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!!
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.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.
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.
@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.
@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.
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!!
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)
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.![]()
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!!
[SNIP] 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.[/SNIP]
[SNIP] Plus all my Japanese female friends found it extremely hard to use my iPhone with their over length fingernails! [/SNIP]
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!![]()
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Plus all my Japanese female friends found it extremely hard to use my iPhone with their over length fingernails!
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 ...The problem is that you cannot download content from iTunes stores outside your country (actually, the country where your credit card is issued*) ...