Mobile in Japan, a Whole New Class

The mobile market is vastly different when it comes to Japan. They have products and audience of a completely different pedigree. Personally, I am more accustomed to the U.S. mobile standards, but every time I am exposed to the Japanese mobile culture, I can't help to be memorized by its glitzy design and specifications. For the Japanese, a mobile phone is a reflection of a person's individuality. Beyond functionality, the design has to be sleeky and classy. Take a look at the Sony Ericsson W62S.

The design itself is magnificent. With a simple brushed stainless finish, It just looks ages ahead of what is available in our market. The W62S happens to be a GSM phone, I wonder if this can be used in the US?

Mobile Experience Asia: Conclusion

The Mobile Experience Asia journey has come to an end. During the past three weeks, I have had the pleasure of visiting some of the most interesting and intriguing places/people. My journey began in Taipei-Taiwan and trekked further south into Indonesia where I visited the cities of Bali and Jakarta. The food has been amazing and I’ve taken atleast 3,000 pictures thanks to digital technology.

There are some takeaways from my trip. The way people use their mobile phones in Asia is vastly different than the way we do. In the U.S., we care much about conformity; especially within business applications. We rely much more on email communication; in the areas of outlook exchange server, push-email and BlackBerry enterprise solution. Our smartphone economy is largely driven by the business sector, outfitting our business road warriors with the latest in technology to increase productivity. Our conformity extends to the usage on the web. After all, we sort of claim the stake in creating the internet economy. Therefore, we care much about a smartphone’s ability to browse the web in its full capacity (ie. iPhone’s Safari is a big hit).

In Asia, mobile phones are viewed as a status symbol; the latest and greatest handset would offer cool functionalities (ie. HD Camera, Camcorder, Electronic Wallet, Streaming TV, etc.) and could be the envy amongst friends. Asians love to text; much more than I have ever imagined; you can substitute SMS for Email and it would be okay for them. Asians trust network operators to come up with cool widgets or mobile apps and spend much of their phone usage based on what is given to them. They don’t explore as much on open platforms (ie. Web Browser solutions). In this brand-centric world, mobile phone’s outer appearance, design and name (ie. Nokia, Sony Ericsson) has more influence on a buyer’s decision than its core functionality [at least to the vast majority of this market]. As mentioned before, most of the mobile stores do not have working demos, therefore, Asians would buy a phone purely based on a phone’s outer appearance and brand. I am very shocked to see how much Nokia has dominated the market outside of the U.S. Around here, Nokia is king, from the NSeries to ESeries, it is the object of people’s affection.

In terms of handset selection, there are more varieties of GSM phones throughout Asia and they are within ease of access (As mentioned before, a mall would have a dozen of manufacturer stores or 3rd party vendors). There are subsidized and non-subsidized phones. In fact, people buy more non-subsidized phones here just because they are very demanding on what they want to have. Asian telecoms are very open to work with resellers and does not object to subsidized or non-subsidized phones. Whereas in the U.S., we would have to find unlocked handsets off of a handful of websites or eBay. This is because our big four telecoms would prefer to keep their customers in a subsidized program to lock them into 1- to 2-year in contract. By doing this, they can only offer limited subsized phones to their stores. Adding to the fact that Verizon and Sprint are running US-only CDMA network, this further reduces our GSM handset selections.

This Mobile Experience in Asia has been great for me. My Nokia N95-3 kept up all the of its promises and delivered the Voice, WiFi, and GPS functionality as promised. I am very pleased to see the evolution of mobile technology at a global level. I can't imagine how advance my next trip to Asia would become.

Imate Ultimate 9502, One Bad Ass WM6 Device

I ran across this bad boy yesterday at a local shopping mall in Jakarta. The i-mate Ultimate 9502 is a slider-based windows mobile 6 smartphone with a very impressive spec sheet. I am just going to jump right into the main course for you: quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and WORLD WIDE Tri-Band 3.5G (HSDPA 850/1900/2100) w/ an astounding VGA 640x480 resolution over a 2.8" screen. I almost forgot to mention integrated GPS.

In addition, it packs in the usual goodies such as full QWERTY keyboard, WiFi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0, 128MB RAM, 256MB ROM and MicroSDHC support. i-mate has got the right idea by supplying a powerful 1530mAh lithum ion battery to keep up with this power hungry beast. The flyer I got even indicates some sort of presentation/projector support and Ubergizmo confirmed the support of USB keyboard. Amazing!

I wished the vendor had a working demo for me to test; strangely, mobile vendors throughout Jakarta never have any working demos for customers. I ran into the same thing at the Sony Ericsson and LG stores.

Based on what I am seeing, this phone is probably the best WM6 device available today. The cost here is 7,500,000 RP or equivalent to about $800USD which is quite steep.

How to Install Nokia Maps Correctly

After showing off my N95-3 GPS function with the maps of Indonesia and Taiwan pre-installed on my MicroSDHC 4GB to my relatives in Asia (one with a N95-1 and the other with E90), they asked for my help to set it up for them. As I recalled, the process was fairly simple. I remembered downloading Nokia Map Loader software and within half an hour, I was able to get all the regional maps I wanted.

