SBM to launch Android keitai (1)

Softbank Mobile (SBM) Corp. announced on March 28 that it will launch an Android-based cellphone after late April.

Its first Android keitai HTC Desire X06HT handset itself will cost about ¥20,000.

SBM doubles base stations

Masayoshi Son, chairman & CEO of Softbank Mobile (SBM) Corp., announced on March 28 that SBM is going to double the number its cellphone base stations (BSs) by the end of FY2010.

SBM now has about 60,000 BSs around Japan.

It will make use of PHS base stations installed by Willcom Inc., Japan's sole PHS carrier, which is in the throes of corporate rehabilitation with assistance provided by Softbank.

Willcom files for protection under the bankruptcy law

Online-sent scent (61) -- Smell of toothpaste

Translation Service

Do you recognize that your child has already done her/his teeth by smelling her/his mouth before she/he goes to bed?

You could do it on the phone if smells were sent online.

Online-sent scent (60) -- Smell of cherry blossom

Data roaming betw. Japan and US via MVNO (2)

To launch its data communications roaming service between Japan and the U.S. in the second quarter of 2010, Japan Communications Inc. (JCI), Japan's MVNO giant, is considering adopting a pay-as-you-go system using prepaid cards.

And JCI also is developing a SIM card that will be available both in Japan and in the U.S.

The roaming services will allow its subscribers in Japan to do data communications in the U.S. by paying the same fee as one they pay to do in Japan, and vice versa.

Data roaming betw. Japan and US via MVNO (1)

Management of business cards on iPhone (2)

The application WorldCard Mobile - Recognition and Management of Business Card Information is available on the iPhone 3G S in English and Japanese.

The user can scan a business card and store it as a still image.

Then, the application will recognize the card holder's name, company name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and so on; and convert them to text data.

The recognition rate is touted to be about 96%.

Management of business cards on iPhone (1)

Android keitai from Kyocera

Kyocera Corp. unveiled its first Android-based smartphone at the CTIA Wireless in Las Vegas on March 23 (U.S. time).

The smartphone Zio M6000 runs on Android OS 1.6.

It is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2010, but Kyocera has yet to announce which mobile carrier will operate it.

Data roaming betw. Japan and US via MVNO (1)

Japan Communications Inc. (JCI), Japan's MVNO giant, announced Tuesday that it will begin to operate as an MVNO in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2010.

JCI will work with Sprint to allow for data communications roaming between Japan and the U.S.

JCI's SIM card for SIM-lock-free handsets