NTT DoCoMo launching 19 new devices this summer, brings Galaxy S III to Japan

If you aren't already accustomed to Japan's regular deluge of device announcements, brace yourself: NTT DoCoMo just stepped forward with 17 new phones, as well as a mobile WiFi hotspot and a tablet. Throw a stone at the pile of hardware, and you're likely to strike something running Ice Cream Sandwich -- with the exception of the WiFi hotspot and a single handset designed for kids, every device on the list is running Android 4.0. Among the hodgepodge of handsets, DoCoMo is offering ten dual-core devices with screens ranging from 3.7 to 5-inches, a 10.1-inch 1.2Ghz dual-core slate, camera sensors of all sizes (from 8 megapixels to 13, that is) and a curious "Raku-Raku smartphone" that promises the "sensation of pressing actual keys" to smartphone newbies. The lineup's superstars, however, can all be found in DoCoMo's "NEXT" series of smartphones, bolstering the carrier's Xi LTE service with heavy hitters like the Galaxy S III, the Optimus Vu, Sony's Xperia GX and the Tegra 3 touting Arrows X. Hit the source links to check out the smartphone smorgasbord for yourself, or read on for our list of the never-before-seen ICS devices (they're all waterproof!) as well as DoCoMo's official press release.

DoCoMo With series

NEC Medias X N-07D: 4.3-inch, 1.5GHz dual core, 123g, 8.1MP / 1.3MP, Xi LTE, 1,800mAh

Optimus it L-05D: 4-inch, 1.5GHz dual core, 131g, 8.2MP / 0.32MP, Xi LTE, 1,650mAh

Fujitsu F-09D Anteprima: 3.7-inch, 1.4GHz, 120g, 8.1MP / 1.3MP, 1,460mAh

Fujitsu Arrows Me F-11D: 3.7-inch, 1GHz, 125g, 5MP, 1,520mAh

Panasonic Eluga V P-06D: 4.6-inch, 1.5GHz dual core, 127g, 13.2MP / 1.3MP, 1,600mAh

Sharp AQUOS Phone st SH-07D: 3.4-inch, 1GHz, 108g, 8MP, 1,520mAh

DoCoMo Next series

Sharp AQUOS Phone sv SH-10D: 4.5-inch, 1.5GHz dual core, 138g, 12.1MP / 0.32MP, Xi LTE, 1,900mAh, microSDXC

Toshiba Regza Phone T-02D: 4.3-inch, 1.5GHz dual core, 139g, 13.1MP / 1.3MP, Xi LTE, 1,800mAh

Sharp AQUOS Phone Zeta SH-09D: 4.7-inch, 1.5GHz dual core, 140g, 12.1MP / 0.32MP, Xi LTE, 1,900mAh, microSDXC

Others

DoCoMo Raku-Raku F-12D: 4-inch, 1.4GHz, 139g, 8.1MP / 0.32MP, 1,800mAh

Tablet

Panasonic Eluga Live P-08D: 10.1-inch, 1.2GHz dual core (TI OMAP), 672g, 1.3MP front cam, 6,560mAh

Richard Lai contributed to this report.

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TOKYO, JAPAN, May 16, 2012 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today its 2012 summer lineup of 19 models for launch in or after June, including 16 smartphones, a tablet and a mobile phone for children as well as a mobile Wi-Fi® router, many of which will be compatible with DOCOMO's Xi™ (read "Crossy") LTE mobile service.

DOCOMO's new smartphone and tablet lineup, which covers an exceptionally broad range of specifications, is designed to satisfy diverse needs at a time when smart devices are becoming an increasingly essential and ubiquitous part of daily life.

For the first time, for example, the Raku-Raku PHONE series of simplified models offers a touch-screen smartphone that mimics the sensation of pressing actual keys. Users less experienced in touch screen operations are expected to welcome the familiar feel of this newest model in DOCOMO's series of easy-to-see, easy-to-hear and easy-to-use mobile devices. Also for the first time, users of this phone may subscribe to the "Raku-Raku Pake-hodai" flat-rate packet service.

DOCOMO also has launched a number of initiatives for enhanced security and customer support to ensure that all smartphone and tablet models in the summer 2012 lineup can be used with peace of mind.

Key features of DOCOMO's new lineup of smartphones and tablet are as follow:

All models run on Android™ 4.0.

All eight "NEXT" series smartphones, three "with" series smartphones and the lineup's slim, stylish W-Fi router are compatible with DOCOMO's Xi LTE service for extra-fast access and navigation.

Most of the devices are compatible with the updated docomo Anshin Scan™ service, which features a new alarm system warning users about fraudulent sites for extra-safe browsing, in addition to its existing virus scan feature

All models are expected to be compatible with Smartphone Anshin Remote Support™, a call center that can send easy-to-follow prompts to the user's screen to show them how to set up and operate their devices.

Most models can access Sumaho Onayami Support Menu, a portal of handy, flowchart-style resources for smartphone troubleshooting, fun tips about device usage, terminology and introductions to useful content.

Potent processing power, including one model with a quad-core CPU and 12 models with dual-core CPUs for enjoying rich applications and high-resolution videos and games on the high-speed Xi network.

Smartphone sizes to suit all needs, from smaller models that fit snugly in one's palm to large 5-inch screens for easy viewing of e-books and similar content.
Four smartphones and the tablet are compatible with NOTTV™, a V-high multimedia broadcasting service.

Two collaboration smartphones, one featuring the fashion brand ANTEPRIMA and the other the manga comic series JOJO, with exclusive content preinstalled.

Many models offer highly in-demand features such as water resistance, NFC, infrared communications and One-Seg terrestrial digital broadcasting.

Six models are expected to feature the preinstalled "Twonky Beam" app, which allows users to enjoy recorded digital terrestrial contents and others on their smartphones, as well as wirelessly transmitting browsed content such as videos, images or music to large-screen televisions or audio systems.