Willcom Announce D4 Mobile PC

Japanese mobile phone carrier Willcom have announced the D4 Windows Vista Mobile PC which they plan to sell from mid June. Specs have been translated (on a best effort basis) below. What I first looked for was the battery life but it seems this is still being tested. Depending on this it could be quite a nice portable PC. The Willcom 4x PHS data connection theoretically offers speeds of up to 256kbps which I find acceptable for email and basic web surfing, but not good enough for Skype of live video streaming. The basic price plan is as follows: - Inital Payment 39,800 yen - Monthly payments 3,700 yen × 24 ・W-VALUE Discount 1,600 yen × max 24 Actual cost = 90,200 yen It's great to see Willcom continuing to innovate and I look forward to seeing what they come up with when they have Wimax data speeds. Willcom Product Page & Flash Showcase Page (Japanese only) Sharp Product Page (Japanese only but has lots of nice flash)

Model Number			WS016SH
Maker			Sharp
Operating System			Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack1
CPU			Intel Atom Processor Z520 (1.3GHz)
	Cache Memory	Level 1	56KB
		Level 2	512KB
System Bus （Bemory Bus）			133MHz (533MHz)
Chipset			US15W
Main Memory			1GB Fixed (DDR2-533、PC2-4200対応)
Display	Internal Display		5" Wide TFT LCD (WSVGA, LED Backlight)
		Resolution	1,024×600、800×600
		Color	Up to 262,144 colors
	Graphic Accelerator		Inside the chipset
	Video memory		Up to 254MB (Uses main memory)
	External Display *1	Resolution	Maximum 1,360×768
		Color	Up to approx. 16.77 millions colors
		Multi-Monitor	Supported
Storage	Hard Disk Drive		Approx. 40GB (1.8", Ultra ATA/100)
		Format	NTFS
	Floppy Disk Drive		No
	CD/DVD Drive		No
Communications	LAN		(Included with cradle sold separately)
	Wireless LAN		Yes (IEEE802. 11b/g)
	PHS (Cellular data module)		Yes (Compatible with W-SIM that supports W-OAM)
	Bluetooth		Yes （Bluetooth Wireless Technology Ver.2.0+EDR）
Telephone			Yes *2
Sound			Within Chipset + High Definition Audio Codec, Speakers (Inbuilt monaural)
1-Seg TV Receiver			Yes
Camera			Approx. 2 mega pixel CMOS camera
	QR Code Reader		-
Input	Keyboard		64 Key (Metal dome switch style, key pitch approx. 12.2mm）
	Pointing Device		Illuminated touch pad (with wheel functionality), touch panel
Interface			Earphone mic port (flat) ×1, Micro SD slot ×1, USB (USB2.0, miniAB connector) port ×1
Power	Battery		Special standard battery (Lithium ion) , Special high capacity battery (sold separately, lithium ion)
		Battery life	Now testing. Results will be posted on the home page as soon as testing is finished.
		Standby time
		Charging time
	AC Adapter		AC100-240V (Within Japan only AC100), 50/60Hz (Product number: EA-UM1V)
	Power Cord		AC100V (Japan standard)
External dimensions (W×D×H) (When closed, Excluding protruding parts)			With standard battery : Approx 188x84x25.9mm
Weight			With standard battery: Approx 470g
Operating temperature & humidity			5-35degrees celcious /20-85% (No condensation)
Main peripherals			W-SIM Card (RX420IN), Headset, Stylus Pen, Standard Battery Pack, AC Adapter, Soft Case, Office Personal 2007, Office PowerPoint 2007 etc.

*1	Cradle and RGB/USBnecessary to connect to external display
*2	Headset required for voice communication. Voice not played back through inbuilt speakers.

X03HT voting

If you happened to get the Softbank mails that come every month, you can vote for X03HT.

Just a friendly reminder.

Tsubasa K.

Windows Mobile Ads in Seibu Ikebukuro Line

Windows Mobile Ads in Seibu Ikebukuro Line are here.

Sigmarion 3 and now

Although users of high end smartphones such as Tytn II may think Sigmarion 3 is outdated, I do not think so. I just got the Wifi working on my Sig3, the WLI2-CF-S11G by using a driver I had for some time.

The best thing about the Sigmarion 3 is that the screen is actually big, as in physically. I write reports, reviews, and surf the internet on the go, so if you are low on budget, Sigmarion 3 might suit your needs. I love the Tytn II too though.

