Some interesting links (Japanese only). Microsoft's Mobility Day is an event to help businesses work out how they can use mobile solutions for business. For anyone thinking of getting into Pocket PC programming, there is an introductory guide here. If you are already a seasoned programmer consider entering the Windows CE Fan Software 2003 Contest which has as it's sponsors most of the big name Pocket PC supporters in Japan that you could think of.
Details of DoCoMo's much awaited always on, flat rate mobile internet connection service due to start on April 1st are here. What the article doesn't mention is that the similar priced service by KDDI is only 32kbps, although KDDI also have 25 hour 128kbps plans for around the same price and flat rate 128kbps plans for around double. KDDI's cards are know not only for being flat rate but for being able to maintain the connection on a moving train and pick up a dropped connection straight away (for example after passing through a tunnel). It will be very interesting to see whether DoCoMo can match or beat the KDDI service in terms of usability. The current PHS cards can't keep the connection on the move and when the connection is dropped a redial is required. The other question is whether anyone will want to invest in the cards which come out in April when new cards (is that what they mean by device?) will be probably required for the Mzone service in June. DoCoMo have a record of making it difficult and offering financial penalties rather than rewards for people who want to upgrade CF cards.
To see what DoCoMo is doing in terms of providing content for PDAs, see their flashy M-Stage site (Japanese only). The 100 yen (US$1) charge seems great until you remember that you have to pay by the minute for access. A flat rate service will make it much more attractive.
There is a post at the NCMCS Forums stating the the Toshiba e550G can be flashed with an English ROM including links to theBrighthand forums, where it looks like there is some good info, and the GenioE Fan Page. In addition to the Brighthand forums there are also forums for Toshiba devices including the e550 at Pocket PC Thoughts and Pocket PC PDA. Flashing the ROM is useful for anyone who wants to get an 'only-in-Japan' device with an English OS, but unfortunately doesn't really help those who want a fully Japanese capable English OS device.
For any gamers among you out there 'GNO Gundam' has been making the headlines over the last few days. Win CE Fan (Japanese) has good reviews and links to other sites. The reason for the headlines? Win CE Fan is saying this is the the first multiplayer network game for the Pocket PC. As PDAs (or phones) get more powerful and cheaper and fast mobile data network access more ubiquitous, I can see a huge market for networked, multiplayer games for mobile devices like this. If Nintendo aren't in the field already I'm sure they will be soon but I would guess that having a real operating system like Pocket PC on which to play the game offers a lot more potential than there would be on a gaming only device. Discussion welcome in the discussion group.
