Goin' Mobile Japan

1. 3G

Renesas Technology Starts Sample Shipments of SH-Mobile G3 System LSI
www.renesas.com (English Release) 10/3/2007
Renesas Technology has begun shipping the evaluation sample of SH-Mobile G3, a high-speed, high-performance system LSI, which was jointly developed with DoCoMo, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Sharp and Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications for 3G mobile phones. It is targeted for completion in Q3, CY2008. The SH-Mobile G3 is a single-chip LSI which supports HSDPA cat. 8 data transfer at up to 7.2 Mbps and dual-mode communications including W-CDMA and GSM/GPRS. It enables high-speed data transfer via mobile phones and is suitable for use in a wide variety of handset models for the Japanese and international markets. In addition, the chip integrates both a baseband processor for communication processing and an application processor with enhanced functions. For example, it enables high-level graphics processing with support for large LCD screens such as WVGA (864 x 480 pixels), as well as high-quality audio processing. The full-scale adoption of G3 is expected to bring mobile handsets with more advanced multimedia functionality as well as increased demand for the ability to quickly download large volumes of data, such as high-resolution images for large screen displays. The new platform will simplify the development process of mobile handsets by providing advanced functions and helping to shorten development time. The new mobile phone platform will be an unified implementation which incorporates the G3, a jointly developed reference design including peripheral chipsets such as audio/power and RF font-end modules and base software which includes Symbian OS, a board support package, and multimedia middleware.

MediaFLO acquires an experimental license for mobile multimedia broadcasting technology
www.kddi.com (English Release) 11/27/2007
MediaFLO Japan Planning recently obtained an experimental license to operate a MediaFLO station. Accordingly, the company installed a test station and receivers in KDDI Designing Studio, and started providing trial content. The receivers are available for actual use by visitors to KDDI Designing Studio. Tests are available with [1] Real-time video content (Real-time video content from the program provider is converted to MediaFLO signals and transmitted in real time), [2] Pre-encoded video content (Video content already encoded for MediaFLO is stored on the server and repeatedly transmitted), and [3] IP datacasting content (Non-video content such as news, weather, sports, and share prices is stored on the server and repeatedly transmitte).

NEC selected as vendor for DoCoMo's Super 3G wireless base station equipment
www.nec.co.jp (English Release) 12/10/2007
NEC has been selected as a vendor for the development and manufacture of Super 3G wireless base station equipment to be used in new commercial services offered by DoCoMo. The solutions range from mobile handsets and i-mode service platforms to core networks and wireless base stations. In addition, NEC has already been selected as a vendor for Super3G mobile handsets. The company believes its selection as a vendor for the development and manufacture of Super 3G wireless base station equipment can be attributed to DoCoMo's high regard for its extensive track record as a total solutions provider in the mobile area. Super 3G is a standard system and an advanced version of the W-CDMA-extended technologies HSDPA and HSUPA. The system, which achieves data transmission speeds of 100Mbps or more in downlink and 50Mbps or more in uplink access, is designed to reduce delays in data transmission and improve frequency usage efficiency. Super 3G has been under discussion by the W-CDMA standardization organization 3GPP as part of "Long Term Evolution", and most of the main specifications have been determined.

2. US Wireless companies in Japan

DNP, PARC jointly develop recommender system for mobile terminals
www.dnp.co.jp (English Release) 9/26/2007
Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) in conjunction with Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) has developed a context- and activity-aware system that recommends information about “local area” activities, such as shopping and dining, matching the consumer’s location, time of day and personal tastes. Using contextual information, such as time of day or positional information obtained via a mobile GPS, this system uses a unique algorithm to forecast, with a high probability of success, the kinds of “eating”, “shopping”, “seeing” and “playing” opportunities for the consumer to enjoy in the neighborhood they happen to be in. The system goes one step further to select retail outlets, restaurants, events, etc., which relate to the consumer’s likely activity based on a previously registered set of personal preferences, and/or browsing history, then distributes that information to the consumer’s mobile terminal. Consumers use this system merely by installing the application on their mobile terminals and registering their personal preferences. Recommendations are displayed on the consumer’s terminal screen in the order of how well they match the consumer’s preferences. The recommended information can be displayed as a list, and also on a map to show the consumer the location of the event or activity. The system can distribute information designed to match specific conditions related to selected activity, time or venue.

