The press release pretty clearly indicated that SoftBank was going to offer FREE WiFi access to iPhone users, but that's as much as I've heard. I've received no SMS about this from SoftBank... just the usual ones about checking my bill on-line.
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3G iPhone in Japan?
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The press release pretty clearly indicated that SoftBank was going to offer FREE WiFi access to iPhone users, but that's as much as I've heard. I've received no SMS about this from SoftBank... just the usual ones about checking my bill on-line.
I don't bother using the i.softbank.jp address. Why, when I can get my other email on my iPhone, and have back-ups of everything on my desktop that way, too?
Also, your friends should be able to selectively allow domains, so they don't have to accept all mail from PCs in order to get yours. (Spam is a legitimate worry.)
AU has another problem, in that it doesn't seem to accept messages in Japanese sent through a webmail client (MobileMe, Yahoo, or Hotmail, etc.) either: their users just get mojibake. I don't have this problem when sending from my desktop at home though (Mail client on OS X.5), or when sending from webmail clients to users of other keitai service providers. AU must use some significantly different encoding or something.
I have a quick question about mail to AU users. If they have pc filtering turned on, will we receive an error message like we do when we email docomo users?
A chick emailed me with an AU address and I replied, but didn't get another reply!! Not sure if she got my mail or is just blowing me off!!
Totally random thought
I was just thinking about the much-lamented lack of Cut-and-Paste on the iPhone, and I got to wondering how it would work -- not code-wise, but in the simple logistics of the touch screen. The most intuitive motions -- touch-hold-swipe -- are already employed by functions that move the whole text around, or shrink/enlarge it. I wonder if it might actually be possible that they're just still trying to figure out what the best way to integrate the feature is? What do you all think? What would work best? A "select text" button? Double-tap and then touch-hold-swipe? (Right now double-tap is "fit-to-screen", which is OK, but not all that necessary...)
I was just thinking about the much-lamented lack of Cut-and-Paste on the iPhone, and I got to wondering how it would work -- not code-wise, but in the simple logistics of the touch screen. The most intuitive motions -- touch-hold-swipe -- are already employed by functions that move the whole text around, or shrink/enlarge it. I wonder if it might actually be possible that they're just still trying to figure out what the best way to integrate the feature is? What do you all think? What would work best? A "select text" button? Double-tap and then touch-hold-swipe? (Right now double-tap is "fit-to-screen", which is OK, but not all that necessary...)
I was able to get this working! You do need two things:
1. A Yahoo!BB mobilepoint password, which I received via SMS from Softbank.
2. An "@i.softbank.jp" email account and password.
Basically, you just need to select the mobilepoint from the list of available networks from the iPhone's settings menu and enter the password supplied by softbank. Then launch mobile safari and you will be directed to a page where you can enter your softbank email and password.
Worked with no problem! If you didn't receive an SMS with the password information, I recommend contacting softbank customer support. I considered sharing info here, but not sure if it's unique to my account.
I can confirm it works too. I just connected to the mobilepoint network at mc donalds in Akihabara.
Unfortunately, it was slow as ****
Has anyone tried using that SMS login info to connect a MacBook? Can I use my macbook to connect just by virtue of being an iPhone user, or will it only work for iPhone?
Unfortunately, it was slow as ****
Has anyone tried using that SMS login info to connect a MacBook? Can I use my macbook to connect just by virtue of being an iPhone user, or will it only work for iPhone?
I tried to connect with my MacBook, but it didn't work... Maybe it's looking for mobile safari, cause it stated the service is only available for iPhone 3G users. Too bad...
On another note, connection speed was fairly decent at my location. Probably varies by location.
I posted this in another thread, but if you guys are trying to figure out how to send emails with emoji, you can quit banging your heads on that wall - it ain't gonna happen. Unless you're using SoftBank's craptastic 30-day retention email account, that is. MobileMe, Yahoo, Gmail, Exchange server? SOL.
I was really hoping Apple would finally 'get it right' with 2.2, but I guess it's just not going to happen.
