Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo expands its instant translation trials to 10 languages and 10,000 users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/ntt-docomo-instant-translator/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/ntt-docomo-instant-translator/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/ntt-docomo-instant-translator/#comments NTT DoCoMo expands its instant translator trials to 10 languages and 10,000 users

NTT DoCoMo's high-speed over-the-phone translation service has hit its second wider trial, aiming to test its skills with 10 languages and 10,000 subscribers -- up from 1,000 during its initial tests in 2011. DoCoMo has thrown in a few more details on how its real-time translator works. The feature is split into three steps: first, the carrier's servers recognize what you're saying, parses it into another language through its own cloud services and then converts the final translation into an audio message. The service currently functions with any Android device running version 2.2 or higher and a separate app will handle the interpretation for French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai. The Japanese carrier aims to launch a commercial version by March 2013 -- just in time for that vacation to see those falling cherry blossoms.

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo expands its instant translation trials to 10 languages and 10,000 users

NTT DoCoMo expands its instant translation trials to 10 languages and 10,000 users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DoCoMoinstant translationInstantTranslationinterpretationjapanjapaneselanguagemobilepostcrossNTT DoCoMoNttDocomotranslationMon, 14 May 2012 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New Eye-Fi Mobile X2 card does old tricks, but with less hassle for Android and iOS users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/11/eye-fi-mobile-x2-wireless-sd-card/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/11/eye-fi-mobile-x2-wireless-sd-card/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/11/eye-fi-mobile-x2-wireless-sd-card/#comments New Eye-Fi Mobile X2 card does old tricks, but with less hassle for Android and iOS usersDirect Mode on an Eye-Fi card makes a lot of sense when you want to beam photos from your camera straight to your smartphone. The latest edition of the Mobile X2 promises to simplify this process by coming pre-configured for Direct Mode from the factory, and being accompanied by a 10-digit pairing code that'll let you register the camera securely with the Eye-Fi app on your Android phone without recourse to a PC. We'd feel more excited about this if Toshiba's FlashAir card hadn't done something similar already using a clever browser-based connection we saw at CES. Still, if Eye-Fi is the brand and workflow you want to stick with, then be advised that this particular Mobile X2 is Japan-only for now. However, a worldwide release is planned at some point, along with an update to the iOS app that'll make the key-code pairing thing work for that other section of humanity too.

New Eye-Fi Mobile X2 card does old tricks, but with less hassle for Android and iOS users originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappcameradirect modeDirectModedocomoeye-fieye-fi mobile x 2Eye-fiMobileX2eyefifile transferFileTransferiosjapanMobile X2mobilepostcrossMobileX2nttntt docomoNttDocomophoto transferphotographyPhotoTransferwireless transferWirelessTransferWed, 11 Apr 2012 06:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung, NTT DoCoMo, et al. cancel plans for LTE chip joint venture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/samsung-ntt-docomo-cancel-plans-lte-chip-joint-venture/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/samsung-ntt-docomo-cancel-plans-lte-chip-joint-venture/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/samsung-ntt-docomo-cancel-plans-lte-chip-joint-venture/#commentsImageLooks like the decision to not make a decision has... well, created a decision. Back in December of 2011, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic, Samsung and a smattering of other Japanese firms put their heads together in order to launch a joint venture to manufacture and sell ICs for mobile devices. Communication Platform Planning Co. was actually established with the goal to hawk these LTE semiconductors, but now that a consensus on how it'd all play out wasn't reached by the March 2012 deadline, it'll be liquidated in June. Reportedly, DoCoMo even set aside some $5.4 million to set up the now-defunct subsidiary, but now it's all for naught. The entire press release is embedded just after the break, though it's about as light on deets as they come.

Continue reading Samsung, NTT DoCoMo, et al. cancel plans for LTE chip joint venture

Samsung, NTT DoCoMo, et al. cancel plans for LTE chip joint venture originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLtebusinesschipCommunication Platform PlanningCommunicationPlatformPlanningDoCoMoFujitsuindustryjapanjoint ventureJointVentureltemicroprocessormobilemobilepostcrossNECNTT DoCoMoNttDocomopanasonicpartnerpartnershipprocessorSamsungMon, 02 Apr 2012 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp AQUOS SH-06D arrives from Japan, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/sharp-aquos-sh-06d-arrives-from-japan-we-go-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/sharp-aquos-sh-06d-arrives-from-japan-we-go-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/sharp-aquos-sh-06d-arrives-from-japan-we-go-hands-on-video/#comments

Sharp's AQUOS SH-06D will most probably never leave the Land of The Rising Sun. That doesn't stop us, however, from lusting after its 4.5-inch screen. This 720p display also manages 3D, spread across a slinky 10mm frame that houses NTT DoCoMo's recently launched NOTTV streaming broadcast system. The device arrives in pink, white and blue options -- all provided with a matching dock and built-in aerial. Like several eastern phones with the ability to tune into live TV broadcasts, the AQUOS SH-06D also totes its own extendable antenna built into the side. The device itself, despite its largely plastic build, felt solid in our hand, although the minuscule power and volume buttons proved difficult to manipulate at times. The screen technology is still a closely guarded secret, but it aims to bring both 3D functionality alongside a crisp HD display performance during two-dimensional antics. Viewing angles are great -- a welcome trend we've seen on plenty of handsets at this year's MWC -- but the heavily customized Android 2.3 skin took away some of that sheen. Applications are stowed away into several drop-down menus that took some getting used to -- regardless of any language barrier. Sharp hasn't revealed any plans to join its Japanese competitors in the frenzied global smartphone market, but some import options wouldn't go amiss. See why in our hands-on right after the break.

Sean Cooper contributed to this report

Gallery: Sharp AQUOS SH-06D hands-on

Continue reading Sharp AQUOS SH-06D arrives from Japan, we go hands-on (video)

Sharp AQUOS SH-06D arrives from Japan, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAndroid 2.3Android2.3AQUOS SH-06DAquosSh-06dDoCoMoGingerbreadGooglemobilepostcrossmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012nottvNTTNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoSH-06DSharpSharp AQUOS SH-06DSharpAquosSh-06dvideoWed, 29 Feb 2012 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic, DoCoMo, NEC and Fujitsu create IP for multi-standard LSI chip; supports LTE, GSM, W-CDMA and HSPA+]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/panasonic-docomo-nec-and-fujitsu-create-ip-for-multi-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/panasonic-docomo-nec-and-fujitsu-create-ip-for-multi-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/panasonic-docomo-nec-and-fujitsu-create-ip-for-multi-standard/#commentsMarvell was first to introduce a single-chip LTE world modem with support for multiple mobile standards late last year, and now Panasonic Mobile Communications, NTT DoCoMo, NEC and Fujitsu have developed intellectual property (hardware and software) for something similar of their own. Specifically, the quartet has gone further with the chip aspect. They've tested an "engineering sample" of a large-scale integration chip (pictured) for modems in mobile devices, and claim that it uses twenty percent less juice than larger two-chip designs. That consolidation, also makes it cheaper to produce. Past that, the chip has successfully provided "interconnectivity between the mobile networks of major vendors," getting it a step closer to production. The silicon lets modems play nice with FDD-LTE, TDD-LTE, GSM, W-CDMA and HSPA+, specifically, and LTE-Advanced support is in the cards for the future. Although Panasonic, DoCoMo, NEC and Fujitsu are the main partners, other "major players" are said to be on board for a "joint venture," with the goal of commercializing it in countries outside of (and including) Japan. The word's mum on when we can expect the chip to make it past the sampling phase, but in the meantime, hit up the press release after the break for more knowledge.

