SoftBank Announces iPhone for Japan [Archive]

MacRumors

Jun 4, 2008, 03:12 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

SoftBank Mobile Corp announced (http://www.softbankmobile.co.jp/en/news/press/2008/20080604_01/) today that they have signed an agreement with Apple for the iPhone "later this year":SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp. today announced it has signed an agreement with Apple® to bring the iPhone to Japan later this year.SoftBank Mobile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Mobile) is a 3G only carrier which, of course, further confirms the existence of a 3G iPhone. Like all of the recent international press releases, they offer no additional details on the agreement.

DoCoMo was previously (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2007/12/19/3g-iphone-in-japan/) rumored to be in talks with Apple to bring the iPhone to Japan. This announcement does not necessarily preclude an agreement with them, as in some instances multiple carriers have announced iPhone support in the same region.

Apple is widely expected to introduce a 3G capable iPhone at WWDC next week.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/04/softbank-announces-iphone-for-japan/)

macduke

Jun 4, 2008, 03:21 AM

My iPhone Risk map continues to turn RED!

Dmac77

Jun 4, 2008, 03:22 AM

Now no one can question the fact that there will be a 3G iphone within the year. Not much of a surprise that it will come though.

dagamer34

Jun 4, 2008, 03:29 AM

Eh? NTT DoCoMo doesn't have the iPhone yet? I think this is probably more about egos than anything else then. Japan has had the hardware support we'll finally see in the 3G iPhone for YEARS.

Lord Nerdos

Jun 4, 2008, 03:29 AM

Excellent news!!! I wonder how much this is going to cost? I don't care!!!

arawasu

Jun 4, 2008, 03:32 AM

I believe it would be more correct to say "within this year" and not by the end of this year. At least that`s what the Japanese says according to IT Media.

I`ve been waiting since last June to get my hands on one, I even considered switching out the sim card, but since Japan is a 3G based country I decided to wait a little longer.

kashimo

Jun 4, 2008, 03:45 AM

Yatta! Yatta!

I have Softbank. I think one of the big reasons for Softbank is that when they were Vodafone they had some nice agreements with Apple.

Another issue is the pricing and sales.
Softbank already requires you to actually buy the phone but you do it over time. AU by KDDI has Listimo Music service, NTT has some kind of music service but Softbank doesn't have anything. With iTunes people can not only get music but videos.

Now all that is left is for the Japanese TV networks and movie studios to offer visual media via iTunes. Right now all we have is music, Pixar shorts and music videos.

One more thing is that this might also confirm video chat capabilities which have become a standard on Japanese phones.

I would love to have an iPhone but will stick with my Panasonic till it is paid off.

phrygiana

Jun 4, 2008, 03:57 AM

It seems to immensely increase the possibility of iPhone in South Korea?

Anyone getting the secret wind of it?

mavis

Jun 4, 2008, 03:59 AM

Finally. :D

wunderbaren

Jun 4, 2008, 03:59 AM

How many customers do SoftBank have?

shedder

Jun 4, 2008, 04:04 AM

Softbank has the best mobile phones here in Japan (imo), probably the only one with some smartphone and a blackberry-clone (x-series).. And it's growing a lot, actually won top spot for annual net mobile subscriber growth in 2007..
I'll definitely move to softbank, bye bye AU KDDI!

However.. I hope they're gonna start selling the iPhone very soon here in Japan.. waiting other months could be dangerous for my mental health...

chickenninja

Jun 4, 2008, 04:08 AM

does this mean that iphone in usa might have more carriers than the previous iphone

junior

Jun 4, 2008, 04:10 AM

mavis

Jun 4, 2008, 04:14 AM

does this mean that iphone in usa might have more carriers than the previous iphone
Nope, AT&T has a five year (?) exclusivity deal with Apple, IIRC ...

mavis

Jun 4, 2008, 04:15 AM

Dammit. Softbank has the worst coverage (range) of the big three. My studio is absolutely fine reception-wise with Docomo and AU but Softbank's never worked.
I guess I won't be getting an iPhone anytime soon. Sigh....
You might want to give it another try (check a friend's phone, etc) ... My new condo had HORRIBLE coverage until about a month ago, and now I've got max signal in every room. Perfect timing for the iPhone, I guess ... ;)

riwanami

Jun 4, 2008, 04:17 AM

stubles81

Jun 4, 2008, 04:23 AM

I really thought the iPhone was going to DoCoMo and am so happy this was not the case. I can get a new phone come October, really hope it's out by then.

dawnrazor

Jun 4, 2008, 04:28 AM

So the question must be now, just which countries haven't announced a mobile deal with apple to supply the iPhone !

aruto

Jun 4, 2008, 04:32 AM

I want to iPhone. Where can you buy it? It is necessary right now. Hurry up now!I go in SOFTBANK Mobie Shop now!!!

...I was tired from waiting...

shedder

Jun 4, 2008, 04:35 AM

Not necessarily, the softbank's xseries (http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/product/X/) has no OneSeeg or electronic cash..

However, xseries is not very famous, I've seen very few people using those mobile phones.. Probably because weren't made for Japanese market and softbank tried to sell them here in some way, not very successfully..
This makes me think.. is Japanese market ready for the iPhone? Mobile phone models and functions are pretty the same all around the world, but Japanese market has a lot of different stuff.. we'll see..

..I think there are several key items that the 3G iPhone will have to have when marketing in Japan:

1. Strong built-in camera (at least 3 megapixels is a must, considering many use camera phones as their main camera)

2. Digital TV tuner - the "One Seg" tuner is becoming almost a standard feature on all cell phones

3. Electronic cash/Edy/Felica/Mobile Suica - many people are using their mobile phones in Japan to board trains and purchase items at convenience stores and kiosks.

I think the latter two are domestic features that probably won't be included in the next iPhone, but I think its going to be a huge hit!!

mavis

Jun 4, 2008, 04:35 AM

1. Strong built-in camera (at least 3 megapixels is a must, considering many use camera phones as their main camera)

2. Digital TV tuner - the "One Seg" tuner is becoming almost a standard feature on all cell phones

3. Electronic cash/Edy/Felica/Mobile Suica - many people are using their mobile phones in Japan to board trains and purchase items at convenience stores and kiosks.I sincerely doubt Apple would include 'One Seg' or Felica functionality in the iPhone as those are Japan-only functions that would drive the cost of the device up for everyone in the world - and since Apple isn't likely to manufacture country-specific iPhone models, I think that pretty much kills either of those two.