I was really hoping Apple would finally 'get it right' with 2.2, but I guess it's just not going to happen.
You don't get any error, and it is really annoying. She probably didn't get the message at all. I've had the same problem.
It looks like I have to tell about 50 of my friends to change their filter settings...
Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3G (16GB): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5G77 Safari/525.20)
Wow, this is cool. Maps shows driving directions for Tokyo now! And it also shows train routes!
It will read Japanese addresses now (from the address book) and also GPS/bookmarks, so we can use the Maps application the way it was intended, finally! A pleasant surprise, to be sure.
Wow, this is cool. Maps shows driving directions for Tokyo now! And it also shows train routes!
It will read Japanese addresses now (from the address book) and also GPS/bookmarks, so we can use the Maps application the way it was intended, finally! A pleasant surprise, to be sure.
I posted this in another thread, but if you guys are trying to figure out how to send emails with emoji, you can quit banging your heads on that wall - it ain't gonna happen. Unless you're using SoftBank's craptastic 30-day retention email account, that is. MobileMe, Yahoo, Gmail, Exchange server? SOL.
I was really hoping Apple would finally 'get it right' with 2.2, but I guess it's just not going to happen.
softbank's mail's (i) retention period has been changed from 30-days to unlimited last AUgust. here is the link:
http://www.softbankmobile.co.jp/en/news/press/2008/20080805_01/index.html
hi
apple sells an unlocked iPhone in Hong Kong.
can you get an iPhone contract plan from Softbank (that is, can you get a SIM card for an iPhone from Softbank) even if you bring your own iPhone that was purchased elsewhere?
if the answer to the above is no, then can you use a Softbank 3G SIM card that is for a non-iPhone in an iPhone that you bring in from outside Japan? (I realize that this kind of SIM would not be able to access certain iPhone only features and not be able to take advantage of the iPhone data plan).
thanks
apple sells an unlocked iPhone in Hong Kong.
can you get an iPhone contract plan from Softbank (that is, can you get a SIM card for an iPhone from Softbank) even if you bring your own iPhone that was purchased elsewhere?
if the answer to the above is no, then can you use a Softbank 3G SIM card that is for a non-iPhone in an iPhone that you bring in from outside Japan? (I realize that this kind of SIM would not be able to access certain iPhone only features and not be able to take advantage of the iPhone data plan).
thanks
Does anyone know if Docomo blocks iPhone mail? I'm dying to know if a particular girl got my email - I find it odd that she hasn't replied because she wrote me first.
It's nerve racking to think other Japanese phone companies would purposely block softbank iPhone mail.
It's nerve racking to think other Japanese phone companies would purposely block softbank iPhone mail.
Help with Emoji
Sorry guys, I was back in Los Angeles when the update rolled out and didn't want to try updating while roaming!
I'm totally lost on the emoji thing... could someone pls direct me to a useful link that explains what works and what doesn't? Seems I can access emoji icons from SMS, but not from any of my mail accounts, INCLUDING softbank's "xxxx@i.softbank.jp". I was under the impression that we'd be able to use with softbank mail...
Also, I still can't view emoji that are sent to me via AU on my softbank mail...
Are these issues the norm? Or am I missing something...
Thanks in advance to any help. AJ
Sorry guys, I was back in Los Angeles when the update rolled out and didn't want to try updating while roaming!
I'm totally lost on the emoji thing... could someone pls direct me to a useful link that explains what works and what doesn't? Seems I can access emoji icons from SMS, but not from any of my mail accounts, INCLUDING softbank's "xxxx@i.softbank.jp". I was under the impression that we'd be able to use with softbank mail...
Also, I still can't view emoji that are sent to me via AU on my softbank mail...
Are these issues the norm? Or am I missing something...
Thanks in advance to any help. AJ
Sorry to dig up this again but it came time for my 'kishuu-henkou' at Softbank this month and based on my own usage needs I passed up the iPhone and its required data plan and went with the abovementioned Sharp 922SH.
No, it's not an iPhone and definitely lacks the App Store but I have an iPod Touch for that.
