New Pocket PC Japan Features - Forums and Collaborative FAQ

Two new great features have been added to the Pocket PC Japan web site just in time for the New Year.

Discussion forums: www.pocketpcjapan.com/forums/

Collaborative FAQ: www.pocketpcjapan.com/faq/

For any comments, suggestions or requests drop me a mail using the webmaster link from www.pocketpcjapan.com or post to the admin forum.

Wishing all readers a happy and prosperous 2004.

Andrew
Pocket PC Japan Webmaster
www.andrewshuttleworth.com

Japan Pocket PC 2003 Comparison Table Update

I have added three more models to the comparison table of Pocket PCs available in Japan. I have also streamlined the data and formatting to make it easier to read, summarized the main features and disadvantages of each unit, started translation into English and added (when available) current prices and links for each unit to the respective pages at kakaku.com, bestgate.net, BIC Camera, and Google searches as well as the manufacturer Japanese home page and international equivalent.

Where to buy the 'business only' Toshiba e750

The Toshiba e750 is officially only available to business customers in Japan, but this online shop - PDA Kobo - says that it will take orders from inidividuals too.

Microsoft Japan Mobile Site Updated & Improving

The Microsoft Japan Pocket PC site was in the past not the best of pages, but more recently under the Windows Mobile brand there have been a lot more regular updates and there is a lot of interesting information there now. Two of the highlights include:

• A new mobile Windows Media site in Japanese.
  
• A fairly comprehensive and up-to-date list of the current Pocket PCs available in Japan.
  

Japan Pocket PC 2003 Comparison Table

Something I've wanted to do for a while, but have finally started producing a comparison table of Pocket PCs available in Japan. At the moment there are just four models in there but I will be adding more as I get time. Comments and requests are welcome.

The above file is Microsoft Excel exported html. You can also download Excel and CSV versions.

Unfortunately the data is only in Japanese at the moment and I have now plans to translate it.

Fujitsu Labs Prototype PDA

Lot's of articles on a concept PDA from Fujitsu. No plans to commercialize it but an idea of the developments we may see in the future.

Toshiba Digital Doors

Toshiba have recently been repackaging their digital product range to give users one ID for registration and support and with a unified gateway web site called Toshiba Digital Doors (Japanese only). The Genio e site is still at genio-e.com but they have dropped the weekly newsletter in favor of one newsletter for the whole digital product range.

GENIO e400

Another recent addition to Toshiba's growing line up of Pocket PC 2003 devices is the e-400. Branded as a standard model there are no features to get really excited about, although the device looks good, is light and thin, features the one of the latest (if not the most powerful) processros, has a scroll button and improved screen. Perhaps the 32MB Flash ROM disk which iPAQs have had for a while is now becoming a standard feature in Toshiba Pocket PCs also. Combined with a special switch to disable all the hardware buttons - preventing the device from accidentally being turned on when in a bag - and advice to back-up in a number of their recent newsletters, it suggests Toshiba had many problems with customers innocently losing all of their data when the battery ran dry. Some will miss the CF slot and the 4" screen of the 500 series, but for a standard model the e-400 would not be a bad choice.

Mobile & Wireless World Tokyo 2003

Mobile & Wireless World Tokyo 2003 will take place from 11-13 November at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho. This event is targeted at enterprise users. On 13 November from 16.30-17.20 HP will be holding a workshop demonstrating some of their Pocket PC and Tablet PC solutions. Registration is free in advance or 3,000 yen on the door. There is currently no information available on the site in English.

Manga on Pocket PCs for Japanese learners

Here's an original and potential very useful software/service for Pocket PCs. Installation was simple but you will need Flash if you don't already have it. Here's the overview from the author:

FUYO SOFT is the name of a project with the aim to prepare original Japanese Mangas together with language explanations ready to read on all kind of mobile devices. On www.fuyosoft.com free demo versions for different devices including Pocket PCs are available for download.

Fujitsu Demos IP Telephony Software for Pocket LOOX

News in Japanese of IP telephony software targeted at businesses from Fujitsu that allows calls with normal phones.