But a 3MP camera would be nice, I guess (I would never use it personally, but I'm sure a lot of people would) :)

Tres

Jun 4, 2008, 04:40 AM

2. Digital TV tuner - the "One Seg" tuner is becoming almost a standard feature on all cell phones

3. Electronic cash/Edy/Felica/Mobile Suica - many people are using their mobile phones in Japan to board trains and purchase items at convenience stores and kiosks.

I think the latter two are domestic features that probably won't be included in the next iPhone, but I think its going to be a huge hit!!

Yeah I agree these are pretty important features. It makes me wonder how well the iPhone will do over here considering the numbers of people I see every day using their phones to board trains and watching TV on public transport. It doesn't matter to me because I reckon 1seg is crap and I can just buy an iPhone case to slide my suica card into anyway.

Canceling my AU plan after 5 months is gonna hurt the wallet though :(

shedder

Jun 4, 2008, 04:47 AM

Yeah I agree these are pretty important features. It
Canceling my AU plan after 5 months is gonna hurt the wallet though :(

Same here.. I should wait until December to don't pay penalties.. but if the iphone is on sale next week, there's no way I'll wait so long

ma2ha3

Jun 4, 2008, 04:50 AM

3G is basically possible because of japan

japan is a huge market for iphone

of course they need to introduce a lot of new software for iphone to work in japan

things like 2d barcode reader using camera

things like their non sms type of messaging.

008325

Jun 4, 2008, 05:02 AM

i dont think Japanese feel interesting on iPhone , Their cell phone usually have 854 x 480 resolution, 3~5Mega Pixel Auto-Focus Camera
Digital TV, digital wallet, etc .......

austinfd

Jun 4, 2008, 05:10 AM

It seems to immensely increase the possibility of iPhone in South Korea?

Anyone getting the secret wind of it?

This will happen only if:

1. ALL of the ancient Korean websites written with ActiveX are re-coded.

2. The Korean iPhone ships with a version of Internet Explorer.

The reality here is that a huge percentage of sites are only 100% compatible with IE. Even Firefox gets set home with his tain between his legs at some sites.

For the same reasons, Vista has been extremely slow to catch on here.

I see a fair amount to Touches on the streets of Seoul, but a LG has just released a new phone with a iPhone like browsing experience that is sure to cater to the Korean netizens needs. If the iPhone won't show someone's cyworld page, it will never be popular.

austinfd

Jun 4, 2008, 05:16 AM

and then there's the issue of TV. I dont know if the above mentioned phone includes broadcast TV, but you can get a phone with FREE digital TV broadcast for around $200.

And while I'm at it.... how long before the US cell phone market catches up with the rest of the world?

free incoming calls/texts?
free TV (like in Korea, and I guess Japan)

hawaiiHEMI

Jun 4, 2008, 05:16 AM

Gonna hold off and see! Should be moving back to Japan some time within the next few month. Wonder if I should purchase the 3G here, unlock it. Get the free phone and use that sim card?????

Eraserhead

Jun 4, 2008, 05:17 AM

3G is basically possible because of japan

japan is a huge market for iphone

Europe needs 3G too ;).

stephenli

Jun 4, 2008, 05:22 AM

Not necessarily, the softbank's xseries (http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/product/X/) has no OneSeeg or electronic cash..

However, xseries is not very famous, I've seen very few people using those mobile phones.. Probably because weren't made for Japanese market and softbank tried to sell them here in some way, not very successfully..
This makes me think.. is Japanese market ready for the iPhone? Mobile phone models and functions are pretty the same all around the world, but Japanese market has a lot of different stuff.. we'll see..

take a look at the monthly rank for japan mobile sale you may see that those without both 1-seg and Felica seldom rank in on top ten..
For those who consider X-series it may become their 2nd phone..not for the main use..

I dont think Apple would built custom model with Felica & 1-seg included for Japan market....but if yes it should be sweet.

and then there's the issue of TV. I dont know if the above mentioned phone includes broadcast TV, but you can get a phone with FREE digital TV broadcast for around $200.

And while I'm at it.... how long before the US cell phone market catches up with the rest of the world?

free incoming calls/texts?
free TV (like in Korea, and I guess Japan)

Yes. under Japan's system incoming call is free. However receive mail (mail. yes. e-mail, not sms) need to charge packet.
Digital boardcast (1-seg) in Japan also free.
but a mobile phone cost a lot more than $200....very expensive indeed.

umijin

Jun 4, 2008, 05:41 AM

The mobile phone service providers in Japan won't leave much room to negotiate, and probably wanted Apple to jump through all sorts of hoops. Softbank is the weakest of the big three mobile services by far. My guess is that if this is true, they were the ones to bend the most because they have to. Unfortunately, Softbank's network is the weakest in terms of signal availability.

Docomo is too stodgy a company to bend to Apple's demands - err - requirements. I've always thought Au was the best provider, in terms of overall service and contract price. Softbank will have problems managing the demand if they have the exclusive contract. And my guess is that they will have an exclusive contract, as phones are locked to the provider here in Japan.

austinfd

Jun 4, 2008, 05:47 AM

Digital boardcast (1-seg) in Japan also free.
but a mobile phone cost a lot more than $200....very expensive indeed.

With all the bells and whistles yes.... I paid a bit over 200,000 won ($200) for my phone in Korea. It is pretty basic, but I do get free TV. The LG internet phone I'm sure costs 3 times that.

BongoBanger

Jun 4, 2008, 05:48 AM

i dont think Japanese feel interesting on iPhone , Their cell phone usually have 854 x 480 resolution, 3~5Mega Pixel Auto-Focus Camera
Digital TV, digital wallet, etc .......

I kind of agree. The Japanese market is probably the hardest market to enter because they're miles ahead of everyone else in terms of mobile technology. The new iPhone will need to be really special to crack it.

umijin

Jun 4, 2008, 05:48 AM

Softbank has the best mobile phones here in Japan (imo), probably the only one with some smartphone and a blackberry-clone (x-series).. And it's growing a lot, actually won top spot for annual net mobile subscriber growth in 2007..

No they don't have the best phones - not overall. It has grown lots because they offered very cheap switching and setup fees, but people tell me they pay more in monthly costs with SoftBank. New subscribers aren't necessarily staying with Softbank as a result.