Continue reading Panasonic, DoCoMo, NEC and Fujitsu create IP for multi-standard LSI chip; supports LTE, GSM, W-CDMA and HSPA+

Panasonic, DoCoMo, NEC and Fujitsu create IP for multi-standard LSI chip; supports LTE, GSM, W-CDMA and HSPA+ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gppDOCOMOfddFrequency Division DuplexingFrequencyDivisionDuplexingFujitsuGSMHSPA+lteLTE-AdvancedmobilepostminiNECPanasonic Mobile CommunicationsPanasonicMobileCommunicationstddTime Division DuplexinTimeDivisionDuplexinW-CDMAMon, 27 Feb 2012 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Aquos SH-06D and Medias Tab N-06D are waterproof, Nottv-ready and official in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/aquos-sh-06d-and-medias-tab-n-06d-are-waterproof-nottv-ready-an/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/aquos-sh-06d-and-medias-tab-n-06d-are-waterproof-nottv-ready-an/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/aquos-sh-06d-and-medias-tab-n-06d-are-waterproof-nottv-ready-an/#comments NTT DoCoMo has launched two waterproof Android devices in the glare of the rising sun, and interestingly both are compatible with Japan's new "V-High" broadcasting service -- which means they'll receive the much-hyped multimedia Nottv channel once it starts transmitting on April 1st, as well as the usual one-seg transmissions. We already peeped the Sharp Aquos SH-06D in an FCC filing, but now we know a couple more tidbits: namely that there's a 4.5-inch HD glasses-free 3D display on top of a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. The NEC Medias tablet has a similar processor and also sports a seven-inch WXGA HD display, a thickness of less than 10mm (0.4-inches) plus compatibility with DoCoMo's "Xi" LTE service. Not bad for a morning's work.

Aquos SH-06D and Medias Tab N-06D are waterproof, Nottv-ready and official in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbroadcastingDocomogooglejapanMedias Tab N-06DMediasTabN-06dmobilepostcrossmultimedia tvMultimediaTvNECNEC MediasNecMediasNottvNTTNTT DocomoNttDocomoone-segsharp aquos sh-06dSharpAquosSh-06dsmartphonetablettransmissiontvtv serviceTvServicev-highv-high broadcastingV-highBroadcastingwaterproofThu, 16 Feb 2012 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nec-casio-medias-lte-n-04d-launches-in-japan-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nec-casio-medias-lte-n-04d-launches-in-japan-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nec-casio-medias-lte-n-04d-launches-in-japan-next-week/#comments NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next weekIt was mere weeks since we saw NEC's last smartphone that will probably never take the plane ride away from Japan, but contrary to its recent financials, the company doesn't appear to be letting up. The NEC Medias LTE N-04D, arriving on NTT DoCoMo, is a little chunkier than its predecessor, but that 11.6mm shell manages to squeeze in 4G connectivity and a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor Along LTE credentials, the specification reads like the majority of Medias phones we've already seen recently. This includes a waterproof shell, 4.3-inch 720p LCD screen, mobile wallet and TV tuner. It'll also join the handful of smartphones compatible with Casio's Bluetooth-connected G-Shock, adding mail and call notifications to your wrist. The phone will arrive February 15th in the tangy orange and black guise seen above. Japanese residents can now preorder theirs (while the rest of us gaze on wistfully) at the source below.

NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid gingerbreadAndroidGingerbreadDoCoMoGingerbreadGoogleJapanLTE N-04DLteN-04dMediasmobilepostminin-04dNECNEC Casio Medias LTE N-04DNecCasioMediasLteN-04dNTTNTT DoCoMoNttDocomothinthinnestThinnest PhoneThinnestPhonewaterproofFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/disney-mobile-on-docomo-brand-launches-with-two-new-android-phon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/disney-mobile-on-docomo-brand-launches-with-two-new-android-phon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/disney-mobile-on-docomo-brand-launches-with-two-new-android-phon/#comments It appears Disney's mobile efforts in Japan are going pretty well, and with the help of carrier NTT DoCoMo they're expanding under the joint "Disney Mobile on DoCoMo" brand name. The partnership is kicking off with two new Android-powered handsets launching over the next couple of months that pack in access to exclusive content from Disney like full-length animations, games, wallpapers and more. First up is the F-08D (left), a "luxury smartphone" that features silhouettes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a 4.3-inch HD (720x1280) LCD display, dual cameras and 1.2Ghz dual-core OMAP4430 CPU available in pink or white next month with preorders opening up February 17th. Next up is the P-05D (right), which has a slim 7.8mm thick frame, rear camera and 4.3-inch 540x960 res OLED screen all powered by a dual-core 1Ghz CPU that will launch at some point in March. Check out the press releases after the break for a few more details on each of these Japan-only cellphones, or hit the source link for even more specs -- no word yet on pricetags or which version of Android these will end up launching with.

Continue reading Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan

Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddisneydisney mobiledisney mobile on docomoDisneyMobileDisneyMobileOnDocomodocomodual coreDualCoref-08dhdjapanmickey mouseMickeyMouseminnie mouseMinnieMousemobilepostminintt docomoNttDocomooledomap 4430Omap4430p-05dtiTue, 31 Jan 2012 23:47:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo launches NEC Medias ES N-05D: Is 6.7mm thin enough?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/ntt-docomo-launches-nec-medias-es-n-05d-is-6-7mm-thin-enough/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/ntt-docomo-launches-nec-medias-es-n-05d-is-6-7mm-thin-enough/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/ntt-docomo-launches-nec-medias-es-n-05d-is-6-7mm-thin-enough/#comments NTT DoCoMo launches NEC Medias ES N-05D: Is 6.7mm thin enough?

Those NEC artisans have been at it again, shaving even more from its smartphone profiles. It's arrived at the Medias ES N-05D, which measures in at a ridiculous 6.7mm, and making the Droid Razr choke on its salad in the process. Like its predecessor, the ES N-01, the Android phone will be ready to play nice with your compatible G-Shock, alongside a waterproof shell, HD screen and eight megapixel camera. Arriving on NTT DoCoMo, you can expect those exotic 'standard' features that Japanese customers love, including a 1seg TV tuner and NFC wallet functionality. As is the tradition for new phones in the east, the phone will launch in several colors: black, white and (predictably) pink. Skinny jeans fans can hop over to the source to see exactly how Japan rocks its slim phones.

NTT DoCoMo launches NEC Medias ES N-05D: Is 6.7mm thin enough? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid gingerbreadAndroidGingerbreadDoCoMoGingerbreadGoogleJapanMediasMedias ES N-05DMediasEsN-05dmobilepostminiNECNEC Medias ES N-05DNecMediasEsN-05dNTTNTT DoCoMoNttDocomothinthinnestThinnest PhoneThinnestPhonewaterproofTue, 31 Jan 2012 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[LG Optimus LTE launches in Japan, wears kimono red]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/lg-optimus-lte-launches-in-japan-wears-kimono-red/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/lg-optimus-lte-launches-in-japan-wears-kimono-red/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/lg-optimus-lte-launches-in-japan-wears-kimono-red/#comments It looks like Japanese networks haven't yet satisfied their lust for high-end 4G phones. LG's Optimus LTE is primed to launch on NTT Docomo's Xi network tomorrow, going toe-to-toe with Samsung's Galaxy S II LTE. LG, which launched the first LTE-certified device in Japan, is hoping that the Optimus LTE's HD IPS display will be enough to divert attention away from the Super AMOLED Plus screen of its Korean rival. A special red edition should also help it stand out from the crowd of anonymous dark oblongs, although the color palette of DoCoMo's current range is anything but staid. The carrier plans to hit around 30 million customers with its high-speed service before the end of 2015, which should keep spare battery and charger manufacturers in business for the foreseeable future.