WindowsCE FAN Review

New Pocket PC 2003 PDAs and Upgrade Kits from Toshiba

Toshiba have realeased three new models in the Genio e550 series. The GENIO e550CT, e550DT, and e550GT. These are respectively newer versions of the e550C (camera model), e550D (dictionary model) and e550G/GX ('high-end base model'). All come with the latest low power PXA255 processor and 128MB RAM and of course Pocket PC 2003. The e550CT also has 16MB of NAND ROM 15 MB of which s accessible to the user. Other than that nothing new so for existing Genio owners the 7,000 yen upgrade kits are a more reasonable option. These have only been announced for the e550C and e550D so far.

http://www.genio-e.com/pda/products/index_j.htm

hp iPAQ h2210

The iPAQ h2210 fits nicely between the small and light h1937 and the function packed h5450 in terms of price - 39,800 yen, weight 144g, and functionality - CF and SD slots and in-built Bluetooth. It's good to see HP hitting the Japanese market with the new models as the US. With HP's (former Compaq's) good reputation for high screen quality and competitive features such as removable batteries and Consumer IR (in the 5450) they are going to be a strong competitor for Toshiba. All they need to complete their current line up is a Pocket PC version of or upgrade for the 5450.


Windows CE Fan

NEC Business Pocket PCs

NEC Infrontia has a couple of interesting PDAs targeted at business users. The PG7000, the latest in the Pocket Gear range, is an OEM version of the Casio E3000, although with the slim, dark grey body at first glance it would be easy to mistake it for a Sony Clie. It only comes with Pocket PC 2002 but NEC Infrontia's real focus is on the associated business applications. Whether we will see a consumer model after the failure of the PG5000 to take a big hold remains to be seen.

The Pocket@i is not a Pocket PC, but is a business targeted web terminal using Windows®CE.NET 4.1. There is a Bluetooth headset option, in-built laser scanner and both wireless LAN and wireless modem models. I wouldn't expect to see a consumer version of this one.

Japanese links:
PG7000 at NEC Infrontia
Pocket@i at NEC Infrontia
WindowsCE FAN

Mitac Pocket PCs Announced

Mitac Japan have announced two Pocket PCs for the Japanese market, the Mio 339 and Mio 558. Key good features are:

Mio 339
- 120g - lighter than the hp iPAQ h1937!
- Inbuilt camera
- 39,800

Mio 558
- Inbuilt Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless LAN
- Intel(R) XScale PXA263 400Mhz processor (Newest available!)
- 59,800 yen

Both:
- Pocket PC 2003
- 64 MB RAM
- Jog wheel
- SDIO compatible SD slot

Could be better specs are:
- Only 3.5" screen

Overall nice spec devices at a prices similar to other makers. The 558 will be a desirable device for anyone wanting in-built WLAN and bluetooth and the 339 nice for someone who wants a smaller Pocket PC. For more info. in Japanese:

Mitac Japan Homepage
Wince Fan

Free Pocket PC 2003 Upgrades for Toshiba e550 series

Good news for Toshiba e550 series owners (at least for the Japanese OS), the Toshiba representative at the PDA Solution Fair said yesterday that free Pocket PC 2003 upgrades will be available from the Genio website late this month or early next month.

He also said that they have no plans (or no plans he could tell me about) for new additions to the e550 series. As they are still heavily pushing the e550D and C I assume there won't be any over the new few months at least.

iPAQ h1937

HP have released a new model in the 1900 Series, the h1937, with Windows Mobile for Pocket 2003. At the time of realease it was also the world's smallest Pocket PC and weighed in at just 124g. At 24,800 yen (or 19,800 if you can catch one of the frequent campaigns) it's a good purchase for anyone who doesn't need a Compact Flash slot and the other features of the h5450 which is almost 3 times the regular price of the h1937.

PDA Solution Fair 2003 in Tokyo

This year's PDA Solution Fair in Tokyo will be held on September 5. Last year's show featured almost exclusively Pocket PC solutions and from the look of the seminars this year will be the same. So far 36 vendors are signed up for the exhibition floor a similar number to last year. The main hardware vendors are there but the bulk of companies are offering services or solutions. Two special features of the show this year are the Bluetooth and Small & Medium Business Solutions Seminars.

The great thing about this Fair is that the seminars and workshops are free. The workshops are mainly hardware demonstrations by the main vendors and the seminars feature Pocket PC 2003 as well as presentations by solutions vendors.