I don't know if they've changed things considerably since you wrote your comments above but the 922SH has a retail value of 37,900 yen now ($409) not $1100. It doesn't have the UI of an iPhone but I don't find it particularly 'unintuitive' either. It works for what I use it for which is mainly texting. In fact, for that I really appreciate it's full QWERTY keyboard. It's way better for me than typing on my iPod Touch's virtual one. It also has a bigger screen than the iPhone and if you're into it (I'm not) it has a built in OneSeg TV tuner and doesn't require a separate unit like the iPhone. Oh, it also supports Flash unlike the iPhone. I don't find the 922SH laggy either although there was a firmware update in August that may have changed that from when you saw it as well. Oh, and finally it has a J-J/E-E/J dictionary built in that's actually pretty decent. But I use my Touch with Eijiro as my primary dictionary. But the main selling point for me was the fact that the 922SH as an aging model in the Softbank lineup is now completely subsidized. I have 24 payments of 1540 yen and since I am a user from the J-Phone days (over 2 years obviously), Softbank pays back 1540 yen per month making it free.
I hope you guys are enjoying your iPhones. I love my Touch. I just wanted to say there are some other decent alternatives out there depending on your needs and I wanted to refute what I thought were some inaccurate comments on the 922SH.
Wirelessly posted (iPhone 3G (white): Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5G77 Safari/525.20)
I couldn't stand having to downgrade to a non-iPhone phone after using my iPhone since July, actually just imagining it is scary.
But that's just me. I'm glad you got a phone that works for you. And it's cool that the phone is now worth less half of what it was worth six months ago. (actually, that's not cool at all ... but convenient for new buyers, I guess) ... Enjoy!
edit: you know, I just looked through all the apps I've got installed on my iPhone, and EVERY SINGLE ONE of the apps I use on a regular basis requires internet access. All the ones I already listed, plus RemoteTap, OneDisk, App Store, App Sniper, Newsstand, AP Mobile News, Cydia (this one not so much, but still), Weather, and now that we can access it by 3G, iTunes. Every one of those requires internet. Hell, even Calendar and Contacts 'require' internet since they sync with MobileMe. And since it's nearly impossible to find free, unsecured wifi in Tokyo (not to mention, completely out of the question while riding the train!) the iPhone is really indispensable for me now. But, to each his own.
Well that about sums it up. There are decent alternatives depending on your needs. Personally, I can't stand using my iPod Touch anymore - since I only get wifi at home, when I'm out (and therefore actually using the device) I get no twitter/Twinkle, no Maps, no YouTube, no MacRumors/TouchArcade, no email, and no SMS - basically the stuff I use my iPhone for the most.
I couldn't stand having to downgrade to a non-iPhone phone after using my iPhone since July, actually just imagining it is scary. But that's just me. I'm glad you got a phone that works for you. And it's cool that the phone is now worth less half of what it was worth six months ago. (actually, that's not cool at all ... but convenient for new buyers, I guess) ... Enjoy!
edit: you know, I just looked through all the apps I've got installed on my iPhone, and EVERY SINGLE ONE of the apps I use on a regular basis requires internet access. All the ones I already listed, plus RemoteTap, OneDisk, App Store, App Sniper, Newsstand, AP Mobile News, Cydia (this one not so much, but still), Weather, and now that we can access it by 3G, iTunes. Every one of those requires internet. Hell, even Calendar and Contacts 'require' internet since they sync with MobileMe. And since it's nearly impossible to find free, unsecured wifi in Tokyo (not to mention, completely out of the question while riding the train!) the iPhone is really indispensable for me now. But, to each his own.
Well that about sums it up. There are decent alternatives depending on your needs. Personally, I can't stand using my iPod Touch anymore - since I only get wifi at home, when I'm out (and therefore actually using the device) I get no twitter/Twinkle, no Maps, no YouTube, no MacRumors/TouchArcade, no email, and no SMS - basically the stuff I use my iPhone for the most.