When I attempted to install the maps onto the Nokia E90, it would not recognize the maps on the MicroSD card. I used the latest version of Nokia's map loader (v 1.3) and attempted the installation process over painstakingly slow DSL speed in Jakarta (50MB took 40minutes) three times, I finally remembered what went wrong: outdated handset firmware! Back when I first got my N95-3, I had immediately installed the latest firmware and then installed the maps...

So to save my fellow mobile experience readers from the same agony, if you want to install Nokia Maps, please remember to:
1. Get the latest Handset/Communication firmware
2. Get the latest Nokia Map Loader and follow the instructions on screen

Cheers!

Mobile Experience Asia: Indonesians Love Nokia E Series Communicator

Indonesians love Nokia phones and SMS. Their weapon of choice is the Nokia E Series (e90 and its predecessors) which gives them full QWERTY goodness to keep in touch with peers.

In a typical day, I’ll walk into a local coffee shop and see at least a dozen of people with some form of Nokia E Series phone; many are busy with the screen flipped open either surfing the web or texting. The visual is quite funny, as some of the older E Series phones are about as big as an 80’s cordless telephone and they keep it in a holder that straps onto their waist or pant pocket. These Indonesians don’t just buy their phones for show; they actually use them to its full extent. I’ve seen various profiles (young men to older housewives) focusing on operating their smartphones to the max.

I always knew Nokia has a bigger market presence outside the US; this trip visiting various parts of Asia allowed me to see their market penetration in person.

PS – After spending some more time playing with my Father-in-law’s Nokia E90; I am starting to fall in love with it. Although bulky, once you flip open the gorgeous 800 pixel widescreen; you’ll enjoy its “laptop-like” essence especially with full QWERTY.

Mobile Experience Asia: Free WiFi Hotspot Abundant in Jakarta

If I have to pick one technological compliments to make about Jakarta, it would be its abundance of free WiFi hotspots throughout the city. Almost all coffee shops, bakeries, and fastfood places offer 802.11x connection to their customers. As a result, these folks love carrying their laptops all over their city. I feel like there are so many free hotspots that you can almost get away with having a 3G Data package with your mobile carrier here in Jakarta.

PS – If you ever visit, you MUST stop by J.CO donuts. These donuts are so light/fluffy/tasty that it makes Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Cream taste like tree bark. I’ve been keeping count, so far, I munched down a dozen over the past couple of days… :)

Mobile Experience Asia: LG Viewty

As mentioned earlier, Jakarta is a pretty big/advance mobile market. In a given shopping mall, I will find a Nokia, SonyEricsson, LG and 3rd party wireless stores occupying the same floor.

One particular phone, the LG Viewty (aka KU990), seems to be a big hit here. On the outside, this phone looks very similiar to an iPhone or the LG Prada phone. Even the menu/touchscreen have a similar look and feel to it. I don't think I've seen this phone before, another one of those Asia/Europe exclusive product offering.

On the feature front, it boasts a 5MP Schiender spec digital camera w/ video recording capable. The phone supports tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 and 3G 2100 (non-US 3G). While the design, music, photo and video features are admirable, the lack of WiFi and decent storage size (meager 100MB internal memory) will make this phone a bit difficult to justify. It's nevertheless, a cool looking smartphone that caught my attention.

Mobile Experience Asia: GPS via Nokia N95

Prior to my Asia trip, I downloaded Nokia Maps of Taiwan and Indonesia (including Bali) to test out the GPS functionality on my Nokia N95-3. With the maps installed onto a 4GB MicroSDHC card, I can rely on the GPS without having to connect to a foreign network and avoid costly data fees.

At the balcony of my in-law's apartment in Jakarta, I successfully got a fix on the satellites. Nokia N95 does require you to keep the slider open and be exposed in a static, open space for about 1-2 minutes to get a read, but once you have a fix, it does a great job tracking in moving vehicles.

Overall, I am very pleased with N95-3's GPS functionality and want to give Nokia mad-props for making all of their maps available to customers free of charge (although the maps are a little out dated, I found a few small streets missing in Jakarta). Streets in foreign metropolitans can be intimidating, with the N95-3 GPS leading the way, it helped me understand my whereabouts like no other trip I've taken in the past.

Mobile Experience Asia: Dual SIM All The Rage

I've noticed a trend of dual-SIM card mobile phones throughout Asia. Few days ago, I wrote an entry about Eliya I902 phone. Today, I present to you, the Samsung D880. This dual GSM SIM device looks like an exclusive offering for the Indonesia market. I've seen this phone on various billboard (see image) and print ads throughout Jakarta.

This phone is pretty cool in that both SIM numbers are active; there are two antenna bars on top representing each phone number. A very nice solution for business folks wanting to combine work and personal phones into one device.

For US consumers running on CDMA devices, take advantage of the Samsung W619 for some dual GSM+CDMA action.