scanR available on au by KDDI in Japan
blog.scanr.com (English Release) 10/1/2007
KDDI and scanR announced the availability of scanR, the Japanese version of scanR for au phones. scanR is a simple way to save and share paper information, including documents, whiteboards and business cards. Any Japanese subscriber can use the service for free up to five times per month, but only au subscribers can use the business card scanner that turns pictures of Japanese business cards into digital contacts. scanR will be part of its new mobile service, Business EZ. This new service for all au subscribers is a portal for productivity services, including calendars, information and now, scanR. scanR is also part of the consumer content program and is available on the au EZweb portal. For scanR, this marks the first major partnership announcement outside of the United States. There are 100 million mobile subscribers in Japan and nearly all of them have camera phones. The majority are 2 megapixels or higher and many include anti-shake compensation and high quality lenses. As the first market in the world to achieve mass market penetration of digital camera-quality phones, Japan is an ideal place for scanR.

U.S. JAJAH develops "inexpensive and convenient" voice communication services for EMOBILE
www.emobile.jp (English Release) 10/4/2007
EMOBILE adopts mobile IP phones on "EM•ONE α" as the first mobile phone operator in Japan. This became possible with the partnership of JAJAH which delivers inexpensive IP phones from the U.S. to the global markets. "EM Mobile Broadband" is a high-speed mobile data service, which adopts 3.5G HSDPA technology with a maximum downlink speed of 3.6Mbps and a maximum uplink speed of 384kbps. By installing JAJAH's IP phone service "JAJAH Phone" which is specially developed for "EM•ONE α", EMOBILE offers an unprecedented level of real-time communication and inexpensive services to landlines and mobile phones. Rates are set at 2.4 yen per minute to domestic landlines, 15.99 yen per minute to domestic mobile phones, and 2.14 yen per minute to landlines in the U.S (all rates include taxes). These rates are revolutionary compared to the existing mobile phone operators' rates.

Mobile Content Networks forms MCN Japan KK and relocates corporate headquarters to Tokyo
www.mcn-inc.com (English Release) 10/10/2007
Mobile Content Networks (MCN) established MCN Japan K.K. and moved its global operating headquarters to Tokyo to accelerate response to growing demand for MCN.s whitelabel Mobile Search Management platform in Japan, Southeast Asia, China, and India. MCN's CEO Marc Bookman and several members of the MCN management team are now based full-time in Japan. "Success in Japan is a key priority for MCN and we've taken a consistent, strategic approach to establishing our Mobile Search Management solution in the world’s most advanced mobile market," said Marc Bookman. MCN recently opened its largest data center, in Tokyo, to support traffic growth in Japan and Asia. MCN provides to mobile network operators, mobile portals, and mobile content providers its whitelabel Mobile Search Management solution (MobileSearch.net) that delivers the right answers in 2-3 clicks, in any language and across any mobile network and browser-based mobile device.

Softbank and Disney collaborate to launch a new mobile phone service “Disney Mobile” in Japan
www.softbankmobile.co.jp (English Release) 11/12/2007
Softbank Mobile and Walt Disney Japan will collaborate to launch a mobile phone service in Japan that capitalizes on Disney’s strong position in the mobile content market. An application to provide mobile phone services was submitted to the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications on 12 November and the service will launch in Spring 2008 under the brand name “Disney Mobile”. Disney and Softbank cooperate across multiple layers of the service to leverage each others’ strengths and deliver a differentiated mobile experience. The parties will each contribute their respective expertise in developing handsets, services, mobile content, marketing, and service delivery activities. The companies claim that combining Softbank’s leading edge technology, innovative approach towards consumer services, and distribution through Softbank's retail stores throughout Japan with Disney’s brand, entertainment assets and creativity, consumers will be able to enjoy a new mobile phone service.

3. GPS

HI to develop a map engine supported by 2D/3D integrated map format
www.hicorp.co.jp (English Release) 10/17/2007
HI developed a map engine for the mobile phone, supported by 2D/3D integrated map format "XIP format" formulated by the Navigation System Researchers' Association. The engine consists of the 2-independent elements: the functionality to render a XIP based map and the functionality to integrate the map and content. Features are: [1] The map engine enables to run through various content on the device into which the engine is already embedded; [2] Rendering enables without the dependence of map data by a specific map vender; [3] A full-software engine exists, which allows the display of a 2D + 3D combined map such as 3D building images placed on the rotatable and scalable 2D map. The engine also supports GPS, thus allowing the combining of various services with a map, content, and location information through GPS, such as restaurant/traffic/sightseeing information and treasure-hunting games using the existing town maps can be deployed. In addition, map information such as an indoor map will be available. This has not been provided before. HI provides developing environments such as MAP API and the XIP converter for developing map services. The company believes that this engine, which has been long desired by map content providers, will lead to the creation of new services.