Softbank has changed its name several times in the 7 years I've lived here and nearly went bankrupt. This is a risky move by Apple, but a win-win move by Softbank. Let's hope they don't screw it up.

umijin

Jun 4, 2008, 05:55 AM

I think its really cool that iPhone is coming to Japan. As a Docomo user, I would strongly consider switching carriers to SoftBank. However, I think there are several key items that the 3G iPhone will have to have when marketing in Japan:

1. Strong built-in camera (at least 3 megapixels is a must, considering many use camera phones as their main camera)

2. Digital TV tuner - the "One Seg" tuner is becoming almost a standard feature on all cell phones

3. Electronic cash/Edy/Felica/Mobile Suica - many people are using their mobile phones in Japan to board trains and purchase items at convenience stores and kiosks.

I think the latter two are domestic features that probably won't be included in the next iPhone, but I think its going to be a huge hit!!

Nobody would watch the one-seg TV crap in Japan if they had better things to watch on their phones. An iPhone would give users more options for video content, though not necessarily live feeds, like one-seg.

Some people may use their phones for felica/suica - but it's not even close to the majority. So, I think the iPhone has a good chance in Japan.

The problem will be if SoftBank can support the bandwidth in its coverage area. I also worry if they or any Japan provider will gouge iPhone customers more for download/connection fees than the usual packet costs. And for gaijin like me, I will want to use my iPhone with English menus, etc. Let's hope we don't get screwed on that, like we do with most of the keitai models on the market here.

JapanScott

Jun 4, 2008, 05:59 AM

2. Digital TV tuner - the "One Seg" tuner is becoming almost a standard feature on all cell phones

To me, TV makes about as much sense as radio. If I have 8, 16, 32GB of my OWN music and video why OH why would I want to listen to crap radio or crap Japanese TV.... UMAI ! NOT !!! And 'One Seg' from what I've read, has limited reception.

shigzeo

Jun 4, 2008, 06:02 AM

i am glad it is not docomo. i really hate them. they are expensive but then so is japan for mobiles. worse certainly than canada, austrailia etc. i wonder how they are going to float the bloody fees. iphone for 50 000 en per months?

shigzeo

Jun 4, 2008, 06:06 AM

I kind of agree. The Japanese market is probably the hardest market to enter because they're miles ahead of everyone else in terms of mobile technology. The new iPhone will need to be really special to crack it.

miles ahead and hampered by japanese designed software. go to a japanese webpage: most are impossible to navigate even on a computer. use a mobile phone and it really needs to have a manual with it. iphone will do very well in japan. only the bloody data rates are way too much. i

Diode

Jun 4, 2008, 06:09 AM

This about 80% confirms the iphone will use a quad-band UMTS modem that supports the freq 800/850/1900/2100 - which means no t-mobile 3G support (800 and 2100 are used in Japan and 1700/2100 are used by t-mobile).

While Five and Six band phones (800/850/900/1700/1900/2100) that would support t-mobile are possible - none has been announced.

Keep in mind the GSM/EDGE part will remain compatible.

JapanScott

Jun 4, 2008, 06:13 AM

I am quite happy to hear this announcement, but also a bit worried about the service plans. I hope that you can run the thing on their "White" plan and maybe do some ala carte with the data.:cool:

iAlan

Jun 4, 2008, 06:22 AM

I just asked 15 of my co-workers (all Japanese, I am living in Tokyo) and got the following responses:

- 12 knew about the iPhone
- 9 said they are very interested with 6 of the 9 saying they would buy an iPhone 'at some point within the next 12 months'
- 11 had TV capabilities on their current phones but only 2 watch TV more than 2-3 times a month while traveling to work
- 13 had "electronic cash" capabilities on their phones and only 1 has actually ever used this function
- None of the 15 specifically bought the phone they have because of the above 2 functions - the design, coverage and plan were the key reasons
- all 15 were not happy with their 'mobile internet experiences' with 10 saying this function, if good to use, would be an influence in buying behavior in the future

Sure my sample is limited but clearly awareness of the iPhone is high, TV and 'electronic cash' do not seem to be a conscious choice when buying a phone, however 'mobile internet experience' could be a factor in the future.

I guess I will start my own little countdown clock once a data is announced - and I hope it is in the coming weeks and SoftBank just couldn't announce a date so as not to steal Steve-sama's thunder next week!

shedder

Jun 4, 2008, 06:46 AM

miles ahead and hampered by japanese designed software. go to a japanese webpage: most are impossible to navigate even on a computer. use a mobile phone and it really needs to have a manual with it. iphone will do very well in japan. only the bloody data rates are way too much. i

so true, and that's the reason because I kinda like softbank's mobile phones (even if I'm using AU), some of them are designed for english market and have a different approach on features like user interface, media player and so on.. (but yes, they're probably more expensive than au or docomo)

Japanese phones are technologically advanced, no doubt, they have with big display and a lot of functions, but most of the time useless for me, 'cause they're designed for japanese market.. For example my mobile phone (a sony ericsson) has a "pc browser", that's just an old version of opera mobile.. however, many japanese people don't use their browser for pc website but for mobile websites (imode & c)... or to listen some mp3 I have to use a weird software for windows (no mac version) to transfer the songs..
Long story short, mobile phones in japan are used differently from europe or america (have you ever seen a smartphone or a blackberry here?)..

The big problem is data rates.. so expensive and plain stupid sometimes, there's a 1000 yen subscription for data but you don't really know how much you're going to spend.. at least in Italy, using 3, I had an option with 50mb/day at 9 euro/month.. it's clear and easy..

JapanScott

Jun 4, 2008, 06:52 AM

Shasterball

Jun 4, 2008, 07:25 AM

WAIT! There's going to be a 3G iPhone?

Isn't the fact that Apple confirmed this enough? Do we have to keep posting stories that also "confirm it". How about we post testimonials of people using the 3G network after they buy it to confirm that the new version has 3G?

"I know Apple said it wold have 3G and the box says 3G, but I didn't believe it until someone used it and posted it on here!"

janakin2k5

Jun 4, 2008, 07:44 AM

Tres

Jun 4, 2008, 07:49 AM

The biggest concern for ex-pats that can't read and write Japanese, is if the functions will be available in English? My Sony-Ericsson phone now has English menus, but all the best functions and services are only in Japanese, and therefore unusable since I cannot read Japanese (do not say learn to read Japanese, I don't have 2+ years worth of time to learn how to do it).

You won't have to do this because the iPhone and iPod touch both have English menu options, but how hard is it to sit down with an electronic dictionary and work out the menus? It's what I did when I got my phone.

zentraedi

Jun 4, 2008, 07:52 AM

*dances*

Great, been waiting for this for a while. Yeah, my girlfriend and her whole family is on Softbank's White Plan, so I really didn't have choice.