Overall this is a great show for seeing how PCs are really being used in business, although is of interest to the personal PDA user are well. Last year's show was good and this year the show is well worth a visit.

First consumer Pocket PC 2003 in Japan - Toshiba e350

It was a pretty safe bet, but Toshiba are first the market with a consumer Pocket PC 2003 device in Japan. The e350 is a mid-level device with a 300 Mhz processor (do you need any more?), 64MB or RAM (128MB would be nice) and a SD slot. There is no CF but this allows Toshiba to keep the device super slim (12.4mm) and light (149g). The price is expected to be around 40,000 yen (about US$350).

Power users will want to wait until Toshiba (hopefully!) release a new model in the e550 series with 4" screen, CF slot, faster processor (is it needed?), 128 MB of RAM (or more?). Still they would have to think of something original beyond this to convince most current e550G owners to pay 60,000 yen plus to upgrade. Which raises the question - are we going to see Pocket PC 2003 upgrades for existing models in Japan. No news so far ...

e350 News at WinCE Fan (Japanese only)

e350 at the Toshiba Site (Japanese only)

Tablet PC Experience

Following my long awaited purchase of a Tablet PC I've started a blog/commentary site called Tablet PC Experience. I will be including my thoughts about Tablet PCs in Japan and also how a Tablet PC compliments (or otherwise?) my Pocket PC. I hope it will be interesting reading. Comments can be added to the posts.

HP 1920 for 19,800 yen at Wireless Japan

If you missed out on the earlier offer to get the HP 1920 at 19,800 you can still save 5,000 yen off the normal price of 24,800 if you are one of the first 200 to buy from their booth (Japanese only) at Wireless Japan which started today (16th July) and runs until 18th. English information about this interesting show here.

Japanese Pocket PC Compatible MS Reader

Good news - Microsoft has released a new version of MS Reader and it appears to work on Japanese Pocket PCs! At last users are no longer restricted from reading Reader format books by the language of their OS.

First Pocket PC 2003 Hardware for Japan Announced

And the prize goes to Toshiba for the e750 (Japanese only) - but it's for sale to businesses only, so the first consumer model still to come.

Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC - Japan Released Announced!

Microsoft Japan announced the official release to manufacturers of the Japanese version of Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PCs on 30th June, just one week after the US announcement (compared to 3 months for Pocket PC 2000 and, 1 month for Pocket PC 2002).

As always Windows CE Fan has all the latest news.
http://www.wince.ne.jp/PocketPC2003/
(Use http://www.excite.co.jp/wordl/url for machine translations).

Watch out for more news and reviews in English here. At first look, in addition to the same changes as in the US version, the Japanese input system has been improved and Victor are entering the market on the hardware side. Still no news from any of the hardware vendors about new models featuring the new operating system.

Combined wireless LAN and wireless data modem CF card

NTT DoCoMo will start selling on 4th July a combined wireless LAN (802.11b) and PHS wireless data modem Compact Flash card manufactured by Panasonic. Great news for anyone who makes use of both these means of communication and doesn't like to have to swap out cards. The number of hotspots in Tokyo is slowing increasing but it will be a while before they are widespread enough. Many people may be using wireless LAN in the home and/or office who can make use of this.

Pocket PC 2003 is here ... well at least if you're in the US ... and it's called Windows Mobile 2003.

It just appeared on the Microsoft site as I was writing this but it's been on the top Pocket PC sites for a few hours - 'Windows Mobile 2003' is officially out. The Pocket PC Fan sites seem pretty happy with the changes, and for most owners of existing devices it looks like upgrades are going to be free or cheap (if you bought within the last month) and low cost if you bought before that. Unfortunately no coverage on either the MS Japan or the Japan based fan sites yet (although it is the middle of the night here), so here are a couple of interesting US site links.

- Pocket PC Thoughts is targeting new posts every 2003 seconds, but here is one of the more insightful ones.

- A nice, concise overview from Pocket PC Magazine

The improved performance is getting a lot of good reviews and something I am really looking forward to. There don't seem to be a huge range of new software features, but the New Connection Manager, Zero Configuration WLAN and improved Pocket IE are the most important ones for me. Check out a quick tour with screenshots.

