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3G iPhone in Japan?

Hey, just a heads up for you guys, there's a new version of the Delivery Status touch app coming out. This version now supports Yamato-Kuroneko. It also supports Japan Post, Amazon and a lot of international shipping companies as well.

You can get the Dashboard Widget for free off the developer's site right now. http://junecloud.com/software/mac/delivery-status.html

You're gonna have to pay for iPhone app though.

I've known the developer for a while and got him to add Japanese support. He's agreed to include Sagawa into the next version too, since I did him a favor. If he gets a lot of requests for other services, he'll consider adding those. I suggested he consider EcoHai, and Seino. Not sure about Nittsu (Pelican) though, since they're merging with the Post Office. Does that mean no more PelicanBin?? :confused:

If anyone else here in Japan likes the widget, I recommend sending the developer an email and asking him to add more Japanese delivery services. Just kinda hard to convince him to add Japanese services when he gets way more feedback from US, Canada, UK, German, and Scandinavian users.
 
BiginJapan said:
:eek:

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 (Not sure why it didn't get auto-withdrawn as usual -- not for lack of funds, but perhaps my bank just wouldn't auto-pay THAT MUCH MONEY...?)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.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the warning!

I'm a bit confused, though, about using GPS while overseas. Even if you have the 3G network turned off and only use WiFi, you are still charged roaming fees if you leave Location Services turned on?
 
Gokunama said:
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?
Click to expand...
I don't have any info on this (and I sincerely your student does, either) ;)

But those are good points. I didn't expect any of that stuff to be in the iPhone 3G as they are Japan-specific and would unnecessarily drive costs up for everyone, GLOBALLY, if added. However, I think Apple must be disappointed in the iPhone's lack of penetration in this market, and I wonder what steps they'll be willing to take the next time around. I doubt we'll see a Japan-specific model, but if adding a One-Seg tuner and a Felica system to the iPhone are what it would take to win over the hearts of Japanese users, I wonder if they'd do it? Actually, I also wonder what good it would do when the iPhone is still perceived as MUCH more expensive than other phones and therefore a luxury item ... :rolleyes:
 
japanime said:
Thanks for the warning!

I'm a bit confused, though, about using GPS while overseas. Even if you have the 3G network turned off and only use WiFi, you are still charged roaming fees if you leave Location Services turned on?
Click to expand...

I was in the US for three weeks around the new year. I used GPS and occasionally turned on data roaming. The bill came to ３５，０１８円, which isn't too much more than my average monthly bill.

mavis said:
But those are good points. I didn't expect any of that stuff to be in the iPhone 3G as they are Japan-specific and would unnecessarily drive costs up for everyone, GLOBALLY, if added. However, I think Apple must be disappointed in the iPhone's lack of penetration in this market, and I wonder what steps they'll be willing to take the next time around. I doubt we'll see a Japan-specific model, but if adding a One-Seg tuner and a Felica system to the iPhone are what it would take to win over the hearts of Japanese users, I wonder if they'd do it? Actually, I also wonder what good it would do when the iPhone is still perceived as MUCH more expensive than other phones and therefore a luxury item ... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Not too sure one seg or felica matter that much. Apple would be better off adding real emoji support and a better camera--one that supports macro mode.

Yeah, still can't see most emoji from my friends.
 
Emoji working with AU??

Received an email today from one of my friends with an AU handset. Her emoji displayed on my iPhone!! When I replied with emoji, she could see mine as well!

Do you guys know anything about this? Wondering if it'll work with docomo as well. Maybe this is old news, but I didn't hear or read anything on it.
 
ajmiyazaki said:
Received an email today from one of my friends with an AU handset. Her emoji displayed on my iPhone!! When I replied with emoji, she could see mine as well!

Do you guys know anything about this? Wondering if it'll work with docomo as well. Maybe this is old news, but I didn't hear or read anything on it.
Click to expand...

Odd. I received an AU mail with emoji three days ago which didn't display properly. Received a docomo mail on Wednesday, same.

Of course, I'm using my MobileMe account, not the SoftBank mail account. Wonder if that makes a difference.
 
I don't know if I'm the last one to hear about this but I found it rather interesting news. Softbank is now offering massive price cuts on the iPhone and lowering the minimum price of the data plan again:

During the campaign, which runs through May 31, the company will provide 8GB iPhones for free instead of ¥23,040, while the price of the 16GB version will be cut from ¥34,560 to ¥11,520.

In addition, the company is lowering the monthly cap for Internet service to ¥4,410 from ¥5,985, a deal also available to current users.

The full article is here. Could this mean a new iPhone is around the corner or is Softbank just desperate to get people using the data plans and trying to reduce their shelves full of iPhones?
 
mavis said:
Odd. I received an AU mail with emoji three days ago which didn't display properly. Received a docomo mail on Wednesday, same.

Of course, I'm using my MobileMe account, not the SoftBank mail account. Wonder if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...

I was able to confirm that AU made some adjustments to their system to accept and receive emoji with the iPhone. Very cool of them. Now if only docomo would do the same.