Continue reading LG Optimus LTE launches in Japan, wears kimono red

LG Optimus LTE launches in Japan, wears kimono red originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3docomogingerbreadgooglejapanLGLG Optimus LTELgOptimusLteltemobilepostminintt docomoNttDocomoOptimus LTEOptimusLteWed, 14 Dec 2011 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp AQUOS SH-01D's optical image stabilizer hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/sharp-aquos-sh-01ds-optical-image-stabilizer-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/sharp-aquos-sh-01ds-optical-image-stabilizer-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/sharp-aquos-sh-01ds-optical-image-stabilizer-hands-on-video/#comments If you need further proof of how the Japanese keep the best to themselves, then here's yet another fine example to fuel your jealousy. Sharp's recently launched AQUOS SH-01D is one of the few -- if not the first -- Android phones that feature optical image stabilization, and this is all thanks to the company's new 12.1 megapixel, 1/3.2-inch CMOS camera module. The demo videos are plenty impressive, but naturally, we had to see for ourselves to really believe it, so playstyle.hk kindly lent us an SH-01D for a quick and dirty hands-on.

As per typical NTT DoCoMo Android phones, our SH-01D suffered from minor lags due to the heavy OS customization; but leaving that aside we dug its 4.5-inch 1,280 x 720 ASV display and its overall build quality. We then quickly moved on to the camera: while image stabilization is available for both photo and video modes, don't expect it to fully compensate your shakiness -- you'll see below that we ended up with a few slightly blurry stills at night, which isn't surprising; but regardless, we got plenty of vibrant colors in most cases.

The stabilization is more noticeable in video mode, and it's definitely more effective than the Droid RAZR's implementation -- we got some sample clips after the break for your viewing pleasure. There's no telling when other phones will get this technology, but if you want a taste of the future then you can grab an SH-01D from playstyle.hk for HK$5,500 or about US$708.

Gallery: Sharp AQUOS SH-01D hands-on


Gallery: Sharp AQUOS SH-01D sample shots

Continue reading Sharp AQUOS SH-01D's optical image stabilizer hands-on (video)

Sharp AQUOS SH-01D's optical image stabilizer hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaquosaquos sh-01dAquosSh-01dcellphonedocomofeaturedfeatureshands-onjapanmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossmobilepostminintt domocoNttDomocophonesh-01dsharpsmartphonevideoWed, 07 Dec 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp AQUOS SH-01D appears on NTT DoCoMo, offers up glasses-free 3D]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/sharp-aquos-sh-01d-appears-on-ntt-docomo-offers-up-glasses-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/sharp-aquos-sh-01d-appears-on-ntt-docomo-offers-up-glasses-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/sharp-aquos-sh-01d-appears-on-ntt-docomo-offers-up-glasses-free/#comments

Not content with brandishing a medley of LTE-packed smartphones this season, Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo has confirmed a December release for Sharp's AQUOS SH-01D. While it lacks any 4G chops, the Android phone is cocooned in waterproof protection and packs a 12.1 megapixel camera on the back. An OMAP 4430 1GHz dual-core processor runs Gingerbread on the 3D-capable 1280 x 720 ASV display -- all crammed inside a waifish 9.7mm frame. Despite a recent visit to the FCC, there's no word on whether the water-defiant device will brave the Pacific ocean to arrive on these shores. However, any ex-patriots gasping for the SH-10D's potent screen will be able to grab one on December 2 and can unravel more specification mysteries in the Google-translated press release below.

Continue reading Sharp AQUOS SH-01D appears on NTT DoCoMo, offers up glasses-free 3D

Sharp AQUOS SH-01D appears on NTT DoCoMo, offers up glasses-free 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DAndroidAndroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadAQUOSAquos SH-01DAquosSh-01dDoCoModual-coregingerbreadglasses-free 3dGlasses-free3djapanmobilepostminiNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoSH-01DsharpsmartphonesmartphoneswaterproofMon, 28 Nov 2011 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II LTE arrives in Japan, NTT DoCoMo offers up its first course of 4G phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/26/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-lte-arrives-in-japan-ntt-docomo-offers-up-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/26/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-lte-arrives-in-japan-ntt-docomo-offers-up-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/26/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-lte-arrives-in-japan-ntt-docomo-offers-up-i/#comments

Japan has got its first taste of an LTE smartphone, and this one's Galaxy-flavored. Oh yes, Samsung's Galaxy S II LTE has made an appearance on NTT DoCoMo, running on the Japanese carrier's next-generation Xi network and promising top download speeds of around 37.5Mbps. The latest member to the carrier's top-drawer Next series will set you back around $260 (¥20,000) on a two-year contract. DoCoMo is aiming to reach the hands of 30 million customers by 2015, with another as-yet unnamed several more 4G devices already penned for release before the end of the year. Perhaps the pair of data-loving handsets will help to fill that iPhone-shaped hole in the carrier's phone catalog.

Update: Contrary to the Asahi Shimbun report, it looks like both the Fujitsu Arrows X LTE F-05D and the LG Optimus LTE will cosy up on the new high-speed network before the end of the year.

Samsung Galaxy S II LTE arrives in Japan, NTT DoCoMo offers up its first course of 4G phones originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3docomogalaxy s iigalaxy s ii lteGalaxySIiGalaxySIiLtegingerbreadgooglejapanltemobilepostminintt docomoNttDocomosamsungsamsung galaxy s iisamsung galaxy s ii lteSamsungGalaxySIiSamsungGalaxySIiLteXi networkXiNetworkSat, 26 Nov 2011 06:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix Market heads to KDDI December 1st, ports the RPG addiction to Android phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-market-heads-to-kddi-december-1st-ports-the-rpg-add/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-market-heads-to-kddi-december-1st-ports-the-rpg-add/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/square-enix-market-heads-to-kddi-december-1st-ports-the-rpg-add/#comments The land that begot Mario, Murakami and okonomiyaki has a lot of perks for denizens of its island chains, like special edition multi-colored consoles or Mother 3. Add to that ever-increasing list of pluses a dedicated Square Enix Market for Android phones and it's clear the Japanese enjoy a home advantage. The recently announced gaming app store is slated to launch as a limited exclusive for KDDI subscribers on December 1st, with DoCoMo and Softbank sharing in the mobile wares sometime soon after. It may have been a good decade or two since the company's RPGs monopolized the latter days of your youth, but there's no time like the present to get reacquainted with those Final Fantasy friends of old. As you might expect, this is a Japan-only affair. So, if you're really keen to take part, you might want to consider relocation.

Square Enix Market heads to KDDI December 1st, ports the RPG addiction to Android phones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidappappsDoCoMogamesJapanJapaneseKDDImobilepostcrossRPGsSoftbankSquare EnixSquare Enix MarketSquareEnixSquareEnixMarketvideo gamesVideoGamesMon, 21 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp's splashproof Aquos SH-01D arrives at the FCC's door, won't shut up about its 12.1 MP camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/sharps-splashproof-aquos-sh-01d-arrives-at-the-fccs-door-won/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/sharps-splashproof-aquos-sh-01d-arrives-at-the-fccs-door-won/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/11/sharps-splashproof-aquos-sh-01d-arrives-at-the-fccs-door-won/#comments

Japan has typically had exclusive access to Sharp's skinny and big-screened smartphone series, but that could soon change. Details of the Aquos SH-01D have now appeared in the FCC's bulging mail box, a phone packing a dual-core 1GHz processor and a glasses-free 3D 4.5-inch screen. Add in water resistance and a whopping 12.1 megapixel camera, and you can see why it's piqued our interest. The phone is already booked to make an appearance in Japanese NTT DoCoMo stores later this month in blue, white and black options. Of course, despite Sharp's application for an FCC nod of approval, the company may have no intentions of selling it on US soil. We'll keep our phone-hungry fingers crossed that it gets okayed for overseas travel.

