobile terminals has been increasing further, surpassing those via PCs for the first time. With respect to terminals for accessing the Internet by individual users, the number of Internet users via mobile terminals, including cellular telephones, increased by 10.98 million from the end of the previous year (an increase of 18.8% over the previous year) to 69.23 million, surpassing those via PCs (66.01 million, an estimated figure) for the first time. This shows a further increase in the number of Internet users via mobile terminals. More than a half of the Internet users (57.0%, or 48.62 million, of the total number [85.29 million], estimated figures) are using both personal computers and mobile terminals. The number of Internet users subscribing to broadband access networks continues to be on the rise. When looking into the ratio of each broadband network, while the ratio of fiber-optic circuits has been increasing, that of DSL recoded a decrease for the first time.
[5/19/2006] www.soumu.go.jp (English Release)