Foldable keyboards compatible with Japanese Pocket PCs

The new Targus wireless keyboard is compatible with the e550G as is the Pocketop wireless keyboard. I don't know about Targus but Pocketop support is very good if you have questions about drivers. Shipping to Japan is fast and not too ridiculously priced at $30. (Same shipping cost for up to ten units or perhaps more).

Adding to their Pocket PC Japanese-English Translation software Transland, Brother have released DicLand, a dictionary and dictionary reader set containing not only Sanseido's Exceed JE, EJ and JJ dictionaries, but also originally a Business Letter dictionary. The software itself looks well designed. Special features include auto-clipboard lookup from other applications, auto-search of text pasted into a special area of the dictionary screen, simultaneous searching of all the dictionaries, jump searches to other dictionaries from within definitions, bookmarks, history and the functionality to allow other application developers to link into the program (in geek speak API or Application Programming Interface). At 8,800 yen it is reasonably priced and is sure to be a good competitor to Logovista's Pocket PC dictionary range.

Why things have been so quiet on Pocket PC Japan since April?

Until the Hp h1920 news there has been a dearth of news since April. Anyone following Pocket PC news elsewhere will have surely heard the unofficial word on the web that Pocket PC 2003 is due out later this year. Some people are saying it is just going to be a small upgrade, others have posted details of more wide ranging improvements. Of course most people who have any info are sticking strictly to their NDA so full details are not available. The fact that manufacturers in general have not been making many announcements is though most likely the calm before the storm.

So who will announce the first Pocket PC 2003 in Japan? More importantly who will be the first to get one on the market?* Will the release of the hp1920 set a new price standard for Pocket PCs? Will we see any new and original hardware features? ..... Of course you can guarantee that the top stories from Japan will be featured here on Pocket PC Japan!

*My bet is on market leader Toshiba but there are rumors of a new Fujitsu model in Europe with built-in wireless and Bluetooth. Fujitsu is tied with Siemens though so it's by no means certain we'll see that here.

6/9/2003 - Update: Here's an article in Japanese from PC Web on the upcoming release of Pocket PC 2003.

6/13/2003 - Pocket PC 2003 will be released in 2003 in the US with Gateway joing the market. No news of a Japan release date yet though. The talk is that it will not be a huge update but that the OS will be optimized for Intel's StrongArm processors so it will be interesting to see what the performance is like.

HP IPAQ h1920 Released in Japan!

Released 6 months ago in the US but now available in Japan, HP's low-end, low price, compact size iPAQ h1920. At 24,500 yen (19,800 during the start up campaign) it's a great starter Pocket PC, but power users should note that it doesn't have many expansion options.

New Handheld PC from DoCoMo

Not a Pocket PC, but closely related - DoCoMo's 3rd generation Sigmarion Handheld PC. On Pocket PC Thoughts there is even a debate about whether it is a Handheld PC, although if that's what DoCoMo is calling it so I am. Great to have a keyboard but it is much bulkier than a Pocket PC, and as it is running Windws CE .net I doubt it will run software available for Pocket PCs. I wonder if it will also be able to run the limited software available for current Handheld PCs? If little 3rd party software is available this is a huge drawback for anyone who is likely to need anything more than skeleton functionality.

View multiple languages on an English Pocket PC

TextViewer2002 (free software) allows you to view text files in a wide range of languages (including Japanese of course) on an English Pocket PC. Most importantly the developer links to free TrueType fonts - one for Japanese only and one Unicode font for a number of languages.

PDAs in Japan - a store front perspective

I was in the BIC camera in Yurakucho (one stop from Tokyo) last night which is probably one of the biggest electronic stores in Japan (??? if not the world at least in terms of range of goods stocked ???). It was good to see PDAs taking a prime position right at the main entrance along with mobile phones. Also on the 3rd or 4th floor they had significantly increased the space devoted to PDAs with Pocket PCs taking the largest and most prominent space. The Palm section next was more like a Clie section and there was increased space for a wider range of PDA software and peripherals. There still seem to be a far wider range of peripherals for Palms compared to Pocket PCs probably because of the standardized docking system. Zaurus' had a reasonably sized section beyond the Palms.