Anyway, in the past 6 months, I've talked to lots of Japanese people, especially, teenagers/early 20s and they seem to have quite a bit of enthusiasm. They all say they'd have to stay with whatever their family has, but most said they get it if their family's carrier offered it.

JapanScott

Jun 4, 2008, 07:53 AM

I've been making the long wait for the iPhone in Japan like many here, but my time in Japan is winding down so maybe it will arrive too late for me anyway.

The biggest concern for ex-pats that can't read and write Japanese, is if the functions will be available in English? My Sony-Ericsson phone now has English menus, but all the best functions and services are only in Japanese, and therefore unusable since I cannot read Japanese (do not say learn to read Japanese, I don't have 2+ years worth of time to learn how to do it).

I hope also that iPhones bought in Japan can be easily used back in the U.S. by replacing the sim card and don't have some other proprietary only in Japan chip inside them.

1. It is a device designed by a western company. 2. Its OS was originally in English. And I'm sure we could all make this list longer and longer. There are NO doubts that the Japanese iPhone will be multi-lingual.

I've been using a Nokia 6630 (SoftBank 702NK) for a couple of years. I've (basically) enjoyed using it due to the fact that as I stated above... western designed and runs an OS that is originally English.

Don't worry... Be Happy. The iPhone is coming !

mangis

Jun 4, 2008, 07:53 AM

I just can't wait to:

1. Quit NTT Docomo
2. Buy an iphone
3. Throw my piece of ***** sony-ericsson phone in the toilet where it belongs

I will absolutely switch and pay whatever price I have to.

Mackan

Jun 4, 2008, 08:01 AM

does this mean that iphone in usa might have more carriers than the previous iphone

No, Apple will continue with their buisness model and stay exclusive with one carrier wherever they can. Sad, but true.

nick9191

Jun 4, 2008, 08:15 AM

I've got to ask, surely if Japan is as technologically advanced as its made out to be, surely your not using Windows, or even OS X for that matter.

dicklacara

Jun 4, 2008, 08:20 AM

I think its really cool that iPhone is coming to Japan. As a Docomo user, I would strongly consider switching carriers to SoftBank. However, I think there are several key items that the 3G iPhone will have to have when marketing in Japan:

1. Strong built-in camera (at least 3 megapixels is a must, considering many use camera phones as their main camera)

2. Digital TV tuner - the "One Seg" tuner is becoming almost a standard feature on all cell phones

3. Electronic cash/Edy/Felica/Mobile Suica - many people are using their mobile phones in Japan to board trains and purchase items at convenience stores and kiosks.

I think the latter two are domestic features that probably won't be included in the next iPhone, but I think its going to be a huge hit!!

I googled:

Electronic cash/Edy/Felica/Mobile Suica

but found only your post.

Where can I find out more of this usage of a mobile phone?

KDDI had a series of concept videos a while back (KDDI Ubiquitous) that used a mobile device as an electronic wallet & remote security monitor (in addition to the usual phone, web, gps, etc.).

With some creative expansion of the ubiquitous iTunes store, electronic wallet could be the killer iPhone/Touch app.

A really, really killer app!

i'd like to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather...
rather than screaming in terror like his passengers.

janakin2k5

Jun 4, 2008, 08:20 AM

mavis

Jun 4, 2008, 08:32 AM

You won't have to do this because the iPhone and iPod touch both have English menu options, but how hard is it to sit down with an electronic dictionary and work out the menus? It's what I did when I got my phone.Fortunately for us, Apple is an American company and therefore we don't have to worry about Japanese menus and apps. We'll be able to install whatever we want from the App Store, and the default apps are all multi-lingual to begin with, so this is really a moot point. ;)

JapanScott

Jun 4, 2008, 08:34 AM

I've got to ask, surely if Japan is as technologically advanced as its made out to be, surely your not using Windows, or even OS X for that matter.

Huh?:confused:

@TRES

@JapanScott

You both misunderstood my post. Of course I know there will be English menus available for the iPhone and its basic operation. What I am talking about is will there be English for the more advanced online features? Like the features in Docomo's IMODE, etc. If the new iPhone does have GPS, will there be a GPS walking service available in English? Things like that.

On my Au Sony-Ericcson now all I can do easily is send e-mail and receive calls and browse a few websites.

But anyway, yes....looking forward to the iPhone coming here.

It is an Apple product. It runs OS X. This isn't a Sony-Ericcson. As people have said before, the iPhone is a basically a handheld computer running OS X. Just like you have the option on any Mac running OS X to switch between languages, on the iPhone you will be able to do the same thing. In English...英語で, or in Japanese 日本語で.

mavis

Jun 4, 2008, 08:40 AM

@TRES

@JapanScott

You both misunderstood my post. Of course I know there will be English menus available for the iPhone and its basic operation. What I am talking about is will there be English for the more advanced online features? Like the features in Docomo's IMODE, etc. If the new iPhone does have GPS, will there be a GPS walking service available in English? Things like that.

GPS is a good question, because the Maps.app currently shows only Japanese in hybrid view and street view. But the same is true in any country (Italy shows only Italian, France is only French, etc) ... As for the IMODE stuff, I guess if you're worried about that, you've kind of missed the point of the iPhone entirely. Or do you also feel limited when you surf the web on your computer, because you can't readily view those portal sites? The great thing about the iPhone is that you're no longer limited to that spoon-fed, watered-down portal crap - when you open Safari on the iPhone, you're free to go ANYWHERE, just like on your PC. If you can't read Japanese, just stick with the MILLIONS of English sites out there. ;)

gkarris

Jun 4, 2008, 08:48 AM

Wow, the next iPhone with 3G is taking the world by storm.

Dear Mr. Ballmer - Open mouth, insert foot.... :eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5oGaZIKYvo

You all will love it, I love mine...

carfreak12321

Jun 4, 2008, 08:48 AM

FINALLY!!!!!!!!:D
Im so happy now i wont have to switch carriers and pay a crap load of money!!!!
yes this is the best apple news of the year!!!

im just hoping that it comes out soon!!!:confused::apple::D:D

dicklacara

Jun 4, 2008, 08:57 AM

It appears that Steve has now set the stage to make the Big announcement of a new iPhone carrier at WWDC:

Mainland China!

AFIK, that leaves only Greenland :rolleyes:

finnns2000

Jun 4, 2008, 09:08 AM

I think the latter two are domestic features that probably won't be included in the next iPhone, but I think its going to be a huge hit!!

Yeah I doubt that stuff will be included, and not included in other regions. Too much to change hardware wise.