Free voice activated map application is made available on DoCoMo 905i series
www.zenrin-datacom.net (Japanese Release) 11/1/2007
www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release)
All GPS equipped DoCoMo’s 905i series will come with a free map application called “Chizu Appli” which is controlled by a voice recognition system. Chizu Appli, developed by Zenrin Datacom, shows the user’s current location on a map, has an email feature to receive additional information about various locations, and contains a unique feature called “Ashi-ato (foot print)”. Ashi-ato allows the user to re-trace routs with recorded location data and even share the data with others. Chizu Appli also allows users to search for local businesses such as restaurants and stores, obtain weather forecasts, find parking lots, and even call nearby cabs. These features are available at no cost, but additional features such as GPS navigation, train routs/schedule, traffic conditions, are available at 315 yen a month (the traffic condition report requires an additional 315 yen). The company said that having FOMA High-speed (HSDPA) and a wide VGA screen allows the map application to operate smoothly and at a high resolution. Furthermore, 905i handsets equipped with the “Chokkan (direct sense)” feature allows the user to manipulate 2D or 3D maps by moving the handset.

JTB Publishing and DoCoMo conducting GPS-based datacasting experiment
www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release) 11/20/2007
JTB Publishing and DoCoMo are jointly conducting a test of datacasting (push-based) of local information services in Kyoto and Okinawa from Jan. 11 through Mar. 30. In this experiment, tourism/sightseeing information of JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) will be distributed to participants’ handsets (GPS equipped 903i, 904i and 905i with packet service package is required). The user can enter his/her attributes beforehand to automatically receive the recommended guide to desired destinations such as restaurants, stores or hotels. The company expects 1,000 to 5,000 users to participate in the field test. The product will be commercialized and made available to the public within 2008.

4. Mobile Commerce

FeliCa will be used with the student ID in U.S.
www.sony.co.jp (Japanese Release) 11/7/2007
Sony and Blackboard, a U.S. based e-learning system integrator, entered into an agreement to develop FeliCa based businesses at various schools in the U.S. The two companies jointly developed the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard reader/writer based on FeliCa, and the final product will be marketed with Blackboard’s card system called “Blackboard Commerce Suite”. The service will initially be offered mainly to U.S. high schools and by using the FeliCa based system, students will use the contact-less ID to be authenticated when entering a classroom or purchasing books, food, etc.

Softbank and others experimenting with NFC in 2008
www.softbankmobile.co.jp (Japanese Release) 11/13/2007
Softbank Mobile, Master Card Worldwide, Gemalto, Orico, Samsung, Hitachi, and HP (Japan) will conduct experimental contact-less commerce using NFC (Near Field Communication) based mobile phones in 2008. NFC became a global standard as defined ISO 14443 Type A/B and is also compatible with FeliCa in Japan. NFC has 424Kbps bidirectional data communication on a 13.56MHz spectrum and also has handover feature with Bluetooth and WiFi. In the experiment, Samsung's NFC mobile phone was equipped with Gemalto's NFC-USIM device, which is installed with Mastercard's PayPass application. The Samsung handset is able to communicate with Gemalto device via NFC to allow the user to easily purchase goods/services through NFC based contact-less readers/writers. All participating companies collaborate to develop global-standard contact-less applications and systems with NFC mobile phones. The technology will have application in such fields as electronic money, electronic tickets, ID cards and financial/social activities.

JAMA to develop FeliCa based vending machines with NEC and others
www.mp-solution.com (Japanese Release) 11/16/2007
www.nec.co.jp (Japanese Release)
Japan Automatic Merchandising Association (JAMA), MP Solution, NEC and Sanden will collaborate to expand electronic-money based vending machines that are FeliCa compatible starting in spring 2008. In this project, JAMA and NEC jointly develop the reader/writer for multi-financial vendors, including FeliCa, and Sanden develops the actual vending machines. Currently, 12 suppliers, including Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo, Pokka and Suntory, are participating in this project and have over 1.3 million vending machines in total. MP Solution who operates JAMA is assigned to conduct this project.