Still no folding keyboards on the shelves for Pocket PCs but there was a small USB keyboard. Unfortunately not much use unless you are prepared to carry a cradle around or by the adapter cable and use it without a stand. Another interesting product was a CF card adapter for SD/MMC, memory stick AND Smart Media for 4,000 yen.

It's amazing but every time I go into one of these stores I see a Japanese businessman grilling one of the store attendents about the PDAs - usually the Genio. I think that's a sign people in this category are hearing about PDA s and interested in them but are uneducated about what exactly they can do and how to use them. Or more likely whether they can actually do everything the publicity claims they can. At current prices they are still a significant investment which is the main barrier to puchase and more widespread adoption. It will be interesting to see if the PDA manufacturers can make a real business case for widespread adoption by corporations as this would be another factor which would lead to both wider adoption and decreased prices.

iPAQ h5450 to be released in Japan mid-May

Now this makes the market interesting. Here's what I see as the advantages and discadvantages over other Pocket PCs on the market:

ADVANTAGES
Built-in WLAN and Bluetooth
Finger print recognition security feature built in to directional pad
Comptible with iPAQ jacket and other accessories
Powerful IR for using as remote control
Great screen
Removable battery and backup battery
User accessible ROM for permanent storage (even after hard reset)

DISADVANTAGES
Same model was released in the US in November so the technology is already at least 6 months old
PXA250 processor whereas the latest processor is the PXA255
Only one SD card slot. No CF slot without jacket
Relatively large and heavy
Only 64MB of RAM
Limited number of bundled applications

Overall, the in-built WLAN and Blutooth are really great features for anyone who makes use of them a lot. If you really need an in-built CF slot in a jacket-less device this probably isn't for you. I imagine a purchasing decsion would come down to these two factors for many buyers. It's good to see Compaq back in the Japanese market and hopefully they can reduce the localization cycle and keep Toshiba on their toes so the market continues to grow and develop.

As always see Windows CE Fan for the latest links to press coverage and manufacturer home page. There is a good review of the US version on Pocket PC Passion.

Virtual keyboard for sale this year in Japan

Wonder what PDA OS will be supported? Presumably Pocket PCs. Trouble with this (admittedly first generation) keyboard is that you will need a lot of free flat space to make it usable and a cradle for the Pocket PC to make it practical.

@FreeD - DoCoMo's Flat Rate Wireless Data Service Launched

DoCoMo's flat rate cards and packages, dubbed @FreeD, hit the market on Tuesday 1st April. The current cost is 4,680 yen/month ($39) until 30th June and then 4,880 yen. During this period there are no sign up charges. You also need to have an ISP which supports the service and to purchase one of the two cards available, which are about 6,000 or 8,000 yen.

In my experience, it took about an hour to activate the card after purchase as the activation centre was busy due to strong demand for the new product. No additional software or drivers were required for installation on my Pocket PC. Simply plug it in, configure the dial settings are you are done. After two days of use I'm very happy. Streaming live radio (e.g. from the Pocket PC page for the UK's Virgin Radio) works fine when stationary, and even when on a moving train it worked well until you enter a tunnel or other area were there is no signal. At this point the connection does not drop but goes into a sort of standby status and then is automatically re-established when there is a signal without the need to re-dial. Web surfing using Pocket IE works well and MSN and Yahoo! Messenger worked flawlessly.

Overall the value of such a card will depend on how much you will be using it, but it certainly makes a difference having a flat rate connected Pocket PC. Of course AirH" have had such cards available for some time and it wil be interesting to see performance comparisons. ZDNet Japan has done a number of reports and comparisons. (Japanese only).

NEC to exit PDA Business in Japan

Here's the story. It's kind of a shame as the device they planned to release in November 2001 would have been a market leader. I had decided to buy it as soon as it came on the market. Unfortunately the release was delayed until December and then the following March! By that time the new Genio e550G and Fujitsu Pocket LOOX had been announced and the NEC device was a generation old. It's not surprising that it didn't sell well after that. NEC are one of the only vendors to have released both Palm and Windows CE devices. They have a lot of experience with mobile phones so hopefully they will bounce back in a few years as PDAs and phones converge.