That said, I hope that my iPhone works next time I visit Tokyo. When I came in January, my iPhone was a doorknob. Hopefully I have the option to roam next time

pauld

Jun 4, 2008, 09:08 AM

GPS is a good question, because the Maps.app currently shows only Japanese in hybrid view and street view. But the same is true in any country (Italy shows only Italian, France is only French, etc)

It would be an absolute treat if there was an English option for J-Googlemaps.

As unlikely as it may seem, I think that the Japanese market would be the one area where it may be plausible for a modified iPhone to exist, solely to incorporate some of the very unique, demanded features that exist there. The incredible number of potential customers there would make this viable.

carfreak12321

Jun 4, 2008, 09:11 AM

I am quite happy to hear this announcement, but also a bit worried about the service plans. I hope that you can run the thing on their "White" plan and maybe do some ala carte with the data.:cool:

Yeh i agree

i have the white plan right now and im hoping that i can get an option for unlimited data fo 2,000 per month!!

hope they dont overprice it.:)

Zer0

Jun 4, 2008, 09:18 AM

I think its really cool that iPhone is coming to Japan. As a Docomo user, I would strongly consider switching carriers to SoftBank. However, I think there are several key items that the 3G iPhone will have to have when marketing in Japan:

1. Strong built-in camera (at least 3 megapixels is a must, considering many use camera phones as their main camera)

2. Digital TV tuner - the "One Seg" tuner is becoming almost a standard feature on all cell phones

3. Electronic cash/Edy/Felica/Mobile Suica - many people are using their mobile phones in Japan to board trains and purchase items at convenience stores and kiosks.

I think the latter two are domestic features that probably won't be included in the next iPhone, but I think its going to be a huge hit!!

Valid points and that is why I think it wont sell too well in japan! The camera's in Japanese phones are much much better than the on in current iPhone. We will see an improvement with the 3G phone but I wonder how much!! They will not include a 1-seg tuner for sure and neither will they include Edy!!! Plus all my Japanese female friends found it extremely hard to use my iPhone with their over length fingernails!

90% of the phones you see in japan are flip phones and that is because Japanese like nice responsive keypads! It wont be smooth sailing for sure!

ThatGuy

Jun 4, 2008, 09:18 AM

1seg is a hardware issue, so that could be difficult. One minor rumor suggested the iPhone might pack in MediaFlo, which is a north american version of 1seg (more or less). Hard to believe they would ship another version for Japan, and while I don't know if they are remotely compatible, I kinda doubt it.

QR Code recognition could easily be implemented in software, so that's not a show stopper.

Digital Wallet tech? I don't know how it works over there. Is it via bluetooth? If so, one could hypothetically roll a wallet app. I'm guessing it's more like RFID though.

iAlan

Jun 4, 2008, 09:19 AM

We'll be able to install whatever we want from the App Store, and the default apps are all multi-lingual to begin with, so this is really a moot point.

The problem is that you cannot download content from iTunes stores outside your country (actually, the country where your credit card is issued*) so if developers don't make content available across multiple stores then under the current set-up people may not be able to get access to some of the early content. Of course, Apple may allow apps to be downloaded from a 'central' store but then pricing may be a problem given currencies, etc. And I would like additional apps outside of the default apps to take advantage of all the creativeness floating around out there (or soon to be floating around out there!).

Plus all my Japanese female friends found it extremely hard to use my iPhone with their over length fingernails!

Good point, but seriously I hope Apple are not going to target these individuals, that would just cheapen the iPhone image :D

dicklacara

Jun 4, 2008, 09:21 AM

OK, I did some googling.

The card technology (Suica, felica) is based on an unpowered RFID chip in the card. When the card comes within a certain proximity of a reader, it powers up, exchanges data and an uniquely-generated transaction code.

Mobile Suica uses Java software on the cell phone to perform the function of the card (and more).

Softbank recently added mobile Suica to some handsets (software download)

Apple has some patent activity regarding interfacing RFID-- here's an interesting article:

http://watchingapple.com/2007/05/connecting-iphone-to-your-wireless-home/

I am not clear if the iPhone/Touch will require a chip with the RFID frequency or if this can be handled by the existing radio chip.

But, it is possible that the iPhone/Touch already can (or soon will be able to) handle the Mobile Suica functions of an electronic wallet.

Edit: Softbank also supports Edy which uses FeliCa and Suica technology. AFAICT, Edy brings the capability of adding money and online review of your account.

This, too, appears to be something the iPhone/Touch can/could do (with the appropriate licensing).

Zer0

Jun 4, 2008, 09:27 AM

OK, I did some googling.

The card technology (Suica, felica) is based on an unpowered RFID chip in the card. When the card comes within a certain proximity of a reader, it powers up, exchanges data and an uniquely-generated transaction code.

Mobile Suica uses Java software on the cell phone to perform the function of the card (and more).

Softbank recently added mobile Suica to some handsets (software download)

Apple has some patent activity regarding interfacing RFID-- here's an interesting article:

http://watchingapple.com/2007/05/connecting-iphone-to-your-wireless-home/

I am not clear if the iPhone/Touch will require a chip with the RFID frequency or if this can be handled by the existing radio chip.

But, it is possible that the iPhone/Touch already can (or soon will be able to) handle the Mobile Suica functions of an electronic wallet.

Not sure of its implementation, but I can tell you that its the coolest thing ever!!! You walk into the metro station. Flash your phone against the ticket gates and the gates open magically! :eek: :D ;)

dicklacara

Jun 4, 2008, 09:40 AM

Not sure of its implementation, but I can tell you that its the coolest thing ever!!! You walk into the metro station. Flash your phone against the ticket gates and the gates open magically! :eek: :D ;)

Yeah, i can see that... what a feeling of powerease that must be!

The ATM gives you the freedom of not carrying cash, but the power to get it when needed... but you need to go to an ATM machine, with cash and it may charge you for the service

The electronic wallet has the potential to eliminate all that nonsense... anywhere... everywhere!

tony-in-japan

Jun 4, 2008, 09:50 AM

Whoooopppeeee!!! About bloody time too, but....

....Softbank???

A bit of a surprise there. I wonder what happened between Apple and Docomo? :confused:

Anyway, seems like I will have to change from Docomo to Softbank then. The only concern is whether I will get strong reception like I do with Docomo, especially in Tokyo and in the underground.

One positive is that I don’t have to deal with any cranky mobile music/video player provided by the mobile carrier. Just let Apple do what they do best to weave their GUI magic for Softbank’s iPhone. :)

Can’t wait to be able to watch rented movies while travelling to work on the metro each day...