5. New Applications, technologies and alliance

DoCoMo develops “Recommended Activities System”
www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release) 9/28/2007
DoCoMo’s newly developed technology, Recommended Activities System, feeds associated information, which the system picks up from a database located on its server, to the end user. The server can send related information such as associated schedule/location content in addition to parsing prior activities stored in the mobile phone. The new technology was introduced at CEATEC JAPAN 2007 in October, but a commercial launch schedule has not yet been released. The company believes that the system will make unique recommendations to individual users based on their current schedule and prior cell phone activity.

Faith’s NFRM Rights Authentication Using Mobile is to be Available to Sharp’s Internet AQUOS
www.faith-inc.com (English Release) 10/2/2007
Faith adopted infrared-based technology to utilize its Near Field Rights Management (NFRM, authentication technology) available to Sharp's Internet AQUOS (PC-TV combined). By using this technology, the user can play purchased video content on mobile phone in the TV set. NFRM is also used as commercial service with Felica on DoCoMo’s “Osaifu-Keitai” by which the user can purchase video content. The company believes that the realization of adapting infrared radiation which is generally used with TV remote control to the NFRM drastically increases the varieties of digital equipments and mobiles and that it improves the environment for the usage of NFRM service.

KDDI Completes Integrated 'KCP+' Platform; Installation Scheduled for Three Models in 2007 Fall/Winter Line-up
www.kddi.com (English Release) 10/16/2007
KDDI, in partnership with QUALCOMM, has completed the development of 'KCP+' (KDDI Common Platform Plus), an integrated platform that brings together a range of advanced technologies to enable the latest services. The purpose is to substantially boost the cost-competitiveness of handset development, now that software is becoming more advanced and complex. 'KCP+' will be installed in the W56T, W54S, and W54SA, which are scheduled for release from December. KDDI has used KCP, which is based on QUALCOMM's MSM chipset and BREW, for basic mobile Internet applications such as browsers and mailers. With 'KCP+,' the range of common software has been expanded to encompass not just basic applications, but virtually all mobile phone software, including the OS and middleware. The provision of 'KCP+' to handset makers, as a KDDI integrated platform in combination with QUALCOMM's MSM7500 chipset, will further reduce the cost and time required to develop new handsets. Moreover, by installing 'KCP+,' handset makers will be able to concentrate their development resources on aspects that differentiate each model, such as design, user interface, and additional devices. With the W56T, W54S, and W54SA, KDDI will support the very latest services and substantially reinforced capabilities, notably LISMO 'Audio Equipment Compatibility,' as well as 'au one Gadget,' 'Multi-Play Window,' and the latest wireless specification, 'EV-DO Rev.A.'

Citizen releases Bluetooth watch to communicate with mobile phone
www.citizen.co.jp (Japanese Release) 10/22/2007
Citizen’s new watch, "i:VIRT M", is equipped with Bluetooth and allows users to communicate with their mobile phone via an interface on the watch. Users can be notified on the watch upon the arrival of email and even read the sender’s name, message subject and up to 70 characters of the message (30 characters in Japanese). The watch can also store up to 10 call records and 100 news contents provided by Softbank. In addition the watch can control the on/off switch of the phones silent mode, accept/reject incoming calls, and control the camera shutter. The watch was developed in conjunction with Softbank Mobile who will market the watch with its mobile phone service. Sharp will also release compatible mobile phones (920SH, 820SH and 821SH).

Speaking to DoCoMo 905i to get English translation
www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release) 11/1/2007
DoCoMo 905i series released on Nov. 1 features a voice recognition based translator. The user can speak a short Japanese phrase into the mobile phone which will in turn display the translation in English or vice versa. The service is free for the first 60 days, but it is necessary to pay a data transmission fee to communicate with the translation server that is operated by ATR-Trek.

“Area Mail” alters local emergencies
www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release) 11/1/2007
www.nttdocomo.co.jp (Japanese Release)
All new DoCoMo’s 905i series and certain models of the 705i series (N705i, N705iμ, P705i, P705iμ, SO705i and PROSOLIDμ) will receive a new service called “Area Mail” which will blast emergency alerts such as earthquake information dispatched from Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The service started on Dec. 10 and there is no cost to the user for the data transmission or the information. Although the service is free, the user must activate the feature to receive such alerts. In addition to JMA, local governments and agencies that may need to send emergency alerts can also set up a mail blasting system via “Area Mail”. The setup cost for local organizations are approximately 14,000 yen and the monthly running cost will be from 23,000 to 37,000 yen.