Understanding the New Emobile Pricing Plans

EMobile have done quite well to make their pricing plans relatively simple, but there are still quite a few different options to consider and things to catch you out. Luckily I've had enough hours study of phone pricing plans service options to have a Phd. in the field. Here's the shortest summary I could produce that should help most people make a decision. (I haven't explained the 'whys' as that would take much longer. Here goes ...

If want voice services or want the the S11HT (Emonster) or H11T you pay a minimum of 2000 yen a month (unless you pay an extra 24,000 for the phone from day 1 in which case you'll pay 1000 yen). When you exceed 23,825 packets the cost will increase, topping off at 4,980 for data. Voice calls will cost you 18.9 yen/30 seconds. (If you pay an extra 980 yen/month calls to emobile are free, to other mobiles 9.45 and 5.25 to land lines for 30 seconds). The only reason to go for this plan is if you want one of the above devices or if you also want to use voice in addition to data. Note you can use both above devices as wired modems with the same flat rate. The S11HT can also be used as a Bluetooth modem.

If you don't want voice and don't want one of the above devices you have about 3 data plan options, but if you plan to use a lot of data, just for the the 5,980 yen a month (which is reduced to 4,980) if you sign a one year contract. You have a choice of the EM-ONE PDA, a PC card/CF card/Express card or USB modem. Only the USB and PC card support 7.2Mbps.

The above services only work when you are in an EMobile service area. You will be able to roam onto the DoCoMo network, but there's two catches. 1) The S11HT doesn't roam onto the DoCoMo network. 2) Even when you do roam with the H11T (which will be anytime - even in areas of Tokyo - when you are not covered by eMobile) you don't get flat rate data and the voice calls are more expensive.

As an aside, note you can also get 10Mbps eAccess ADSL broadband for 1,500 yen a month. If you are on the second option above it is 0 yen. So if you are already paying for broadband and can live with a meagre 10Mbps you can wipe out your home broadband costs.

For myself, I currently have two devices - DoCoMo for voice and Willcom for data. I think I'll drop Willcom and move to EMobile. I'm happy to take questions in the comments.

VoIP on Your Windows Mobile Phone

I occasionally get asked about VoIP on Windows Mobile. Although I'm not very well versed in this field, AGEphone Mobile from Japanese producer ageet Corporation, looks like some good software to check. Version 2 has just been released

"ageet Corporation, the experienced Japanese producer of VoIP software products such as the Vista Sidebar and Google Sidebar VoIP Gadget "AGEphone Gadget" and possibly the world's smallest and lightest VoIP engine "microSIP Stack", today released a completely revised version 2 of "AGEphone Mobile" softphone. This program can be used to make VoIP phone calls on a PDA or Smartphone that is based on Windows Mobile 5.0 (for Pocket PC or Smartphone) or Windows Mobile 6 (Standard or Professional) and utilizes the fully SIP compatible VoIP engine “microSIP Stack” developed by ageet, which is extremely small, fast and therefore suited for mobile devices." ... continued here ...

Software for Switching Windows Mobile Professional Japanese Interface to English

I was surprised to hear that you can now get software to switch the interface language of a Windows Mobile Professional device from Japanese to English. I saw a demonstration of the software and it worked well.

This is great news for anyone living in Japan who can't read Japanese but who wanted a Windows Mobile Professional smart phone.

The software is available from the CF Company web site, which ironically is only in Japanese. It costs 2,100 yen for a download version and 2,415 yen on CD. The software is designed for Windows Mobile 5, so Windows Mobile 6 users may be out of luck for now.

The software is made by Mobem but they don't seem to have any information about this particular product on their web site. Perhaps if there is enough demand they will release this so send CF Company and/or Mobem an message if you would like to see an English language purchase page.

Announcing E-MOBILE Voice Plans & HTC EMONSTER (Live from the Press Conference)

E-MOBILE has announced voice and data plans aimed at shaking up the mobile phone industry in Japan.

Focusing on easy to understand pricing, plans starting at 0 yen, and convenient plans for those who want both phone and data connections.

The Windows Mobile HTC TyTn II - to be called the EMON (or S11HT) and the H11T from Toshiba will be their first two phones. Full report to follow later.

www.emobile.jp

Lot's of photos on Windows Keitai Fan (Japanese)

Another blog entry about the announcement here.