Sharp's splashproof Aquos SH-01D arrives at the FCC's door, won't shut up about its 12.1 MP camera originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadAQUOSAquos SH-01DAquosSh-01dDoCoModual-coreFCCgingerbreadjapanmobilepostminiNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoSH-01DsharpsmartphonesmartphonesFri, 11 Nov 2011 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo begins testing automated Japanese / English translation app that actually works (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/ntt-docomo-begins-testing-automated-japanese-english-translati/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/ntt-docomo-begins-testing-automated-japanese-english-translati/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/ntt-docomo-begins-testing-automated-japanese-english-translati/#comments We went hands-on with NTT DoCoMo's menu translator last month at CEATEC, but now Japan's leading carrier has a new translation tool to show off -- and it's quite impressive. The smartphone-based service analyzes your spoken word in Japanese or English, letting you converse with your phone in either language and presenting an on-screen and audible translation. Even more notable, however, is the near-real-time call analysis, in which the device translates your call immediately after you finish speaking each line. We defer our interlingual calls to our Japanese staffers, but an app like this would make it possible to converse directly with folks in other countries without the need for a human translator. NTT is claiming a success rate of between 80 and 90 percent, which is a significant improvement over the version we saw demoed earlier this year. The carrier started testing the service with 400 users today, and hopes to make it available to all subscribers in the second half of 2012. Jump past the break to see it in action in a pair of Japanese-language demos.

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo begins testing automated Japanese / English translation app that actually works (video)

NTT DoCoMo begins testing automated Japanese / English translation app that actually works (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appaudio translationAudioTranslationdocomojapanjapaneselanguagemobile appMobileAppmobilepostcrossnttntt docomoNttDocomoreal-timereal-time translationReal-timeTranslationtranslatetranslationtranslation appTranslationAppvideoThu, 10 Nov 2011 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Galaxy Nexus images, specs and benchmarks apparently leaked]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/galaxy-nexus-images-specs-and-benchmarks-apparently-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/galaxy-nexus-images-specs-and-benchmarks-apparently-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/galaxy-nexus-images-specs-and-benchmarks-apparently-leaked/#comments Either these posters are extremely elaborate fakes, or NTT DoCoMo is really bad at keeping secrets. Just hours after it prematurely tweeted a November release for the Galaxy Nexus (aka the Nexus Prime), we now have what appears to be a full spec list and comparison with the other handsets in the Japanese carrier's range. The details are nearly all familiar from previous suspected leaks, including the dual-core 1.2GHz Texas Instruments processor, 720p Super AMOLED curved glass display, five megapixel camera with 1080p video recording and 32GB of storage (plus 1GB RAM). Now, it's entirely possible that the fakers are all singing from the same dodgy hymn sheet -- but if that's true, then they've also been busily submitting forged benchmarks to GLBenchmark, which displays results from a 'Galaxy Nexus' that include the same 1.2GHz clock speed and HD screen (albeit listed as 1196x720, supposedly due to the onscreen buttons). We'll know the truth soon enough -- the full fandango is but hours away.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Galaxy Nexus images, specs and benchmarks apparently leaked originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMOLEDandroidcellphoneDoCoMoGalaxy NexusGalaxyNexusGLBenchmarkGoogleHD Super AMOLEDHdSuperAmoledice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsleakmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossNexusNexus PrimeNexusPrimephoneSamsungsmartphoneTue, 18 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/fujitsu-arrows-tab-lte-f-01d-with-gesture-control-hands-on-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/fujitsu-arrows-tab-lte-f-01d-with-gesture-control-hands-on-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/fujitsu-arrows-tab-lte-f-01d-with-gesture-control-hands-on-vide/#comments Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on
We'll probably never match Japan's obsession with waterproof gadgets, but anyone would appreciate how the local manufacturers also manage to keep them thin and light at the same time. The Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D we fiddled with here at CEATEC is one such example: while it's thicker than Samsung's 10.1-inch counterpart by almost 3mm, we were surprised that Fujitsu's latest Android tablet also weighs just under 600g -- not bad considering it's suitable for use in the shower.

What's more, the F-01D comes with a rather unique feature that's great for use in the bathroom or the kitchen: camera-based gesture control, which works in the browser (to scroll pages or go back and forth) as well as the 1seg or DLNA TV viewer (to change the channel and volume). You'll see in our video after the break that the gestures worked liked a charm for us, though initially we had to make sure that the tablet wasn't facing any strong light behind us (a typical problem in large conventions). Anyhow, if you're up for grabbing an F-01D, it'll be available on NTT DoCoMo in Japan next week.

Gallery: Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D hands-on

Continue reading Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on (video)

Fujitsu Arrows Tab LTE F-01D with gesture control hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidArrowsArrows TabArrows Tab LTEArrows Tab LTE F-01DArrowsTabArrowsTabLteArrowsTabLteF-01dCEATECCEATEC 2011Ceatec2011DLNADoCoMoF-01DfeaturedfeaturesFujitsugesturegesture controlGestureControlhands-onHoneycombJapanNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoOMAP4tabletvideowaterproofWed, 05 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo menu translator app hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-menu-translator-app-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-menu-translator-app-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-menu-translator-app-hands-on-video/#comments
Have you ever tried to read a Japanese menu? If there aren't pictures to reference, you'll likely have a difficult time figuring out what to order -- unless you can read Japanese, of course. NTT DoCoMo hopes to improve the dining experience for those of us that can't tell our ウニ (sea urchin) from our カニ (crab), building an app that can translate any of 9,000 possible menu entries from Japanese into English. It also supports English to Japanese translation, along with Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese) and Korean translations as well. The app worked fairly well, occasionally mistaking things like salmon caviar for "a rare part of the pork." OK, so perhaps there's a bit more work to be done. Either way, real-time visual language translation is definitely tricky stuff, and could be enormously helpful to travelers once devs figure out how to make it work -- and work well. Jump past the break to see the app do its thing at CEATEC.

Gallery: NTT Docomo Menu Translator hands-on

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo menu translator app hands-on (video)

NTT DoCoMo menu translator app hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appceatecceatec 2011Ceatec2011diningdocomohands-onjapanjapanesemobile appMobileAppmobilepostcrossnttntt docomoNttDocomoorderingprototyperestauranttokyotokyo japanTokyoJapantranslationtranslation appTranslationApptraveltravel appTravelAppvideoTue, 04 Oct 2011 10:24:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo bad breath, body fat and food analyzers hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-bad-breath-body-fat-and-food-analyzers-hands-on-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-bad-breath-body-fat-and-food-analyzers-hands-on-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/ntt-docomo-bad-breath-body-fat-and-food-analyzers-hands-on-vid/#comments It's been a busy year for NTT DoCoMo's research and development division, with the company presenting a goldmine of future accessories at its CEATEC booth. We're not seeing anything terribly exciting in the smartphone department, beyond a wider adoption of Android, but from the battery with a 10-minute charge time that we saw yesterday to the bad breath, hunger, body fat and food analyzers that you'll find below, there are certainly quite a few gadgets worth checking out. We're bundling a few of them here, so jump past the break for our hands-ons with three different health accessories (including a bad breath analyzer!) and a clever food analyzing app.