Well, the 922SH is called the "Internet Machine" for a reason. It has that really nice big screen and if I sprung for the "pake-hodai" unlimited data plan it would still be cheaper than the iPhone. Surfing on it is not the excellent Safari-experience with the iPhone and it's finger-pinch zooming, etc. but with the larger, wide screen it's not that horrible either.
No, you don't have the beautiful UI of the iPhone nor the awesome iPhone apps but this thing does have full support for Java apps. Oh, one other advantage I forgot to mention for the iPhone over the 922SH (aside from the obvious) is GPS if that's important to you.
But that's just me. I'm glad you got a phone that works for you. And it's cool that the phone is now worth less half of what it was worth six months ago. (actually, that's not cool at all ... but convenient for new buyers, I guess) ... Enjoy!
Since the phone costs me zero I don't much care what they claim it's retail price is.
Anyway, we already agreed it all depends on what your needs are. Most of the apps I rely on my Touch for are not Internet based. (e.g. Eijiro and Kotoba and my SINGLE most beloved app, Stanza) and strangely, I can often find open wifi down here in Kagawa. I wouldn't be able to do so on public transportation of course but still I can usually find an open hotspot when I'm out and about town and need to jump on the web with my Touch.
Holy S***
Speaking of "exorbitant"... Unless you are on a particularly lavish expense account which allows such things, I highly recommend to all you iPhone users:
use it WITH EXTREME CAUTION while abroad. The roaming charges are just sick. I mean, totally, completely, unspeakably crazy sick. I just got back from the States, where I used my my iPhone what I'd call occasionally over three weeks. A few brief calls, a bit of email, a little GPS... I let my brother check his Gmail account once when we had no internet access. Now, I left it on at first, and figured I'd be running up a tab, and sure enough, after a week or so a warning SMS came to alert me that I'd exceeded 30,000 yen in charges. So I figured OK, enough, and put it on airplane mode, but enabled WiFi, and except for a couple other instances of GPS-need, kept it that way. Figured it'd be a hefty bill, maybe 50,000 or so, anyway.
Well, I just got back & found a bill (with termination warning) waiting for me. (Not sure why it didn't get auto-withdrawn as usual -- not for lack of funds, but perhaps my bank just wouldn't auto-pay THAT MUCH MONEY...?) When I saw the figure I got a little dizzy. Suffice it to say that 50,000 was a gross underestimate, and a figure that at this point I would have been happy to pay, by comparison. I'm going to pay the bill anyway, since I really can't afford to have my service cut off. I'll talk to a service rep and see if there isn't any sort of forgiveness program.
Anyway, word to the wise: If you intend to use your iPhone whilst abroad, I'd highly recommend turning off your email accounts and avoiding using the internet, unless you're on WiFi, or GPS at all (and at least set that on "map" mode -- mine was on "hybrid" at first, which can't have helped). Even then, I'd probably keep it on airplane mode, just in case. In any case DO NOT leave it on with email, etc. enabled. Unless, of course, you have ridiculous amounts of money that you don't care about burning on your SoftBank bill. In which case, by all means, have at it.
Speaking of "exorbitant"... Unless you are on a particularly lavish expense account which allows such things, I highly recommend to all you iPhone users:
use it WITH EXTREME CAUTION while abroad. The roaming charges are just sick. I mean, totally, completely, unspeakably crazy sick. I just got back from the States, where I used my my iPhone what I'd call occasionally over three weeks. A few brief calls, a bit of email, a little GPS... I let my brother check his Gmail account once when we had no internet access. Now, I left it on at first, and figured I'd be running up a tab, and sure enough, after a week or so a warning SMS came to alert me that I'd exceeded 30,000 yen in charges. So I figured OK, enough, and put it on airplane mode, but enabled WiFi, and except for a couple other instances of GPS-need, kept it that way. Figured it'd be a hefty bill, maybe 50,000 or so, anyway.