Press Release: “HTC TyTN II”, one of the world’s most innovativesmart phones coming to Japan

“HTC TyTN II”, one of the world’s most innovative
smart phones coming to Japan
 
HTC TyTN II becomes EMOBILE’s first handset
supporting broadband voice, the ‘S11HT (EMONSTER)’!
 
Tokyo – February 25, 2008 -- HTC Corp. (“HTC”, TAIEX: 2498), the world’s leading provider of Microsoft® Windows Mobile®-based smart devices, today announced the introduction of the HTC TyTN II (Titan Two) to the Japanese market. The HTC TyTN II has won acclaim in many countries throughout the world as the “innovation standard for smart phones” with its fully-functional and unique design and powerful high-speed connectivity that enable users to get the most out of their smart phone.
 
The HTC TyTN II is to go on sale in Japan on Friday, March 28, 2008 via wireless carrier EMOBILE Ltd., under the product name “S11HT (EMONSTER)”. The HTC TyTN II is EMOBILE’s first handset supporting broadband voice services.
 
The HTC TyTN II is the eighth model in the HTC lineup to appear in Japan (including models scheduled for future release), and is the result of HTC’s more than 10 years of experience developing Windows Mobile® devices. The 2.8-inch large LCD touch screen slides out to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard for easy input, with a tilt-up screen design that allows viewing from any angle. The device can be used to check email while out and about, or to relax and enjoy Web browsing. Moreover, when used as a telephone, the QWERTY keyboard can be closed and the number dialed from the touch screen. The HTC TyTN II is a truly unique and stylish handset allowing users to freely adjust the handset to the style most suited for their desired use.
 
This manifestation of the HTC TyTN II handset, the S11HT EMONSTER, customized specifically for the Japan market provides a wealth of connectivity options including high speed 3.6Mbps HSDPA, 3G (W-CDMA), wireless LAN and Bluetooth®, allowing users to leverage the easiest and most stress free connection for their current location or use.  Its built-in GPS functionality, when combined with such 3rd party software as Google Maps Mobile or NAVITIME, allows the device to also serve as a personal navigation device. Of course, these powerful specifications are supported with Windows Mobile® 6 Professional, Microsoft’s latest OS which allows users to access all the possibilities brought by the Windows Mobile® platform, from business to entertainment activities.
 
Since its release last autumn in Europe, North America, and many Asian countries, the HTC TyTN II, with its unique combination of powerful functionality and connectivity in addition to its unique style and design, has already won support from many smart phone users. HTC’s partnership with EMOBILE to bring this best-selling smart phone to Japan is regarded as a very important step for HTC Japan, which expects the introduction of this device to accelerate the growth of the domestic smart phone market.
 
“E-Mobile’s new approach to the world of mobile broadband is unique in the Japanese market and HTC is honored to be a strategic partner in this effort,” said Peter Chou, president and CEO of HTC Corp. “The introduction of the HTC TyTN II is a significant step forward for the Japanese smartphone market.”
 
The S11HT will be sold in Japan by EMOBILE offering full compatibility with EM Mobile Broadband, an HSDPA communication service offered by EMOBILE, and is the first EMOBILE device to offer voice services. In addition to both making and receiving telephone calls, the device can also be used for mobile email, short mail, and full browsing of PC sites.
 
n         Specifications
S11HT
OS
Microsoft®  Windows Mobile®  6 Professional Edition Japanese Edition
Display
2.8 inch QVGA TFT touch screen
Input
QWERTY keyboard / Touch Screen / Jog wheel
Connectivity
HSDPA / W-CDMA (1700MHz), up to a maximum of 3.6Mbps download/ 384Kbps upload
Wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b/g), Bluetooth®2.0＋EDR
Camera
Primary Camera: 3 Megapixel Color CMOS w/ auto-focus
Sub-camera:  VGA-CMOS
Digital Zoom:  Up to 8x
Resolution:
(photo） 2048 x 1536、UXGA、SXGA、VGA、QVGA、QQVGA
(Video) CIF、QVGA、QCIF、Sub-QCIF
Expansion Card Slot
microSDTM  (SD2.0) x 1
Connection ports
Mini USB (USB2.0 Full Speed, recharging / earphone)
Standby Mode
Call time
Up to 350 hours (*1)
Up to 264 minutes(*1)
Size (Width x Height x Thickness)
112mm x 59mm x 19mm
Weight
About 190g ( including Battery, Stylus)
Main Accessories
AC Adapter, battery pack, USB cable, pre-use CD-ROM and product manual, Stereo Microphone Headset, Carrying case, Stylus
 
Note:
*1   Based off of longest battery life in test conditions
*    Microsoft、Windows、Windows Mobile、ActiveSync、Excel、Outlook、PowerPoint、Windows Media
and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
*    Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
*    microSD is the registered trademark of the SD Association.
 