Keep in mind, you need to be using your i.softbank.jp account for this to work. For those of you that don't, it's worth giving a try!
 
ajmiyazaki said:
I was able to confirm that AU made some adjustments to their system to accept and receive emoji with the iPhone. Very cool of them. Now if only docomo would do the same.

Keep in mind, you need to be using your i.softbank.jp account for this to work. For those of you that don't, it's worth giving a try!
Click to expand...

But don't you hate being forced to give out a temporary email address? I mean, I don't know about you, but I don't plan on being able to use my @i.softbank.jp address in 5-10 years. This is what I hate about carrier-provided email. It's so temporary.
 
mavis said:
But don't you hate being forced to give out a temporary email address? I mean, I don't know about you, but I don't plan on being able to use my @i.softbank.jp address in 5-10 years. This is what I hate about carrier-provided email. It's so temporary.
Click to expand...


Just wondering for anyone that has previosuly had a softbank phone, can you just put your iphone 3g sim into your old 3g fone and still receive emails under the @i.softbank.ne.jp?
 
mavis said:
But don't you hate being forced to give out a temporary email address? I mean, I don't know about you, but I don't plan on being able to use my @i.softbank.jp address in 5-10 years. This is what I hate about carrier-provided email. It's so temporary.
Click to expand...

It doesn't really affect me. I use my softbank mail with coworkers and friends in Japan. Family and friends back home use my mobile me mail.
 
BiginJapan said:
In 3.0. It took long enough, but I'm glad it's on the way. :)

Search sounds nice, too.
Click to expand...
It is. ;)

I just hope SoftBank doesn't try to screw us on MMS pricing. Although so far (like everyone in the States) I'm unable to use MMS and I'm wondering if it's due to a bug or a problem with SoftBank.
 
Could Softbank take advantage of 3.0 push notifications to deliver us i.softbank.jp email with proper sound alerts and true push? I realize they can't make their own softbank email app, but can they use the new 3.0 push notifications through mail.app to play a long sound?

I don't give softbank much credit so I doubt they'll do anything. I'm currently using a yahoo address for push.
 
thewhitehart said:
Could Softbank take advantage of 3.0 push notifications to deliver us i.softbank.jp email with proper sound alerts and true push? I realize they can't make their own softbank email app, but can they use the new 3.0 push notifications through mail.app to play a long sound?

I don't give softbank much credit so I doubt they'll do anything. I'm currently using a yahoo address for push.
Click to expand...
I doubt it; push has been available and working well since 2.0 was released! They've had almost nine months to figure it out but still seem to be either utterly clueless or wholly incompetent.
 
Why the Japanese Hate the iPhone

Not sure if iPhone is a hit in Japan if you read this http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/02/why-the-iphone.html from Wired.

Apple's iPhone has wowed most of the globe — but not Japan, where the handset is selling so poorly it's being offered for free.
What's wrong with the iPhone, from a Japanese perspective? Almost everything: the high monthly data plans that go with it, its paucity of features, the low-quality camera, the unfashionable design and the fact that it's not Japanese.
 
atlanticza said:
Not sure if iPhone is a hit in Japan if you read this http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/02/why-the-iphone.html from Wired.

Apple's iPhone has wowed most of the globe — but not Japan, where the handset is selling so poorly it's being offered for free.
What's wrong with the iPhone, from a Japanese perspective? Almost everything: the high monthly data plans that go with it, its paucity of features, the low-quality camera, the unfashionable design and the fact that it's not Japanese.
Click to expand...

Most of that hack piece from Wired has been exposed as a crock.

See here and here.
 
New Deal

Has anyone come across and English translation of the new pricing deal Softbank is offering? It kinda seems like they are offering deals both to new and existing customers. But I can't read enough Japanese to understand. If anyone has a link please post it here.
 
iPhone for Everybody campaign details:

1. The iPhone for Everybody campaign runs until May 31st, 2009.

2. When you purchase the 8GB iPhone using the New Super Bonus, a discount equal to the monthly installment of the phone will be applied to your monthly bill, effectively making the phone free if you use it for the full contract term. The discount applies as well to the 16GB iPhone, but you will only get a credit equal to the value of the 8GB iPhone.

3. The maximum price you will pay for unlimited packets has dropped from 5985 to 4410 yen.

So, some hypothetical monthly bills with the new campaign:

Case 1: 8GB iPhone on the 24 month New Super Bonus payment plan
Monthly installment for iPhone: FREE (1280yen minus 1280yen with discount)
White Plan (i) - required: 980yen
Universal Service Charge - required: 8.4yen
S! Basic Pack - required to access internet: 315yen
Unlimited Packets: 1029yen to 4410yen depending on how much you use it. 99.9% of iPhone users will max out at 4410yen.
Double White - non-free calls are half price, optional but recommended: 980yen

Total for 8GB iPhone is 6693yen per month (all calls made before 1AM and after 9PM and calls to non-SoftBank phones will make this price go up).