Pocket PCs/Windows CE Devices Take 49% of Japanese PDA Market in 2002

Gartner have released figures for the PDA market in Japan in 2002. Windows CE based devices including Pocket PCs take an amazing 49% share compared to 36% in 2001. The CNet article notes the interesting transfer of market share from the Sharp Zaurus in 2000 to Palm in 2001 to Windows CE based devices in 2002. The whole PDA market shrank 21% in 2002 but are estimating, given the prospect that Dell with enter the Japanese market, 6.3% growth.

CNet Japan
Gartner Press Release
WindowsCE Fan
ZDNet

Pocket PC Japan FAQ Updated - v1.0

I've updated the Pocket PC Japan FAQ (text version) and as there is now quite a bit of info in there I'm giving it a 1.0 version number. Comments, suggestions and questions are welcome.

Note: The current site template is temporary and some links are missing. The discussion group is here.

The Japan PDA Content Revolution

It seems that not much more than a few months ago there was hardly any good Japanese content for PDAs. Things look considerably different now. Three Japan-only readers for the Pocket PC (Bunko Viewer, T-Time and Xiino NewsViewer) are leading the market and the content market is exploding. In terms of news, all of Japan's major news publishers are jumping in with PDA content. Just this month Nikkei and Asahi have announced new content offerings using the Xiino NewsViewer to add to Yomiuri and Mainichi who have had offerings for some time. And these aren't just once-a-day-update, black and white, text-only headlines you might have become accustomed to - the content is colorful, contains pictures and is updated as often as once every 15 minutes in the case of Asahi. The reader software is user friendly and you can store the content on a memory card so no need to worry about filling up your RAM. The content costs only around 300 to 600 yen ($3-$6) a month and with some publishers offering free samples and opening campaigns now is a good time to be taking a look.

News is not the only category expanding, the appearance of both fiction and non-fiction books is also exploding. PDABook as its name suggests provides a wide range of books designed especially for PDAs. Airbitway is another company giving the market a great boost with a very well designed store. Not only content, their offering is an impressive line-up divided into news, magazines, comics, books, applications & utilities, games, interest & lifestyle, learning, maps & guides and characters & backgrounds. And you really know when something is taking off when Japan's largest mobile phone company NTT DoCoMo launches an impressive eBook portal - M-stage book - that has obviously taken significant investment (and has a number of good free samples to try out). Not only that, but they are also supporting the emerging format for mobile content in Japan XDMF. Later this year you can expect to be able to view this format on DoCoMo mobile phones which can only boost the overall mobile content market, and there is plenty of space for both phones and PDAs to compete as the platform of choice. Further good news, is that readers with integrated dictionaries, which are not currently available for the commercial content, are also expected within the next few months.

As a final note it is interesting to note how once again, Japan held back for so long on entering this market, but now they have done so the move is powerful and compelling. With commercial audio content already available for download to SD cards at convenience store kiosks, you can be sure it won't be long until the mobile PDA market evolves from text and graphic content to full audio and video content just a few clicks away from your mobile unit of choice.

Toshiba is holding another seminar this month. Presentations (roughly translated from Japanese) include:

Examples of practical mobile use of the Genio

Introducing 'Format designer': Mobilizing office documents without programming

Working with graphic data using 'Web-FIS' and displaying blueprints in vector mode with 'XDF View Ce'

Synchronizing Notes data to a PDA using XTNDConnect

Benefit of using mobile databases in mobile systems: How 'PointBase expands the possibilities for mobile systems

Introducing solutions for secure eBusiness environments

Exhibitors, in addition to those already presenting and Genio products, include:

MobileCamera - Handy surveillance camera system

SWANStor - Secure mobile solutions

TransForce - Still and video picture compression and delivery for mobile devices

Toshiba innovates again - new Genio

Just look at the new Genios from Toshiba. Important new features include in-built camera or full dictionary (depending on the model), 128MB RAM (of course), latest processor, great screen, bundled screen cover, side scroll button, wireless LAN VoIP application and dual function microphone/headphone jack. The only things missing that some people really want is a replacable battery and in-built Bluetooth or 802.11x. Finally they seem to have made some changes to the control pad on the front. I find the direction hard to control accurately on the e550G so will be interested to try the new one.