 
###
 
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) designs, manufactures and markets innovative, feature rich smartphone and PDA phone devices.
Since its establishment, HTC has developed strong R&D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations and launched state-of-the-art PDA phones and smartphones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the US, and Asia. These machines are available as HTC devices and as products individually customized for operator and device partners.
HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit http://www.htc.com.
 

Sony Ericsson Windows Mobile

I was surprised to find a Sony Ericsson Windows Mobile!

via mycom

Data Card by SII

This is interesting although I did not read yet if it supports Windows Mobile devices. More details to be updated later.

Update: It seems like it supports Dell's Pocket PC 2003 so it probably supports WM 5.0 and 6.0, though not tested yet because I do not have a Pocket PC 2003 device with CF card.
http://www.sii.co.jp/mc/

Sigmarion III to Russia

I sent the Sigmarion III to a customer from Russia today. This is a first time a person from Russia got the actual device instead of peripherals.

Seems like Windows Mobile market is heating up :D

HTC LAND Special Smart Phone English Night! - This Friday (15th)

2008-02-15 (Fri) HTC LAND Special English Night!

A special evening for English speakers living in and visiting Japan. Learn about smart phones and about the different pricing plans available.

A great chance to visit HTC LAND in Shibuya to see some of the latest smart phones available, lots of accessories and to meet with experts.

Date: Friday, 15 February 2008, 19:00 - 22:00
Venue: HTC LAND (Softbank Shibuya B1) -- MAP
　　 　　　The Aldgate -- MAP
Admission: Free with Registration
（Complimentary drink ticket for the 1st 30 pre-registered guests! Register here.)
Language: English

18:50 - Doors Open (HTC LAND)
19:00 - English Session (HTC LAND)
　　　　　　Speaker: Andrew Shuttleworth (Windows Mobile MVP)
　　　　　　Agenda:
　　　　　　　　*All about Japanese Smart Phones
　　　　　　　　*How to choose the best smart phone contract/pricing plan?
19:50 - Q&A (HTC LAND)
20:00 - Networking (The Aldgate)
22:00 - Last Call and Close(THE Aldgate)
(First drink free. Pay as you go from 2nd drink on. Food not included.)

RSVP here

HTC Land at Softbank Shibuya until 1 March '08

HTC currently have a mini expo of their devices and lots of accessories at the Softbank shop just a couple of minutes from Shibuya station. It's a good chance to try out some of the devices they currently have on the market. You can find plenty more photos - enough to help you find your way there - at the HTC Fan site.

X03HT (HTC S730) and X02NK (Nokia N95) Announced by Softbank

Softbank yesterday announced two new smart phones to be released in Japan this Spring.

The X03HT (known as the S730 elsewhere) is runs the Windows Mobile Standard 6.0, which means that an English interface is available. It also has a 10-key keyboard on the front face meaning you can use it easily one-handed. Most of the other standard features you would expect are included: Bluetooth, worldwide compatible 3G, wi-fi. It's disappointing that we still won't see a Windows Mobile device with GPS and the camera is a disappointing 2 megapixels. With the increasing popularity of photo blogging and other location based services GPS should be a standard function in all phones. It will be available in red, black and white from "end of April or later". (Press release currently only online in Japanese).

The phone will be compatible with the S! Music Connect service. Smart phones here still cannot take advantage of most of the mobile content and services, so it's good to see moves in this direction.



While not a Windows Mobile device, it was interesting to see news of Nokia's X02NK (known elsewhere as the N95) which does have GPS and a nice 5 megapixel camera. No QWERTY keyboard though. Will be interesting to see whether they allow users to install 3rd party applications so that they can make use of location based services. As Nokia is so popular overseas there is quite a range of new software appearing, for example to uploaded geo-tagged photos to be displayed on a map, or recording your walking/cycling/driving route and then uploading the data to a mapping service so you can see and share where you traveled. Estimated release date "end of April or later", but the press release (Japanese) says the phone is still "in development" so if previous experience is anything to go buy, there's no guessing when we will actually see it on the shelves.