Wifi Revolution

NTT DoCoMo Inc. and its eight regional subsidiaries have developed and released two smartphones equipped with the Microsoft (News - Alert) Windows Mobile 6.0 Japanese-edition operating system.

With the FOMA F1100 and FOMA HT1100, users are allowed to interface with PCs through proven applications such as Outlook Mobile and Internet Explorer Mobile, while the scalable plug-in environment means access to a growing number of applications.

The HSDPA-capable handsets are designed to employ McAfee (News - Alert) security scan to ensure high-speed, protected browsing of PC websites and e-mail management. The security scan function identifies and isolates malicious data before it is able to be downloaded.

A standard ten-key input layout is used for data entry on the F1100 and HT1100. As a result, these handsets combine smartphone capability with mobile phone convenience. DoCoMo plans to begin marketing the handsets during the first quarter of calendar year 2008.

Developed with business users in mind, the FOMA F1100 can access both FOMA and wireless LAN networks for IP telephony. DoCoMo envisions and promotes the F1100 doubling as a VoIP mobile phone using in-house WLANs equipped for the company’s PASSAGE DUPLE service or the business mopera IP Centrex service, which enables outbound or internal communication via IP Centrex devices on DoCoMo networks (rather than via in-house PBX (News - Alert)). The handset will also come with a fingerprint authentication feature to ensure tight security control.

The FOMA HT1100 is targeted at active business consumers who also seek a handset for personal use. It will feature HTC’s stylish and versatile TouchFLO Touch Cube 3-dimensional interface that enables users to access and operate a variety of functions with the slide of a thumb.

Audio visual files, including YouTube (News - Alert) Mobile content, can be enjoyed using Streaming Media software and HTC’s Audio Manager music player. The handsets are designed to support DoCoMo’s WORLD WING international roaming service.

As a mobile communications company, DoCoMo serves more than 51 million customers, of which more than half subscribe to FOMA, which was launched as the world’s first 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA in 2001. DoCoMo also offers a wide variety of mobile multimedia services, including i-mode™.

DoCoMo has taken the smartphone even more high-tech. From the sci-fi movies of yesterday, these mobile communication devices are providing the functionality that was once only real on the big screen. Those seeking the ultimate in security can turn to the FOMA F1100 for fingerprint security control.

While many of these features may seem like something out of Hollywood, the truth is that these functions are now being demanded and DoCoMo is answering that demand and working to drive revenue in the smartphone industry. While they may at first focus on a niche offering, widespread adoption is a possibility.

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Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC (News - Alert) and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.

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