Well, I just got back & found a bill (with termination warning) waiting for me. (Not sure why it didn't get auto-withdrawn as usual -- not for lack of funds, but perhaps my bank just wouldn't auto-pay THAT MUCH MONEY...?) When I saw the figure I got a little dizzy. Suffice it to say that 50,000 was a gross underestimate, and a figure that at this point I would have been happy to pay, by comparison. I'm going to pay the bill anyway, since I really can't afford to have my service cut off. I'll talk to a service rep and see if there isn't any sort of forgiveness program.
Anyway, word to the wise: If you intend to use your iPhone whilst abroad, I'd highly recommend turning off your email accounts and avoiding using the internet, unless you're on WiFi, or GPS at all (and at least set that on "map" mode -- mine was on "hybrid" at first, which can't have helped). Even then, I'd probably keep it on airplane mode, just in case. In any case DO NOT leave it on with email, etc. enabled. Unless, of course, you have ridiculous amounts of money that you don't care about burning on your SoftBank bill. In which case, by all means, have at it.
Actually, you can just make sure "Data Roaming" (Settings> General> Network) is set to "OFF".
This will still leave your phone available to make and receive calls, but not allow data transmission. Calls abroad are about ¥150 per minute. Data is the killer... SoftBank doesn't really even discuss how much it is per packet.
I went to the US in November and made about 10 or so calls and my bill was ¥2500 more than usual.
Hope you have some luck getting SoftBank to "forgive" some of those charges BiginJapan! Let us know how it goes.
one seg tuner and battery
Hi guys,
I had a question about the one seg tuner that softbank came out with couple weeks ago. I am from the states and was wondering if its possible to use it over here too. I tried searching all over online, but since its new, cant find anything relate it to it. Softbank does note that it is for use in Japan only but im hoping theres some way around to is use it over here. If anyone knows anything about it please respond. thanx in advance guys
Hi guys,
I had a question about the one seg tuner that softbank came out with couple weeks ago. I am from the states and was wondering if its possible to use it over here too. I tried searching all over online, but since its new, cant find anything relate it to it. Softbank does note that it is for use in Japan only but im hoping theres some way around to is use it over here. If anyone knows anything about it please respond. thanx in advance guys
One-seg service is Japan only (and Brazil I think). So far as I know there is no "standard" for terrestrial digital broadcasts in the states even though they plan to cease all analog broadcasts quite a bit earlier than Japan.
At any rate, the iPhone One-seg tuner won't be of much value to you outside of Japan unless you plan to perhaps use it as a paperweight or something.
One of my tech savvy students told me Japan's next iPhone would be especially made for the Japanese market. It would probably include a one seg TV and the EDY cash system, since the lack of those are a couple reasons a lot of Japanese weren't terribly interested in the 3G iPhone. Anyone know more on this?
I was wondering if anyone with an iPhone in Japan has figured out how to get SMS sent from Google calendar or RTM. I can't get that working.
I was wondering if anyone with an iPhone in Japan has figured out how to get SMS sent from Google calendar or RTM. I can't get that working.
Softbank Email Running Slow
My iPhone's Softbank email has been running really slow lately. The green button "You have a message" overlay appears, it when I go to Mail to download the message, it checks for about a minute before timing out, and then requires me to hit the reload button to download it again. Has anyone else experienced this long delay?
I thought my inbox was too big so I deleted all my messages but I'm still having a problem.
And when will softbank implement push? What's the point in me "dismissing" a notice message just to go manually fetch an email? The notice message doesn't even make the phone vibrate or chime. It's absurd.
My iPhone's Softbank email has been running really slow lately. The green button "You have a message" overlay appears, it when I go to Mail to download the message, it checks for about a minute before timing out, and then requires me to hit the reload button to download it again. Has anyone else experienced this long delay?
I thought my inbox was too big so I deleted all my messages but I'm still having a problem.
And when will softbank implement push? What's the point in me "dismissing" a notice message just to go manually fetch an email? The notice message doesn't even make the phone vibrate or chime. It's absurd.
Not sure about the rest of you, but I always have trouble retrieving softbank mail while on 3G. Strange, because no problems when I'm using wifi. Sending seems to be fine on 3G or wifi as well. The problem seems to lie with SoftBank's incoming servers and 3G.