The new i-mode service, called i appli, opens the next chapter of i-mode revolution by providing consumers with new interactive content including multi-player games, mobile e-commerce and in the future, enhanced communications. NTT DoCoMo is Japan’s No. 1 mobile phone company and has had phenomenal success to date with its i-mode service, signing up more than 18 million subscribers since the service was introduced in February 1999. Now with the launch of Java technology-enabled phones and services, NTT DoCoMo can offer highly differentiated products and services that provide consumers dynamic, personalized, and interactive content.
NTT DoCoMo’s launch of its i appli services is a significant event for both Sun and the Java platform, said Patricia C. Sueltz, executive vice president, Software Systems Group, Sun Microsystems. Through Java technology, NTT DoCoMo brings advanced capabilities to the wireless services marketplace that will enable consumers to take advantage of the many innovative new services being created in Java technology for mobile handsets.
Java technology advances the extraordinary success of i-mode by improving the capabilities of the next generation of i-mode handsets and services for our customers, said Keiichi Enoki, Managing Director of Gateway Business Dept., NTT DoCoMo. Sun’s Java technologies and world-class carrier-grade services provide the ideal foundation for NTT DoCoMo to build and expand on our leadership in the wireless market.
The launch of Java technology based i-mode services represents an important milestone for Java technology. The new 503i cellular phones from Fujitsu and Matsushita (Panasonic) are among the first to be enabled with the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition[tm] (J2ME[tm]) technology. Additional i appli handsets incorporating J2ME technology will be provided by other manufacturers later in the year. J2ME technology enabled interactive services are the next step beyond today’s text-based static content. Java software enhances the user experience by supporting easy-to-use, graphical, interactive services for wireless devices. With J2ME technology-enabled phones, users can download software to handsets for disconnected use, as well as access applications interactively from the network.
Initial i appli applications include a mix of computer games and financial services. Over time, the i appli service will offer new animated games with enhanced graphics and hi-fidelity sound, software for chat, location based services with zooming maps, secure mobile commerce, and business support programs such as groupware. Already, numerous high profile content partners have signed up to create new applications and services based on Java technology including Disney, Bandai, Namco, Sega and DLJ.