Gallery: NTT Docomo Breath, Body Fat, Food Analyzers hands-on

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo bad breath, body fat and food analyzers hands-on (video)

NTT DoCoMo bad breath, body fat and food analyzers hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessorybad breathbad breath analyzerBadBreathBadBreathAnalyzerblood alcohol levelBloodAlcoholLevelbreath analyzerBreathAnalyzerceatecceatec 2011ceatec japanCeatec2011CeatecJapanchibadocomofoodfood analyzerFoodAnalyzerhealthjapanmobilepostcrossnttntt docomoNttDocomoprototypeprototypessmartphone accessoriessmartphone accessorySmartphoneAccessoriesSmartphoneAccessorytokyotokyo japanTokyoJapanTue, 04 Oct 2011 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo battery claims 10-minute charge time, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/ntt-docomo-battery-claims-10-minute-charge-time-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/ntt-docomo-battery-claims-10-minute-charge-time-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/ntt-docomo-battery-claims-10-minute-charge-time-we-go-hands-on/#comments It's not uncommon for our batteries to need the occasional boost while we're running around a trade show, but spending more than a couple minutes tethered to a power outlet can be seriously detrimental to our productivity. And we're definitely not alone. NTT DoCoMo, one of Japan's largest carriers, has developed a prototype battery that's capable of achieving a complete charge in just ten minutes. NTT reps weren't willing to get into much detail about the new technology, which currently employs an external lithium-ion battery sleeve and is only designed to support NEC's super-slim Medias Android (Japan only) smartphone. They did let us take a look at the battery sleeve's AC adapter, which supports output of up to 6.0 amps, but otherwise appeared to be fairly generic.

A pair of amp meters compared the power draw of a standard battery with that of the ultra high speed charger, which pulled 0.55 amps and 5.86 amps, respectively -- at least according to the demo equipment on hand at NTT's CEATEC booth. The model we saw definitely looked very much like an early prototype at this point, and the carrier didn't seem to have any idea of when it may begin to be implemented in handsets and other devices, only committing to a release "as soon as possible." Still, we're pretty excited about the potential here (imagine being able to charge your phone completely with only a quick stop at an airport kiosk), and wouldn't hesitate to pick a battery up -- assuming of course that the final version is a bit more refined. Click on through the gallery shots below, or jump past the break for our hands-on video to get a closer look.

Gallery: NTT Docomo 10-minute charging battery hands-on

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo battery claims 10-minute charge time, we go hands-on (video)

NTT DoCoMo battery claims 10-minute charge time, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery chargerBatteryChargerceatecceatec 2011Ceatec2011cell phonecell phonesCellPhonecellphone batteryCellphoneBatteryCellPhoneschargerdocomohands-onmobilepostcrossnttntt docomoNttDocomosmartphonevideoMon, 03 Oct 2011 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sony-playstation-vita-debuts-in-japan-on-december-17th-partneri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sony-playstation-vita-debuts-in-japan-on-december-17th-partneri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sony-playstation-vita-debuts-in-japan-on-december-17th-partneri/#comments Sony's just announced in Tokyo that the PlayStation Vita will debut in Japan on December 17th, and it'll partner with NTT DoCoMo for the console's prepaid 3G service. Customers will have two choices of connection here: 980 yen ($13) for 20 hours, and 4,980 yen ($65) for 100 hours -- see press release after the break. Alas, the rest of the world will still have to wait until 2012, but you'll know more concrete dates as soon as we do. For now, head over to our sister site Joystiq for the SCEJ press conference liveblog.

Update: Capcom's Yoshinori Ono came on stage to mention that Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 would launch simultaneously with the console. Square Enix also announced that the PS2's Final Fantasy X will be remastered for the PS Vita, and it'll be in PS3-like quality; sadly, there was no date nor demonstration.

Update 2: The first 500 units sold will come with 100 hours of prepaid 3G connectivity. Want in? Pre-orders open on October 15th.

Update 3: We now have a video demonstration of the Vita's interface. Enjoy!

Gallery: Sony PlayStation Vita

Continue reading Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated)

Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3GCapcomDoCoMoFinal Fantasy XFinalFantasyXFOMANTT DoCoMoNttDocomoplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasonySquare EnixSquareEnixtgstgs 2011Tgs2011Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3UltimateMarvelVs.Capcom3UltimateMarvelVsCapcom3vitaWed, 14 Sep 2011 00:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung, NTT DoCoMo to develop smartphone chips in proposed joint venture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/samsung-ntt-docomo-to-develop-smartphone-chips-in-proposed-join/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/samsung-ntt-docomo-to-develop-smartphone-chips-in-proposed-join/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/samsung-ntt-docomo-to-develop-smartphone-chips-in-proposed-join/#comments Qualcomm may be facing some new competition in the mobile chip space, now that NTT DoCoMo and three other Japanese firms are looking to join forces with Samsung. According to Japan's Nikkei business daily, the quartet of firms (which includes Fujitsu, NEC and Panasonic's mobile unit) is currently finalizing negotiations with Samsung over a proposed joint venture that would design, develop and market smartphone chips. The partners are reportedly planning to incorporate the new chips into their own devices, while selling them to other handset manufacturers, as well. DoCoMo would hold a majority stake in the ¥30 billion (about $390 million) partnership, which could help lower procurement costs, while reducing the partners' dependency upon industry-leading Qualcomm. A DoCoMo spokesman acknowledged that the provider is exploring a variety of collaborations, but was quick to point out that nothing's been finalized. Samsung and Fujitsu, meanwhile, have yet to comment.

Samsung, NTT DoCoMo to develop smartphone chips in proposed joint venture originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesschipdiscussiondocomofinancefujitsuhandsetjapanjoint ventureJointVenturemanufacturingmarketminipostmobilepostcrossmoneynecnegotiationntt docomoNttDocomopanasonicpanasonic mobile communicationsPanasonicMobileCommunicationspartnershipphonequalcommsamsungsmartphonesmartphone chipSmartphoneChiptalkTue, 13 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu LOOX F-07C review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/fujitsu-loox-f-07c-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/fujitsu-loox-f-07c-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/fujitsu-loox-f-07c-review/#comments For those who've been dwelling on this planet long enough, you might just remember a category of mobile computers by the name of UMPCs. In particular, think Sony's VAIO UX, the OQO devices and the elusive xpPhone. Alas, those Windows devices were -- and probably still are -- well ahead of their time no thanks to their battery life, bulkiness and sometimes cost; though for some bizarre reason, Fujitsu begs to differ. In fact, said company took one step further and released a hybrid device in Japan: the LOOX F-07C, a QWERTY slider phone that can switch between Symbian and Windows 7 at a click of a button. Interesting combination, right? Read on to find out how this weird device fares in real life.

Gallery: Fujitsu LOOX F-07C with F01 expansion dock


Gallery: Fujitsu LOOX F-07C

Continue reading Fujitsu LOOX F-07C review

Fujitsu LOOX F-07C review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4-inchatomatom z600AtomZ600cellphonecomputerdocomof-07cfeaturedfeaturesfujitsufujitsu+loox+f-07cfujitsulooxf-07cjapanloox+f-07clooxf-07cmobile phoneMobilePhoneNFCntt docomoNttDocomopcphoneqwertyreviewslidersymbianumpcvideowindowswindows 7Windows7z600Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo's Fujitsu F-07C now available, marries Windows 7 and Symbian at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/ntt-docomos-fujitsu-f-07c-now-available-marries-windows-7-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/ntt-docomos-fujitsu-f-07c-now-available-marries-windows-7-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/ntt-docomos-fujitsu-f-07c-now-available-marries-windows-7-and/#comments
Calling the Fujitsu LOOX F-07C an eccentric device is not a stretch -- in fact, it's one of the more unique smartphones we've seen in a fair length of time. Now available on NTT DoCoMo, the dual-booting hybrid is touted as "the world's smallest PC," since it can switch between Windows 7 and Symbian and offers a few netbook-worthy specs. It runs off a 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z600 CPU (downclocked by 50 percent, unfortunately), a 32GB eMMC SSD, and 1GB LPDDR400 RAM, packed underneath a 4-inch SVGA (1024 x 600) LCD display. You can also take advantage of the 5-megapixel camera on the back, paired up with a VGA front-facing shooter. Things get a little strange when it comes to battery life, however; while you get up to 600 hours of standby time and 370 minutes of talk time in mobile phone mode, it gets sucked dry after just two hours when using Windows 7. If your smartphone just doesn't have enough brainpower to handle your daily grind, here's an alternative. Full press release with specs are after the break.