Mobile Experience Asia: $2 Cell Phone Plans

While in Taipei, my uncle loaned me a basic cell phone to use. I asked why he would keep a spare cell phone around and pay for a premium; the answer was unheard of. Its simply affordable. The plan they have cost NT$60 or $2 USD. It turns out that my aunt had kept a legacy account that was setup for her as a university professor, with special pricing. So long as they make their basic $2 monthly payment, they can hold on to this phone/account forever. How cool is that?

Mobile Experience Asia: $27 Monthly Laptop Data

Just saw a commercial on TV from the biggest telecom provider in Taiwan, Chaungwa Telecom (中華電信). They have a monthly unlimited laptop data plan via 3/3.5G USB modem for a mere NT$850 that roughly $27 USD. This means the lucky folks in Taiwan can easily afford a mobile plan on the go, at half the cost of what we pay in the states.

Mobile Experience Asia: Eliya I902 Dual GSM Phone

I saw this interesting mobile product on one of Taiwan's shopping channel on TV. The device is a dual GSM card phone (I902) made by a company called Eliya (which I remember reading about this company on ENGADGET prior). Basically, if you travel alot in between two countries, the most economical way to keep in touch is to own two mobile accounts. For those tired of switching their GSM cards or carrying two phones, this is the perfect all in one solution.

What is interesting about this, is the effectiveness of the shopping channels on Cable TV in Taiwan. I’ve seen some good product pitches (ie. Sony T300) as well as for this phone. They find knowledgeable product specialists to go over product features in detail while making the content rather interesting. In this case, they were able to demonstrate all of this phone’s feature, such as: Chinese hand-writing input, video/audio player, dual GSM slots, 2MP camera, etc.

I took some shots off of the TV screen for your viewing pleasure.

Mobile Experience Asia: Camera Galore

I have an uncle in Taipei whom I’ve spoken less than 100 words all of my life. Largely because this guy is a big time scholar and I just never have the right things to talk to him about (and the fact that I’ve lived in US most of my life).

This time, however, things are a bit different. I brought my Nikon D80 everywhere I go; and my uncle and I started to talk a lot more all because of my new found interest in photography. It turns out that he has been an avid collector of some fine equipment since the 80s (mostly using macro shots for his work as a marine biologist).

He ended up taking me to a famous neighborhood in Taipei known as the “Camera Rows”. Think of having JR, Adorama, Ritz Camera and B&H all together and multiply by 10 in one small grid. Prices here are competitive (but I have noticed Amazon.com does offer similar pricing). Considering these are brick and mortar operation, the price is right.

Please find some photos of the “Camera Rows” and a private collection of my uncle’s treasured film cameras (ie. Hassleblad 503cx, Leica R7, Leica minilux, Minolta Dynamax 7000i, Nikon FM2.

Fun fact: Did you know Leica is working closely with Panasonic in developing digital cameras…? In fact, the Panasonic LUMIX LX2 is a popular point and shoot using Leica’s lens design, this model is often sold out due to popularity (now I am on the hunt for one!!!)

Camera Collection Gallery:










Taipei "Camera Rows" Gallery:

Mobile Experience in Asia: US Mobile Int Calling Demystified

I've been keen in unlocking every one of my GSM phones because of one simple reason: ability to use it internationally. Before leaving the country with my unlocked N95-3, I phoned AT&T to be certain on my usability and cost:

1. For starters, I was told that being on a plan for small business, my account is currently activated for international calling (somehow I got enrolled in the small biz program and the response rate and customer service has been superb, I think its because of that small biz connection).

2. For the voice calling cost, you can visit here or call AT&T to verify. As for me, the cost to call in Taiwan is going to be $1.99/min and when I travel to Indonesia next week, it will cost me $3.99/min. There are international calling plans available, but I am not planning on using the phone unless its necessary, so I am not looking to paying for such a plan.

3. For data plan and SMS Text, they will usually charge you per use. I am not planning on using any data plan while traveling, so I did not check on the cost. As for SMS, it goes to $0.50 per message.

As a general caution, be sure to turn of any data sync ability, to prevent being charged for data used unintentionally (ie. push email, or any other third party app running). As for voice calling cost, I would advise turning off your phone unless you need to use it. Leaving it on can accrue unintended cost as well, ie. your friends from back home could try to call you not knowing you are not in the states.

The Mobile Experience Visiting Asia

Tonight, I go on to a 3-week visit to Asia, the land of Mobile. I will be bringing you update throughout my journey.

My first stop, JFK, at the business class lounge, I was able to connected to Japan Airline's courtesy WiFi sponsored by NTT DoCoMo USA. I was prompted with a BlackBerry splash page. Featuring the BlackBerry 8707G, aka the only BlackBerry device capable of roaming to Japan. This badboy is the only unlocked BlackBerry running at 3G (thats right, UTMS 2100MHz). For $570, this BlackBerry will let you run on your favorite GSM providers (TMobile and AT&T) in the US.