On the subject of if it will be a success in Japan and the necessity of having the variety of functions already offered in other phones, I don’t think it really matters. The Japanese are fascinated by Apple’s design-orientated philosophy. They appreciate something beautifully crafted. Something that has had much thought and consideration put into it (hardware and software) will be a great attraction for the Japanese to explore and play with.

dicklacara

Jun 4, 2008, 09:56 AM

Plus all my Japanese female friends found it extremely hard to use my iPhone with their over length fingernails!

Fingernails are a problem*... surprisingly, gloves are not. I was recently in the hospital with a very bad staph or strep leg infection (they couldn't tell). Everyone, including me, had to wear those rubber gloves. The iPhone worked fine!

*To help a female friend with long fingernails you could stand close behind her, looking over her shoulder, then wrap your arms around her to help...

...Oops I forgot what i was trying to do... something about a phone?

windowpain

Jun 4, 2008, 09:58 AM

This is great news that we are finally getting a chance to get an iphone. As many people have said, japanese phones are technically miles ahead of most other countries..what is the problem though is the usability of them, which is universally dreadful!

I was with softbank but dropped them due to appalling service,poor reception and a frustratingly complicated phone.

Now with Docomo and have a phone with a TV, internet browser, camera, gps, photo-recognition translation, music player, wallet ...etc etc. But for all its bells and whistles I have very little idea of how to actually enter an email address into my contacts. infuriatingly confusing navigation. I usually just write someones details down on a piece of paper! Grrrr:mad:

I want a phone that is intuitive to use, not one that makes me want to throw it off a tall building!

stagi

Jun 4, 2008, 10:07 AM

Sweet lots of new countries announced over the last month. I bet steve will pull up a world map on the keynote and bam, all _____ countries will have the iPhone starting today! AAPL back to 200 :)

niji

Jun 4, 2008, 10:21 AM

i have softbank. the wait is finally over.
masayoshi son (ceo and principal owner of softbank) waited patiently for this and he doesnt wait patiently very well.

felica: i cant buy it without this. felica and now mobile suica is the best way to get on the trains and subways and buses.
it is just rfid + a java app to administer it but it wont make it into the first launch.

so i wait just a little bit longer.

tony-in-japan

Jun 4, 2008, 10:22 AM

Just thought of another crucial point to the success of the iPhone in Japan...

...the ‘halo’ effect from the success of the iPod.

Apple’s iPod has over 60% of the music player market in Japan. Everywhere I travel in Tokyo I see someone with an iPod wrapped around their neck or wearing white earbuds. To some of those, the thought of having one gadget that can be used to communicate with, to listen to music and to watch video (plus have world-wide developers creating useful apps for it) will be a great temptation (inc. me).

mavis

Jun 4, 2008, 10:24 AM

The problem is that you cannot download content from iTunes stores outside your country (actually, the country where your credit card is issued*) ...
Actually, there are a number of guides online for setting up American iTMS accounts without a US-issued CC. I have both an American account and a Japanese ... ;)

irmongoose

Jun 4, 2008, 10:33 AM

This is great news. Softbank is definitely the perfect fit for Apple out of the big three. Considering it is the only one that is on the rise in terms of new customers, they are in a similar position as Apple is in their respective markets.

And, personally, I've been a J-Phone->Vodafone->Softbank customer for years so I will feel right at home. :)

irmongoose

twoodcc

Jun 4, 2008, 10:38 AM

great for apple, the iphone, and japan. glad to see this iphone continue to expand to new markets

asxtb

Jun 4, 2008, 10:41 AM

Yay Softbank!!!
I still think it will be a bit of a downgrade from some of the current phones out there. Plus I still have another year with my current phone. :( Of course, after a year, we should have the 2nd version of the 3G iPhone and I'll be needing a new iPod touch. So it may work out after all!

With DoCoMo getting two touch phones recently I wondered if the iPhone was going to either AU or Softbank.

junior

Jun 4, 2008, 11:56 AM

No they don't have the best phones - not overall. It has grown lots because they offered very cheap switching and setup fees, but people tell me they pay more in monthly costs with SoftBank. New subscribers aren't necessarily staying with Softbank as a result.

Softbank has changed its name several times in the 7 years I've lived here and nearly went bankrupt. This is a risky move by Apple, but a win-win move by Softbank. Let's hope they don't screw it up.

It's been J-Phone, Vodafone, and now softbank. But it's got nothing to do with changing names. Each time a new company came in and bought the rights to the frequency and customer base. They all failed. But but now with softbank's genius of a chairman involved, they've been on the ascendancy.
They just have to freaking well increase the coverage. That's all it'll take for me to switch.

scajawea

Jun 4, 2008, 12:30 PM

>SoftBank Mobile is a 3G only carrier which, of course, further confirms the existence of a 3G iPhone.

SoftBank Mobile is not a 3G only carrier but also it provides phone service with PDC standard, which is only used in Japan, and will finish its life latest by the end of 2010.

In the end, Apple DO NOT support PDC anyway, the implication of 3G iPhone is right.

FYI, KDDI, NTT Docomo also use PDC. EMobile, a market entrant in 2007, is a 3G only carrier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Digital_Cellular

Zer0

Jun 4, 2008, 12:32 PM

*To help a female friend with long fingernails you could stand close behind her, looking over her shoulder, then wrap your arms around her to help...

...Oops I forgot what i was trying to do... something about a phone?

That might just be the best functionality of iPhone yet :p

drfluid

Jun 4, 2008, 04:59 PM

It seems to immensely increase the possibility of iPhone in South Korea?

Anyone getting the secret wind of it?

People from KTF will be coming to WWDC next week.
I guess this would mean something :)

thaitillidie

Jun 4, 2008, 04:59 PM

How is it that such an obscure, totally insignificant, meaningless bit of news has managed to net over 80 replies?? Who gives a flip!!

Moving on to more important matters: Come Monday if the updated iPhone doesn't look EXACTLY like the one depicted by mockup extraordinaire Isamu Sanada...then I'm not buying it! How cool-looking is that!

C'mon, people, you gotta agree with me on this one: it's almost as if Apple MUST introduce a structural change in addition to the firmware updates to justify a new purchase by current owners.

If this "new phone" looks identical to v.1 but only thicker/thinner it's gonna be yet another pimp slap in the face by Apple to its customers by enticing us to buy s&$! that we really don't need and that really doesnt offer anything groundbreaking after we've already dished out hundreds of dollars the first time around.