Cyber University conducting m-learning experiment
www.cyber-u.ac.jp (Japanese Release) 11/28/2007
Cyber University, an Internet based 4-year college, started offering classes to mobile users on an experimental basis. Classes are streamed as video content that can be displayed with “S! Program Player” on Softbank Mobile’s 3G phones. The college said that the purpose of this experiment would be to establish a “Keitai Campus” that would co-exist with PC based e-learning and that the ultimate goal is to create a ubiquitous education places for everyone.

NEC develops Japanese-English translation software for mobile phones
www.nec.co.jp (Japanese Release) 11/30/2007
NEC developed new translation software for mobile phones that handles translation processes within the device so that no communication to a server is required. The software contains about 50,000 words and is mainly intended for travelers. The user speaks a Japanese phrase into the mobile phone and receives the translation result in approximately 1 second. The technologies NEC has improved upon are [1] miniaturization of the voice recognition module, particularly for mobile phone’s CPU, RAM and ROM, [2] compact design work for the machinery of the translation module which combines dictionary and grammar capabilities, and [3] middleware design with a communication module so that it can be interfaced with other software such as mailer and browser.

DTI offers home security via mobile phone
www.dti.co.jp (Japanese Release) 12/10/2007
Dream Train Internet (DTI), a subsidiary of FreeBit, released “Dream Home Security Style” as the first product of its ubiquitous home electronics series of “Dream xStyle”. Dream Home Security Style uses “Emotion Link” technology developed by FreeBit, which allows the components of the security system to communicate seamlessly. The security system is easily installed and does not require additional construction to the home/apartment or even the use of a PC. The installation procedures are [1] Hook up the main controller to Internet via an Ethernet hub, [2] Attach sensors on doors with adhesive tape, [3] Hang the camera at desired place, [4] Turn on the main controller to activate/authenticate devices, and [5] Register the mobile phone. When the sensor detects the movement of a foreign object, the alarm goes off and an email is sent to the registered mobile phone. The user can retrieve data and pictures taken by the phone and manipulate the devices’ on/off status in addition to the volume level of the switches. The ultimate goal of Dream xStyle is to communicate with other ubiquitous home electronics/devices without depending on a connection to a PC/browser. Costs of the system are 3,990 yen for setup and 525 yen for the monthly service fee. All devices are available on a rental basis.

6. Market trends

Softbank records the highest 6-month financial result due to the increase of its mobile business
[Results for the six-month period from April 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007]
www.softbank.co.jp (English Release) 11/6/2007
Softbank Group is in the second fiscal year since its full-fledged entry into the mobile communications market through the acquisition of Vodafone K.K. in April 2006 (It is now Softbank Mobile). In May 2007, Softbank Mobile recorded the highest monthly net additions in subscribers (new subscribers minus cancellations) in the industry for the first time. Since May, it has retained the top position in monthly net additions for five consecutive months, and was also number one in net additions during the six-month interim period. In the interim period, the group’s net sales increased by ¥244,571 million, or 21.8 % year-on-year, to ¥1,364,745 million. This increase was primarily due to the steady increase of mobile phone subscribers and the reflection of six months of results from the mobile communications segment from this interim period. The mobile communications segment recorded net sales of ¥814,509 million, an increase of 39.4% year-on-year. Operating income increased by ¥55,194 million, or 49.0 % year-on-year, to ¥167,746 million. The mobile communications segment recorded operating income of ¥94,219 million, a 66.4% increase. Cost of sales increased by ¥103,525 million year-on-year, to ¥718,864 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses rose by ¥85,851 million year-on-year, to ¥478,134 million. These increases were primarily due to higher sales of mobile handsets and the reflection of six months of results from the mobile communications segment from this interim period.

Market survey conducted for smart phone consumers and high tech watchers
www.watch.impress.co.jp (Japanese Release) 11/14/2007
NTT Resonant and Impress jointly conducted a smart phone market survey from Oct. 15 to Oct. 22. Respondents of the survey included 10,045 subscribers of Impress Watch (IT news) and 1,116 consumer monitors of a ‘goo’ site that is operated by NTT Resonant. 75.1% of goo consumer monitors are aware of the smart phone in the market whereas 95.7% of the Impress Watch subscribers in the same category were aware of smart phones. 2.7% of goo consumer monitors own a smart phone compared to 19.9% of Impress Watch subscribers in the same category. The top ranking smart phones owned by respondents were Willcom W-Zero3es (16.7%), Softbank X01HT (16.7%), Willcom Advanced W-Zero3es (13.3%), BlackBerry (13.3%) and FOMA NM850iG (13.3%) for goo consumer monitors whereas Willcom Advanced W-Zero3es (27.2%), Willcom W-Zero30es (25.3%) and Willcom W-Zero3 (16.7%) were the highest ranking for Impress Watch subscribers. Favorite features of the smart phone were Internet browsing (53.3%), scheduling (53.3%), WiFi (46.7%) for goo consumer monitors, and Internet browsing (76.3%), QWERTY keyboard (61.7%) and WiFi (58.4%) were the favorite features for Impress Watch subscribers.