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo's Fujitsu F-07C now available, marries Windows 7 and Symbian at last

NTT DoCoMo's Fujitsu F-07C now available, marries Windows 7 and Symbian at last originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atom z600AtomZ600docomof-07cfujitsufujitsu f-07cFujitsuF-07chybridintel atom z600IntelAtomZ600microsoftmobilenttntt docomoNttDocomoqwertysmartphonessdsvgasymbiantouchscreenwindowswindows 7Windows7z600Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/nec-medias-wp-n-06c-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/nec-medias-wp-n-06c-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/nec-medias-wp-n-06c-hands-on/#comments There aren't really that many choices when it comes to waterproof Android phones, let alone those that also happen to be razor thin, so excuse us for getting all giddy when our Engadget Chinese brethren stumbled upon this NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C at Sin Tak, Hong Kong. Here's a quick recap: what we have here is a 7.9mm-thick Android 2.3.3 handset that packs a 4-inch 480 x 854 LCD, 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 chip, 512MB RAM, 1GB ROM, and 5 megapixel autofocus camera. Additionally, this phone also boasts IPX5 and IPX7 protection ratings -- the former for protection against water jets, and the latter for immersion up to one meter (and for the record, the "X" indicates no solid protection rated here). Read on for our hands-on impressions.

Gallery: NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C hands-on

Continue reading NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C hands-on

NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1ghz1segandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3cellphoneDoCoMofeaturedfeaturesgingerbreadhands-onJapanMEDIASmobilemobile phoneMobilePhoneMSM8255N-06CNECNEC MEDIAS N-06CNEC MEDIAS WP N-06CNecMediasN-06cNecMediasWpN-06cNTT DoCoMoNttDocomophoneslimsmartphonesuperslimwaterproofWP N-06CWpN-06cSat, 16 Jul 2011 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo to power cellphone towers with renewable energy, tenderness]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/ntt-docomo-to-power-cellphone-towers-with-renewable-energy-tend/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/ntt-docomo-to-power-cellphone-towers-with-renewable-energy-tend/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/ntt-docomo-to-power-cellphone-towers-with-renewable-energy-tend/#comments When they're not busy carving handsets out of teak (or rockin' out with their pupils), the folks over at NTT DoCoMo apparently focus their efforts on saving the environment. Next year, the Japanese provider will begin outfitting its expansive cellphone tower network with ten "green transmission stations," to be powered by an artillery of biofuels, wind and solar energy. This kind of infrastructure would obviously bring a smile to the face of ol' Mama Nature, but it could also help mitigate the adverse effects of power outages and elfin insurgents. And for that, we should all be grateful.

NTT DoCoMo to power cellphone towers with renewable energy, tenderness originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelcell phone towercellphone towerCellphoneTowerDoCoMoelectricityenergyenvironmentenvironmentalismgreenjapannetworknttntt docomoNttDocomorenewable energyRenewableEnergysolar energysolar powerSolarEnergySolarPowertowerwindwind energyWindEnergyMon, 11 Jul 2011 20:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp Aquos SH-12C 3D smartphone hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/sharp-aquos-sh-12c-3d-smartphone-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/sharp-aquos-sh-12c-3d-smartphone-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/sharp-aquos-sh-12c-3d-smartphone-hands-on-video/#comments Towards the end of our recent trip to Taiwan for Computex, just as the hustle and bustle was winding down and we'd settled on a bit of sightseeing, we stumbled upon a rare beast -- a smartphone unicorn of sorts -- the Sharp Aquos SH-12C. This 3D-capable Android handset for NTT's Docomo network was imported from its native Japan by a Hong Kong resident who was also attending the epic trade show. Like the HTC EVO 3D, this device features twin cameras and a glasses-free stereoscopic qHD display, so we decided to combine work and play by getting some hands-on time with this mysterious phone right on the observation deck of Taipei 101. Take a look a our gallery below -- complete with foggy views from the 89th floor at dusk -- and hit the break for our hands-on video, first impressions and some camera samples.

Gallery: Sharp Aquos SH-12C 3D smartphone hands-on

Continue reading Sharp Aquos SH-12C 3D smartphone hands-on (video)

Sharp Aquos SH-12C 3D smartphone hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4ghz1seg3d8 megapixel8Megapixelandroidandroid 2.3android 2.3.3Android2.3Android2.3.3aquoscomputexcomputex 2011Computex2011docomoFeliCagingerbreadgooglehands-onMSM8255qhdQualcommsh-12csharpsharp aquossharp aquos sh-12cSharpAquosSharpAquosSh-12csmartphoneSnapdragonunicornunicornsvideoMon, 20 Jun 2011 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo announces 24 new mobile wonders (yes, really) to flood its network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/21/ntt-docomo-announces-24-new-mobile-wonders-yes-really-to-floo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/21/ntt-docomo-announces-24-new-mobile-wonders-yes-really-to-floo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/21/ntt-docomo-announces-24-new-mobile-wonders-yes-really-to-floo/#comments So, Japan... want a new mobile device? How about 24? This grandiose announcement comes straight from NTT DoCoMo, which commonly lays its cards on the table for the delight of consumers. Among the selection you'll find eight new Gingerbread phones, six incredibly high-res shooters (ranging between 12.2 and 16.3 megapixels), eight waterproof handsets, and one embedded with Swarovski crystals. We're particularly thrilled to see the mighty Galaxy S II, 3D-capturing Aquos SH-12C, 700-nit Optimus Bright (contrastingly-named but nearly identical to the Optimus Black), ultra-slim MEDIAS WP N-06C, and mobile payment-enabled Xperia Acro. Oh, and don't forget about the LOOX F-07C -- a multi-talented handset that's running Symbian and Windows 7 Home Premium -- while two LTE-enabled WiFi routers are sneaking into DoCoMo's party, too. That's a lot to absorb, so check out the source for individual release timeframes, which begin now and continue through August -- or just check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo announces 24 new mobile wonders (yes, really) to flood its network

NTT DoCoMo announces 24 new mobile wonders (yes, really) to flood its network originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 May 2011 20:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3d camcorder3d camera3dCamcorder3dCamera700 nits700Nitsacroandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3aquosaquos phoneAquosPhoneBF-01Cblackbrightca-01cdocomodual bootDualBootf-07cf-09cf-11cf-12cfc-10cfujitsugalaxy s iiGalaxySIigingerbreadJapanjapanesel-07cl-08cL-09Cl-10clglg optimusLgOptimuslooxLOOX F-07CLooxF-07cLTELumixlumix phoneLumixPhoneMEDIASMicrosoftmobilemobile paymentmobile paymentsmobile phonemobile phonesMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsMobilePhoneMobilePhonesN-06CnecNEC MEDIASNecMediasNFCnfc paymentsNfcPaymentsnokianova displayNovaDisplaynttntt docomoNttDocomooptimusoptimus blackoptimus brightOptimusBlackOptimusBrightp-04cp-05cp-06cp-07cpanasonicPanasonicLumixpress releasepress-releasePressReleasesamsungSamsung galaxy s IISamsungGalaxySIisc-02csh-10csh-11csh-12csh-13csharpSharp AQUOSSharpAquossmartphonesmartphonesSO-02CSONYSonyEricssonswarovskiswarovski crystalsSwarovskiCrystalsSymbianwaterproofwifiWiFi Hotspotwifi routerWifiHotspotWifiRouterwindows 7Windows 7 Home PremiumWindows7Windows7HomePremiumWP N-06CWpN-06cxixperiaXperia AcroXperiaAcroSat, 21 May 2011 20:47:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C announced in Japan, shows off slimness with waterproof body]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/nec-medias-wp-n-06c-announced-in-japan-shows-off-slimness-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/nec-medias-wp-n-06c-announced-in-japan-shows-off-slimness-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/nec-medias-wp-n-06c-announced-in-japan-shows-off-slimness-with/#comments Seriously, why does Japan get all the fun toys? The leaked brochure of this crazy thin NEC MEDIAS N-06C already got us all giddy last month, and now we have a launch date: fans of NTT DoCoMo will be able to nab this device around June or July, meaning owners need not seal this waterproof phone in a plastic bag before heading out for a summer swim. In case you missed the details, here we have a 7.9mm-thick Android 2.3 phone, which easily beats the chubby Galaxy S II at 8.49mm in terms of slimness; though to be fair, the N-06C packs about 9.7mm around its 5 megapixel camera. Inside this tight package you'll also find a 4-inch 854 x 480 LCD, a 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255, 512MB RAM, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, and microSDHC expansion. But enough with the specs -- head over to Akihabara News for some wet hands-on pics.