For a lots of opinions on the device see the Pocket PC Thoughts Forums, athough I don't think the rumors of updates to the OS hear are correct. For me one of the most important things about this device is that it really keeps Toshiba Japan head-to-head against Compaq in the battle for the highest spec and most innovative devices. If either company could work out simultaneous worldwide releases they would be on to a real winner. The other important point is that there are lots of small improvements to this device which really show that Toshiba are in touch with the market and what users really want.

Mobility Day and Programming

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.

DoCoMo Plans Always-On Net Service for PDAs, Notebook PCs

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.

Flashing the e550G with an English ROM

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.

Gundam Network Game

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.

Power Extender

Power Extender is a backup power supply for different types of PDAs. Doesn't look too big so wouldn't be burdensome to carry when travelling. If they continue to provide new adapters it will also not become redundant when you change your PDA. Pocket Games looks like a very good site to buy useful accessories like this. They also claim 'we export almost anything' so is a good option for people outside Japan who wanted to get hold of products only available here.

New Casio Pocket PC - E3000

Casio have announced their first Pocket PC 2002 device which will be released at the end of March in Japan. There had been rumours that they would leave the Pocket PC market but it doesn't seem so, which is good news given that only Toshiba, Fujitsu, DoCoMo, HP and NEC are the only other companies currently selling Pocket PCs here. Unfortunately the device looks decidely boring adding hardly any interesting features compared to other Pocket PC 2002 devices which have already been on the market for the best part of a year. For comparison purposes I'll use Toshiba's latest model, the Genio e550GX. (Toshiba is the Pocket PC market leader in Japan and the e500GX is the highest spec Pocket PC on the market here).

First the good points. They are claiming a 15 hour battery (compared to 10 at 400MHz for the e550GX) life or 30 hours with the optional higher capacity battery. For IR users they claim a maximum transmission speed of 4Mbps (compared to 115.2kbps). The screen type literally translate as 'LED backlit semi-transmissive TFT color LCD' and from the pictures it looks good. The text says it works well outdoors but I'll leave it to the screen gurus to judge whether this is any better than the e550GX's 'frontlit, reflective, low temperature polysilicon TFT'. Finally the E3000 has 6 hardware buttons, a 5 way directional pad and a two way scroll contrl on the side. The Genio only has the five hardware buttons and this makes one-handed operation much more difficult.

Now for the not so good points. The physical hardware specs which are very important in a PDA look particularly poor compared to the Genio:
3.5" screen compared to 4"
78�~135�~17.6mm compared to 76.5 x 125 �~ 15.9mm
190g compared to 170g

The processor is the now standard (for any new devices) XScale 400 Mhz PX250, but the device has only 64MB of RAM compared to 128MB for the e550GX

Win CE Fan is saying that the device will be around the 60,000 yen mark which will probably make it a bit cheaper than the Genio but only by a few thousand yen. If Dell, ViewSonic or HP ever decide to enter the market with their lower end devices they will really shake things up. The Casio does have both a CF and SD memory (no mention of SD-IO) slots which you would expect for a device of this size.

The bundled software certainly contains no surprises. The only minor difference from other makers is Casio's own schedule, address book and mail software which can be downloaded. Notable ommissions are map, text to speech software and Java.

Overall it's good to see more support for the Pocket PC market here which should lead to more services and accessories targetted at the platform.

Related links:
Casio Press Release (Japanese)
e3000 Product Page on the Casio site (Japanese)
Pocket PC Thoughts Post and Discussion (English)
Win CE Fan Announcement and Review (Japanese)

Genio eBusiness Solutions Seminar - 4th February 2003

Toshiba will be holding another eBusiness Solutions seminar on the 39th Floor of their Tokyo headquarters on Tuesday 4th February 2003. The seminar program look good if you have any particular interests but the exhibition floor featuring 25 companies will also be well worth a visit. It is worthwhile visiting a show like this to see what products and services you can expect in the near future. Companies include those involved in mobile mapping, GPS, data communications, business solutions and other peripheral and software vendors. Of course Toshiba will be strongly represented with the Genio and services and solutions offered by different divisions of the company. Toshiba had held a number of similar seminars over the last year and strongly support third party seminars and expos which really shows their commitment to the PDA market. For more details and to sign up see the this web page (Japanese only).