It's classic Apple A$$hole-ology.

So screw it, man. I'll just holdout for the Garmin Nuvifone until Apple stops playing romper room games 'n ***** with peoples' freakin' wallets.

JapanScott

Jun 4, 2008, 05:07 PM

riwanami

Jun 4, 2008, 07:03 PM

I've got to admit that having had a one-seg feature on my current cell phone for the past six months, I have only used it twice. I know of more people who watch one-seg to watch TVs on their car navigation systems these days than on their cell phones. (When they are parked) The reception is much more consistent than analog in general, but I just never saw it as a something very useful. However, it seems to be used more as a marketing tool rather than a useful everyday feature.

The Felica/Suica feature on the other hand is something I use everyday. I commute using two train systems: Keio line and JR Line, and occasionally the Tokyo metro subway lines. My monthly pass that has been incorporated into my mobile Suica allows me virtually seemless entries and exits even between two systems by simply putting my cell phone over the card reader. This is definitely a feature thats going to be hard to give up.

Of course, I can just use a Suica or PASMO card, I've found that having that feature on a cell phone is more convenient. According to recent articles in Japan, little over 1 million people have signed up to use the Suica features (not the number of people who have cell phones with Suica features)

kgeier82

Jun 4, 2008, 08:36 PM

iphone in japan hu? thatd be cool cept for the fact that they have so many phones better than it already anyways. iphone is cool here because well, there isnt anything that can even compare to it. Japan has always had major tech, iphone will be nothing new there.

tony-in-japan

Jun 4, 2008, 09:29 PM

How is it that such an obscure, totally insignificant, meaningless bit of news has managed to net over 80 replies?? Who gives a flip!!

If this "new phone" looks identical to v.1 but only thicker/thinner it's gonna be yet another pimp slap in the face by Apple to its customers by enticing us to buy s&$!

It's classic Apple A$$hole-ology.

So screw it, man. I'll just holdout for the Garmin Nuvifone until Apple stops playing romper room games 'n ***** with peoples' freakin' wallets.

Bye, bye... good knowing you for 2 minutes.

Already we have the moaners throwing their gadgets out of their buggies and it is not even released yet! Anyway, unfortunately for you, it would seem Apple will be more inclined to focus on new subscribers in new territories to reach their targets (10 million was it?) rather than massaging the egos of existing owners who don’t seem to be grateful that they already have an iPhone to use for the past year or so. So, ‘who gives a flip?’ New customers in other countries do. And, most certainly, Apple do as well if they are to reach their targets.

So it seems you have cleverly outwitted Apple’s marketing strategy and how it rips people off. Bye, bye then... why are you still hangin’ around?

Iroganai

Jun 5, 2008, 12:06 AM

Japan has always had major tech, iphone will be nothing new there.
Um, as a Japanese, I can testify that Japanese mobile phones have more features but they are not particularly well implemented. iPhone's software is superb. See this iPhone clone made by Sharp. It's horrible !
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8l9JY0h_EZQ

tony-in-japan

Jun 5, 2008, 12:33 AM

iPhone's software is superb. See this iPhone clone made by Sharp. It's horrible !

Just seeing all these clones and promoting of touch abilities reveals companies are scared of the iPhone.

But no matter how much it looks like the iPhone or matches it with touch functionality, they will always be substandard due to Apple being a leader in intuitive GUI design and implementation. Plus the added bonus of creative developers making apps for it and you have a killer combination which no other phone can ‘touch’! Hahaha... sorry for the very bad pun! :D

iAlan

Jun 5, 2008, 02:43 AM

Actually, there are a number of guides online for setting up American iTMS accounts without a US-issued CC. I have both an American account and a Japanese ... ;)

As do I (thus the * mark in my original post) I just didn't want to flaunt the fact. At 99c vs 150 yen (or higher) for songs and $9.99 vs 1,500 yen (or higher) for Albums, then a US account is the way to go, but I have a Japan iTunes account as well (on my Japanese credit card) as there is some great content only available from the Japan store.

That being said, the average iTunes Store user may not know how to get an account on other stores.

According to recent articles in Japan, little over 1 million people have signed up to use the Suica features (not the number of people who have cell phones with Suica features)

Not sure what that means? You cannot get a new rail pass here other than the 'Suica' or equivalents for other lines. Nearly everyone I see using the same stations I use on my subway just touch there wallet/card case/phone to the gate sensor. Maybe the 1 million figure is the number of users with the function activated in their phones with other phone users who have this feature not actually using it. But anyway just 1 million people signed up for JR's 'Suica' sees low. I could be wrong, but my daily observations seems to say otherwize

mavis

Jun 5, 2008, 02:58 AM

Um, as a Japanese, I can testify that Japanese mobile phones have more features but they are not particularly well implemented. iPhone's software is superb. See this iPhone clone made by Sharp. It's horrible !
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8l9JY0h_EZQExactly. As much as everyone seems to think Japanese cell phones are so fantastic, they're really not (at least when compared to the iPhone) ... Compared to other American phones, then yes - light years ahead. But the iPhone puts them all to shame (which is why all the Japanese manufacturers are scrambling to copy it, and doing a laughable job of it, I might add) :D

mavis

Jun 5, 2008, 03:03 AM

Um, as a Japanese, I can testify that Japanese mobile phones have more features but they are not particularly well implemented. iPhone's software is superb. See this iPhone clone made by Sharp. It's horrible !
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8l9JY0h_EZQ
OMG, I just watched that video - it was almost painful to watch. I'd chuck that phone out the damn window within the first hour or two - I don't care if it DOES cost $1000 - what a slow, ill-conceived UI ... Using that thing on a daily basis would drive me nuts!!! :eek:

Merriadok

Jun 5, 2008, 09:07 AM

they always do something for japan. whether an iPhone or a bonus track))

superfly3000

Jun 5, 2008, 11:19 AM

Softbank, ugh! :(

As has been mentioned before their coverage is third rate and service is crap. The staff in the stores are so surly. Perhaps because for years the only customers they had were foreigners who only joined up because they recognized the Vodafone name. Then when Mobile Number Portability came in in October 2006 and they offered 4 month free service (which wasn't really 4 months) they actually had to do some work instead of sitting painting their nails all day. How many times did their network crash?

I suppose I have nobody to blame but myself but I got stuck with a crappy 2 year contract with one of the crappiest phones ever, bundled with an iPod Nano. The damn thing doesn't even have a flash for the camera! No wonder they had to "give" away (at 700 dollars over 2 years) the iPod to get them out the door. Oh, and I've had to take it in for repairs 4 times already.