Case 2: 16GB iPhone on the 24 month New Super Bonus payment plan
Monthly installment for iPhone: 480yen (1760yen minus 1280yen with discount, 11520yen over 24 months)
White Plan (i) - required: 980yen
Universal Service Charge - required: 8.4yen
S! Basic Pack - required to access internet: 315yen
Unlimited Packets: 1029yen to 4410yen depending on how much you use it. 99.9% of iPhone users will max out at 4410yen.
Double White - non-free calls are half price, optional but recommended: 980yen

Total for 16GB iPhone is 7173yen per month (all calls made before 1AM and after 9PM and calls to non-SoftBank phones will make this price go up).



Some other tidbits:
-Although the standard payment plan is a 24 month plan, you do not start paying for the phone until the 3rd month of service. Therefore this is a 26 month commitment. I believe SoftBank wants foreign residents to have a 3 year visa to qualify for the 24 month New Super Bonus. Foreign residents without 3 year visas may get the iPhone by skipping the New Super Bonus and paying a one-time lump sum of 30,720yen (8GB) or 42,240yen (16GB) upfront, which releases you from any commitments beyond paying your usage charges.

-If you cancel your contract before your term has expired, you will have to pay a 9975yen penalty in addition to paying off the remainder of the phone (New Super Bonus discount no longer applies to the remaining months in your contract). For example, if you quit during the 13th month of your 8GB iPhone contract, you will have to pay 29,175yen (9975yen penalty plus 1280yen*remaining 14 payments).

-Eligible students signing up on a family plan can apply for the White Gakuwari with Kazoku discount which reduces the cost of White Plan (i) by half - becoming 490yen for 3 years.


I'm pretty sure I've translated http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/iphone/everybody/ accurately but if I missed some details, please post and let me know!
 
Existing contracts?

And what about people who already have an iPhone?I'd loved to be able toactually use my iPhone while I'm away from wireless.

plasticparadox said:
iPhone for Everybody campaign details:

1. The iPhone for Everybody campaign runs until May 31st, 2009.

2. When you purchase the 8GB iPhone using the New Super Bonus, a discount equal to the monthly installment of the phone will be applied to your monthly bill, effectively making the phone free if you use it for the full contract term. The discount applies as well to the 16GB iPhone, but you will only get a credit equal to the value of the 8GB iPhone.

3. The maximum price you will pay for unlimited packets has dropped from 5985 to 4410 yen.

So, some hypothetical monthly bills with the new campaign:

Case 1: 8GB iPhone on the 24 month New Super Bonus payment plan
Monthly installment for iPhone: FREE (1280yen minus 1280yen with discount)
White Plan (i) - required: 980yen
Universal Service Charge - required: 8.4yen
S! Basic Pack - required to access internet: 315yen
Unlimited Packets: 1029yen to 4410yen depending on how much you use it. 99.9% of iPhone users will max out at 4410yen.
Double White - non-free calls are half price, optional but recommended: 980yen

Total for 8GB iPhone is 6693yen per month (all calls made before 1AM and after 9PM and calls to non-SoftBank phones will make this price go up).



Case 2: 16GB iPhone on the 24 month New Super Bonus payment plan
Monthly installment for iPhone: 480yen (1760yen minus 1280yen with discount, 11520yen over 24 months)
White Plan (i) - required: 980yen
Universal Service Charge - required: 8.4yen
S! Basic Pack - required to access internet: 315yen
Unlimited Packets: 1029yen to 4410yen depending on how much you use it. 99.9% of iPhone users will max out at 4410yen.
Double White - non-free calls are half price, optional but recommended: 980yen

Total for 16GB iPhone is 7173yen per month (all calls made before 1AM and after 9PM and calls to non-SoftBank phones will make this price go up).



Some other tidbits:
-Although the standard payment plan is a 24 month plan, you do not start paying for the phone until the 3rd month of service. Therefore this is a 26 month commitment. I believe SoftBank wants foreign residents to have a 3 year visa to qualify for the 24 month New Super Bonus. Foreign residents without 3 year visas may get the iPhone by skipping the New Super Bonus and paying a one-time lump sum of 30,720yen (8GB) or 42,240yen (16GB) upfront, which releases you from any commitments beyond paying your usage charges.

-If you cancel your contract before your term has expired, you will have to pay a 9975yen penalty in addition to paying off the remainder of the phone (New Super Bonus discount no longer applies to the remaining months in your contract). For example, if you quit during the 13th month of your 8GB iPhone contract, you will have to pay 29,175yen (9975yen penalty plus 1280yen*remaining 14 payments).

-Eligible students signing up on a family plan can apply for the White Gakuwari with Kazoku discount which reduces the cost of White Plan (i) by half - becoming 490yen for 3 years.


I'm pretty sure I've translated http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/iphone/everybody/ accurately but if I missed some details, please post and let me know!
Click to expand...
 
plasticparadox said:
Existing customers will have the new packet discount kick in from April 1st.
Click to expand...
I just got off the phone with Ms. Sato at 157 and was informed that existing customers can apply for the new discounts on/after April 1st, but that we will have to agree to a new contract, ending two years from that date. We will also be hit with the new ETF (9975JPY) if we cancel prior to April/May 2011. :rolleyes:

Way to go, SoftBank. It's nice that customer satisfaction and loyalty is so important to you guys.
 
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