7. Others

OKI develops technology to miniaturize camera modules for mobile phones
www.oki.com (English Release) 11/8/2007
OKI started a contract assembly service for W-CSP (Wafer level Chip Sized Package) semiconductors using through-hole technology. With this technology, OKI's customers such as sensor and camera module manufacturers can now obtain camera modules that are half the size of conventional modules. In September, OKI established a volume production line for through-whole technology based W-CSP assembly at its production site in Tokyo and started operation in October. In order to miniaturize a camera module, it is necessary to miniaturize the image sensor in the camera module. OKI's new W-CSP technology includes creating a through-hole in the silicon substrate such as an image sensor, and putting an electrode through the hole. By using this technology on the image sensor, users can eliminate wire bonding for camera modules and thus, reduce the size. OKI also adopts a low-profile cover glass on the image sensor, enabling manufacturers to make a module thinner than conventional ones. The company says that going forward, in addition to semiconductor assembly, OKI will launch a contract manufacturing service for making ultra small camera modules as part of OKI's e-functional module business.

Fujitsu’s new Inspirium browser to see 90% of PC based sites on mobile phones
pr.fujitsu.com (Japanese Release) 11/8/2007
Fujitsu released its new browser software, Inspirium HTML Browser V3.7, for mobile phones. The new version of the browser can view 90% of PC based websites, which is an improvement from 60% in the previous V3.5 browser. The new Inspirium browser has enhanced display capabilities that not only to match PC-based browser software, but also features other add-on applications so that the users may be able to search and shop on the Internet just like when using a PC. In addition, Fujitsu also released Inspirium Text-to-Speech Library 3.0 to allow for a natural speech feature in such situations as in-vehicle use. Inspirium Home Network Libray 2.0, which is used with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) based home electronics to communicate/share information among devices, is now enhanced with DTCI/IP (Digital Transmission Content Protection over Internet Protocol) so that downloaded digital content can be shared on a home network without breaching DRM (Digital Rights Management). All Inspirium software and libraries are available for Linux, Windows and μITRON.

Acrodea, Yappa agree to business alliance for UI technology joint development
www.acrodea.co.jp (English Release) 11/13/2007
Acrodea and Yappa agreed to a business alliance concerning the development of a more dynamic UI (User Interface) engine extension technology and design production of UI content by using the expertise of UI solutions distributed by Acrodea and spatial UI design provided by Yappa. The companies believe that the evolution of high-performance mobile devices and high-speed networks in recent years has led to greater convenience and ready access to rich content in addition to functional versatility and the availability of diverse services, however, the demand for ease of use and comprehensibility has been rising at the actual instances when such functions and services are to be used. The business alliance between Acrodea and Yappa at this time aims to deliver user interfaces with more enjoyable, simpler operations for functions and access to services whenever users engage with the numerous terminal functions and service content available. The companies intend to develop a UI engine that can spatially arrange data and allow intuitive, seamless operations, and to provide UI content and design services accordingly. Based on Acrodea's VIVID UI, Yappa will embed a stereographic spatial expression engine based on 3D technologies.

ACCESS to lead development of mobile platform based on ACCESS Linux platform
www.access-company.com (English Release) 12/11/2007
ACCESS announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with DoCoMo, NEC, Panasonic Mobile Communications, and ESTEEMO under which the companies will study the use of ACCESS Linux Platform as the basis for developing a shared Linux platform for mobile phones and an operator pack for DoCoMo. Under the MOU, ACCESS will make use of MOAP(L) (Mobile Oriented Application Platform based on Linux) which is the FOMA mobile platform used by DoCoMo, and will lead the development of a shared software platform that also conforms to specifications of the LiMo Foundation, an independent, non-profit foundation established with the aim of promoting the use of Linux by the mobile industry. The five companies have also agreed to consider development of an operator pack for DoCoMo based on the shared platform. ACCESS intends to begin marketing the commercial products resulting from these efforts during fiscal 2009.