Phew! glad to get that off my chest.

So I still have the Softbank phone (don't use it though, AU is heaps more reliable), sitting around somewhere waiting out it's contract. So I'll be happy to finally get some use out of my Softbank contract.

I wonder if it will be locked and only usable in Japan like every other phone available here? I'm off to Thailand next year and would like to use it there.

Maybe I won't be able to use it there, perhaps that's why Thaitilidie is so angry

cfs

Jun 5, 2008, 12:36 PM

I can understand why this move to japan may not matter to some people, but it is actually very important.

For those have family in other countries and do business overseas this is very important. Imagine the possibilities if we were all connected with compatible hardware and software. Not to mention if ichat is actually integrated.

Talk about Apple monopolizing the market in the future...

-cfs

108

Jun 5, 2008, 01:14 PM

oh

hell

yes

i knew it would be softbank. the SECOND the iphone was announced for the US, i said, "i guess it'll be softbank in japan".

my general reasoning back then: softbank is the only phone carrier whose board of directors has a median age under 96.

now, it just makes sense. they were the first carrier to offer any customers any free minutes of any kind, et cetera.

i knew it wouldn't be docomo.

man.

i've been looking for a reason to switch to softbank forever.

excellent!

108

Jun 5, 2008, 01:20 PM

OMG, I just watched that video - it was almost painful to watch. I'd chuck that phone out the damn window within the first hour or two - I don't care if it DOES cost $1000 - what a slow, ill-conceived UI ... Using that thing on a daily basis would drive me nuts!!! :eek:

Please, learn how to speak Japanese: I will buy you a megaphone and tell you where to stand. (I'd do it myself, though, you know, shame.)

The "Big Secret" needs to be uprooted: people the world over need to know that "Japanese cellular phones", contrary to popular belief, are not AWESOME. They just look nice, and have shockingly terrible UIs.

Except the Sony-Ericsson ones. Which, I guess, makes sense.

I was really interested, lately, in Sharp's full-size-keyboard Softbank phone, with a gorgeous LED screen. Then I tried it out in a store, and the interface was just . . . ughhh. It's seemingly designed to appeal to people who went to medical school because they want to sound really cool screaming the names of medicines and dosage amounts, like doctors oN "ER".

Pigumon

Jun 5, 2008, 01:28 PM

Apple makes a deal with the lowest ranking mobile service in japan means exactly the opposite of here. I'm guessing they were able to dictate everything and have complete control of how the iphone will be implemented in japan.

Who knows, they probably even bought part of the company or have some sort of percentage deal in place.

Could Apple be testing the waters of running a mobile phone service?

BTW, japan is about as high-tech as a cardboard box. Pretty much SOME of their phones and robots are the only things more advanced than the U.S. I think we confuse the AMOUNT of tech they have with actual "high" tech(most don't even have simple conveniences like central heating and air, and we've all seen pics of their toilets...)

Our perception of Japan is the same as their perception of the magical "Silicon Valley". Totally wrong. I've had too many friends ask me to take them to Silicon Valley!!! Silicon Valley!!! imagining flying cars and buildings made of transparent steel and robots ready to service their every whim, when in reality it's just a bunch of 1980's warehouses with weeds and dirty water all around them..

The one advantage though is they are very eager to try new tech. I think the iphone will do great there.

mavis

Jun 5, 2008, 04:43 PM

my general reasoning back then: softbank is the only phone carrier whose board of directors has a median age under 96.
HAHA. That was pretty funny mate - made me laugh out loud. :D

You're absolutely right though - it's amazing what can happen when you don't have fossils running your company.

Riquez

Jun 5, 2008, 06:49 PM

Lot's of people saying Softbank has poor coverage - I guess it depends which region you are in. In Okinawa, Softbank seem to have the best coverage, I've never been without signal.

Anyway, my wife was discussing the 3G iPhone with a Softbank manager at an izakaya last night - he said it won't be out in June, but will be available in July.
Bear in mind this is a bar discussion, so not official - just what we heard.

kdarling

Jun 5, 2008, 10:30 PM

No, Apple will continue with their buisness model and stay exclusive with one carrier wherever they can. Sad, but true.

No manufacturer wants to be exclusive to one carrier... that's a demand they have had to agree to, in order to get carrier concessions in return.

Apple has already shown that they'll quite happily sell to more than one carrier in a country, if the carriers let them.

tony-in-japan

Jun 6, 2008, 03:36 AM

BTW, japan is about as high-tech as a cardboard box. Pretty much SOME of their phones and robots are the only things more advanced than the U.S. I think we confuse the AMOUNT of tech they have with actual "high" tech(most don't even have simple conveniences like central heating and air, and we've all seen pics of their toilets...)

From what you have written, it seems you have never been to Japan.

Since you mentioned the toilets:

Sensor-activated seats that keep your butt warm while you do your *do-do*, cleanses your butt afterwards if you so desire, gives it a dry clean and then when you stand it automatically flushes... if that was not enough, when you leave the seat automatically closes. BRAVO!!!

(I am sure many married females would love to have this last feature).

Whether Japan is the most high-tech country in the world is always up for a passionate debate, but I do know they most certainly have the cleanest butts on earth due to high-technology!

carfreak12321

Jun 6, 2008, 07:30 AM

From what you have written, it seems you have never been to Japan.

Since you mentioned the toilets:

Sensor-activated seats that keep your butt warm while you do your *do-do*, cleanses your butt afterwards if you so desire, gives it a dry clean and then when you stand it automatically flushes... if that was not enough, when you leave the seat automatically closes. BRAVO!!!

(I am sure many married females would love to have this last feature).

Whether Japan is the most high-tech country in the world is always up for a passionate debate, but I do know they most certainly have the cleanest butts on earth due to high-technology!

I live in Japan and I agree the toilet seats here are amazing!!!!!

and for the hones they are so much more technologically advanced than the US its not even funny!!!

And Japan is pretty high tech
i went to the sony building here and it blew my mind away what sony has up its sleaves!!:)

butaro

Jun 6, 2008, 03:26 PM

Switched to white student plan 2 months ago and got the cheapest model i could get. If the iPhone comes out at a resonable price i would jump on it!!!
I dont really use one-seg because i live close to school so if i watch TV i just watch at home, as for the camera, well that is important but i think mine now is only 2.0 megapixels and it does fine. Other than that, the dev support for the iPhone vs the very scare dev scene for JP phones would be a welcoming feature :P