Continue reading NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C announced in Japan, shows off slimness with waterproof body

NEC MEDIAS WP N-06C announced in Japan, shows off slimness with waterproof body originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 06:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3Android2.3announceannouncementcellphoneDoCoMoJapanlaunchMEDIASmobile phoneMobilePhoneMSM8255N-06CNECNEC N-06CNecN-06cNTTNTT DoCoMoNttDocomophoneQualcomm MSM8255QualcommMsm8255razor thinRazorThinslimsmartphonesuper slimSuperSlimthinMon, 16 May 2011 06:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp Aquos Phone SH-12C has 3D cameras, qHD resolution, Gingerbread filling]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/sharp-aquos-phone-sh-12c-has-3d-cameras-qhd-resolution-gingerb/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/sharp-aquos-phone-sh-12c-has-3d-cameras-qhd-resolution-gingerb/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/sharp-aquos-phone-sh-12c-has-3d-cameras-qhd-resolution-gingerb/#comments The HTC EVO 3D and LG Optimus 3D just got themselves a new buddy in the three-dee picture-taking arena in the shape of Sharp's Aquos Phone SH-12C. We know, that name just rolls off the tongue. What's remarkable about the 12C is that the dual cameras on its back go all the way up to 8 megapixels (to the EVO 3D's 5), which will be creating quite the tasty workload for the 1.4GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 chip contained within. A qHD (540 x 960) screen resolution also keeps up with HTC's latest, though the 4.2-inch, 3D-capable display on the Aquos offers more pixel density and less in absolute real estate. Android 2.3, replete with some evident customizations, will serve as the OS, and 720p video recording in 3D will also be available when Sharp launches the 12C in Japan on May 20th. Rest of the world? Well, we can dream about it right now.

Sharp Aquos Phone SH-12C has 3D cameras, qHD resolution, Gingerbread filling originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 05:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.33d3d camera3d cameras3dCamera3dCamerasandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3aquosaquos phoneaquos phone sh-12cAquosPhoneAquosPhoneSh-12cdocomogingerbreadjapanjapanesemsm8255nttntt docomoNttDocomoqhdsh-12csharpsmartphoneWed, 11 May 2011 05:08:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC's waterproof MEDIAS N-06C to get a sprinkle of Gingerbread and 1GHz power]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/necs-waterproof-medias-n-06c-outed-by-pamphlet-gets-a-sprinkle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/necs-waterproof-medias-n-06c-outed-by-pamphlet-gets-a-sprinkle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/necs-waterproof-medias-n-06c-outed-by-pamphlet-gets-a-sprinkle/#comments The MEDIAS N-04C might well be the hotness in the world of super slim phones right now, but if you're looking for something with a little more oomph and protection against water, then NEC's also got you covered. According to a pamphlet obtained by datacider, the MEDIAS family will soon be welcoming a Gingerbread-powered N-06C, which closely resembles the N-04C except for the extra 0.2mm thickness plus 10g weight, as well as touch buttons instead of physical ones. But what we really care about here are the IPX5 and IPX7 waterproof ratings, meaning this 7.9mm-thick Android's been tested against small water jets and one-meter immersion, respectively. On the inside, apart from the faster 1GHz chip and 14Mbps FOMA download speed, the rest are pretty much what we've seen before: 4-inch 480 x 854 LCD, 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM, 802.11n WiFi, and 5 megapixel camera with 720p video. There's no clear indication on a release date, but you're welcome to kill some time by checking out the full spec sheet after the break.

[Thanks, Pavlo L.]

Continue reading NEC's waterproof MEDIAS N-06C to get a sprinkle of Gingerbread and 1GHz power

NEC's waterproof MEDIAS N-06C to get a sprinkle of Gingerbread and 1GHz power originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3cellphoneDoCoMoFOMAgingerbreadhandoutIPX5IPX7japanleafletleakMediasMedias WPMediasWpmobile phoneMobilePhoneN-06CNECNTTNTT DoCoMoNttDocomophoneslimsmartphonespec sheetspecsSpecSheetthinwaterproofWPMon, 18 Apr 2011 02:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu and DoCoMo's new dual-boot handset: Windows 7 and Symbian together at last?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/fujitsu-and-docomos-new-dual-boot-handset-windows-7-and-symbia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/fujitsu-and-docomos-new-dual-boot-handset-windows-7-and-symbia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/fujitsu-and-docomos-new-dual-boot-handset-windows-7-and-symbia/#comments Ever wished you could have a Microsoft main course with a side of Symbian? We haven't either, but if the rumors are true, Fujitsu and DoCoMo are teaming up to unleash a dual-boot device this year that can go from Windows 7 (the desktop OS, not WP7) to Symbian at the flip of a switch. According to the always untrustworthy interwebs, the LOOX F-07C will come with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a four-inch 1024 x 600 display, an Intel Atom CPU, and a 32GB SSD. We don't know if this latest handset with multiple personality disorder is real or not, but we do know its odd couple OS pairing has piqued our somewhat morbid curiosity.

Fujitsu and DoCoMo's new dual-boot handset: Windows 7 and Symbian together at last? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonedocomodual bootdual-bootDualBootf-07cfujitsuintel atomIntelAtomjapanleakLOOX F-07CLooxF-07cmobile phoneMobilePhonephonerumorslidersmartphonesymbianwindows 7windows 7 tabletWindows7Windows7TabletTue, 12 Apr 2011 02:38:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC's razor-thin MEDIAS N-04C Android launched in Japan, gets carefully manhandled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/necs-razor-thin-medias-n-04c-android-launched-in-japan-gets-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/necs-razor-thin-medias-n-04c-android-launched-in-japan-gets-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/necs-razor-thin-medias-n-04c-android-launched-in-japan-gets-ca/#comments
We've already seen product shots of the crazy thin, drool-inducing NEC MEDIAS N-04C, but for a product boasting the "world's thinnest" title, it's always useful to see comparison shots for the sake of our curiosity. Thankfully, the good folks over at Akihabara News were present at DoCoMo's launch event, and they were able to get up close to inspect this 7.7mm-thin Android 2.2 handset (with Android 2.3 upgrade available around July). It's pretty amazing considering all the goodies packed within this phone -- here's a quick recap: NFC, 1seg TV Tuner, infrared port, 5 megapixel camera, 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 chip, etc. Oh, and this phone uses Gorilla Glass, too. If you happen to reside in Japan -- which is where it'll remain exclusive to -- you'll be able to pick up this NEC in black or white flavor on March 15, though price has yet to be announced. Video after the break, and more hands-on photos over at Akihabara News.

Continue reading NEC's razor-thin MEDIAS N-04C Android launched in Japan, gets carefully manhandled

NEC's razor-thin MEDIAS N-04C Android launched in Japan, gets carefully manhandled originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2cellphonecontactless paymentContactlessPaymentdocomofroyogorilla glassGorillaGlassinfraredjapanmediasMedias N-04CMediasN-04cmobile phoneMobilePhonemsm7230N-04Cnecnec Medias N-04CNecMediasN-04cnfcphonequalcommqualcomm msm7230QualcommMsm7230smartphonevideoThu, 24 Feb 2011 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC's MEDIAS N-04C is only 7.7mm thick, has Android 2.2, NFC, and no ambition to leave Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/necs-medias-n-04c-is-only-7-7mm-thick-has-android-2-2-nfc-an/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/necs-medias-n-04c-is-only-7-7mm-thick-has-android-2-2-nfc-an/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/necs-medias-n-04c-is-only-7-7mm-thick-has-android-2-2-nfc-an/#comments It's only been three months since the last avalanche of NTT DoCoMo phones, but that's not stopping the Japanese carrier from scheming up another hardware refresh. Leaked out ahead of what's expected to be a February 24th launch, we've now laid eyes on what's likely to be the highlight device of this year's spring batch : the 7.7mm-thick NEC MEDIAS N-04C. It follows last year's N-04B in nomenclature only, what with the older model being a flip phone, and offers a spacious 4-inch touchscreen, a 1seg TV Tuner, NFC contactless payments using Sony's FeliCa standard, and a skinned version of Android 2.2. Look out for it in Japan soon, but don't hold your breath if you live outside the sunlit kingdom -- history has shown devices like the N-04C tend to stick to their native market.

NEC's MEDIAS N-04C is only 7.7mm thick, has Android 2.2, NFC, and no ambition to leave Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1segandroidandroid 2.2Android2.2docomofelicafroyojapanjapaneseleakn-04cnecnec n-04cNecN-04cnfcslimthintunertv tunerTvTunerMon, 21 Feb 2011 07:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo begins lightning fast LTE-Advanced field tests]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/ntt-docomo-begins-lightning-fast-lte-advanced-field-tests/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/ntt-docomo-begins-lightning-fast-lte-advanced-field-tests/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/ntt-docomo-begins-lightning-fast-lte-advanced-field-tests/#comments LTE may only just be launching in countries like the US and Sweden, but NTT DoCoMo recently announced that it's starting to field test the better, faster, stronger LTE-Advanced. The Japanese carrier is experimenting with the new technology in the cities of Yokosuka and Sagamihara and gathering data to evaluate performance in indoor vs. outdoor environments. LTE-Advanced is backwards-compatible with NTT DoCoMo's existing LTE network, but reaches speeds up to 1Gbps down and 200Mbps up. No word on when the carrier plans to make the new technology available to its customers.

Continue reading NTT DoCoMo begins lightning fast LTE-Advanced field tests

NTT DoCoMo begins lightning fast LTE-Advanced field tests originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DoCoMofield testFieldTestLTELTE-AdvancedmobileNTTNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoSun, 13 Feb 2011 21:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikkei: PSP2 will have 3G cellular data, OLED touchscreen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/nikkei-psp2-to-have-3g-cellular-data-oled-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/nikkei-psp2-to-have-3g-cellular-data-oled-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/nikkei-psp2-to-have-3g-cellular-data-oled-touchscreen/#comments We're only four days away from a supposed January 27th unveiling, but apparently there are still more juicy PSP2 rumors left to dole out -- Japan's often-reliable Nikkei newspaper reports that the handheld machine will sport a crisp OLED touchscreen and 3G data from NTT DoCoMo when it arrives later this year, with the latter enabling multiplayer action and even full video and game downloads over the Japanese cellular network. What's more, the paper confirms that the screen will be physically larger and powered by some potent new silicon. So, how will Sony differentiate this PSP2 from the PlayStation Phone and tempt you to buy both? The game system won't make calls.

Note: In case you're not familiar, the image above is a relatively ancient reader mockup, and likely not representative of the final product. It is pretty sexy, though.

Nikkei: PSP2 will have 3G cellular data, OLED touchscreen originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Gcellularcellular dataCellularDataDoCoMogamingNTTntt docomoNttDocomoOLEDPlayStationplaystation portableplaystation portable 2PlaystationPortablePlaystationPortable2PSPPSP2SonytouchscreenSun, 23 Jan 2011 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Docomo grants Japanese taxis with WiFi, PSPs, little red stickers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/docomo-grants-japanese-taxis-with-wifi-psps-little-red-sticker/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/docomo-grants-japanese-taxis-with-wifi-psps-little-red-sticker/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/docomo-grants-japanese-taxis-with-wifi-psps-little-red-sticker/#commentsDocomo grants Japanese taxis with WiFi, PSPs, little red stickers There are many hugely efficient ways to get around Tokyo, but for visitors taxis usually come at the bottom of that list. Drivers rarely speak English and, compared to the rest of the world, they're quite expensive (about $8 to start, going way up from there). But, should you find yourself in one they're naturally hugely clean and sophisticated, that sophistication getting a boost now by DoCoMo. 820 black sedans for hire in Tokyo will be outfitted with WiFi, freely available to customers who dishonor the back seats with their backsides. 100 of the cars will even have Sony PSPs back there too, which is odd because we were pretty sure everyone in Tokyo already had one -- or a DS, at least. These specially equipped taxis can be identified by the red DoCoMo WiFi stickers on the doors, so don't accept anything less, no matter how late you are for that KneuKlid Romance concert in Shinjuku.

Docomo grants Japanese taxis with WiFi, PSPs, little red stickers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>docomojapanntt docomoNttDocomoplaystationplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepspsonytaxitokyowifiTue, 07 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Luke, I am your smartphone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/26/luke-i-am-your-smartphone-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/26/luke-i-am-your-smartphone-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/26/luke-i-am-your-smartphone-video/#comments NTT DoCoMo recently launched the Samsung Galaxy S in the Japanese market and now we've come to discover that it's chosen a very forceful personality to represent the product to its discerning audience. Darth "roundabound" Vader has been starring in the carrier's latest round of "always with you" ads, wherein he serves as a (sort of) human representation of the phone, thus lending some anthropomorphic qualities to the cold slab of technology awaiting you in the shops. This whole outlandish idea really shouldn't work, but somehow it does -- we want a little Vader in our lives too now. Video after the break.

Continue reading Luke, I am your smartphone (video)

Luke, I am your smartphone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertadvertisingandroidcommercialdark sideDarkSidedarth vaderDarthVaderdocomoendorsementgalaxy sGalaxySntt docomoNttDocomosamsungstar warsStarWarsvadervideoFri, 26 Nov 2010 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp Touch Wood concept turns real with limited run of 15,000 handsets on NTT DoCoMo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/sharp-touch-wood-concept-turns-real-with-limited-run-of-15-000-h/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/sharp-touch-wood-concept-turns-real-with-limited-run-of-15-000-h/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/sharp-touch-wood-concept-turns-real-with-limited-run-of-15-000-h/#comments You might have expected Sharp's pebble-shaped Touch Wood concept to remain just that, a concept, but the eclectic Japanese market has found a spot in its heart to fit 15,000 units of the curvy, wood-trimmed cellphone. Built from locally sourced cypress timber, each handset will have its own unique pattern and color, while the innards will be filled with a five megapixel imager, a 3.4-inch (854 x 480) display, a MicroSDHC expansion slot, and your usual GSM and 3G wireless radios. You can get yours through NTT DoCoMo some time around February or March.

Sharp Touch Wood concept turns real with limited run of 15,000 handsets on NTT DoCoMo originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 05:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonecypressdocomojapanlimitedlimited editionLimitedEditionntt docomoNttDocomopebblephonesh-08csharptouch woodTouchWoodwoodwoodenMon, 08 Nov 2010 05:29:00 EST