Is the Samsung coming to Japan soon?

I have been watching the page from the Japan Windows Phone page and noticed a link to "Other devices." It has been updated on the 18th, the 19th and now on the 21st. Interestingly, it links to a device on SoftBank now for the X01SC, a Samsung Windows Mobile phone.

Could the Samsung be coming after the first of the year? Seems odd o be linking to the device, when there are direct links to Wn Mobile 6.5 devices from the navigation bar. More later???

Discouraged in Japan

Should I rename the site? Once I was generally encourage. "Windows Phone coming to Japan before year's end..." Well, yes, and no. We have one device...on the black sheep of carriers...a CDMA when all the big carriers, including mine are W-CDMA.

Well, I went to their "Special Event." I spoke with a rep there who said, "Maybe next year. Depends upon their portfolio."

My take is Microsoft is not pushing this. he stated their priority was to take the Fujitsu/Toshiba phone to other countries. So much for Windows Phone 7 in Japan.

Windows Phone Marketplace Online Now

It is getting harder and harder to keep up with MS on all the integration and changes. It is great to see that the marketplace is going to be avalable workdwide soon and there appear to be lots of choices. Go see it...

Windows 8 Developer Preview

Ok. Finally got my resolution up to snuff on my Tablet and now can experience the "full" Windows 8 preview. Interesting, cool, a scent of what is to come but there is still something missing....

Hubs. I love that I can add to the RSS feed and see that update, I like "Socialize" for Facebook and the Twitter client is likely passable. What I am not seeing that I suppose would eventually be there would be a "People" hub to bring this all together. A "Pictures" hub, etc. My guess is some of this is coming, but right now just playing and this barely scratched the surface of what I would expect the Start screen to eventually hold...More later

Windows 8 Developer Preview

You Gotta See it to Believe it!

Advertising Japanese style. As it appears young men and women have been most attracted tp the Fujitsu phone, this over the top advertising may not be....well...so over the top! Better than "really?" At lest they feature the strengths of the phone: People Hub, Office, Curve Flick and Skydrive. Read more and see the ads...

New Marketing Blitz

Microsoft is pulling out all the stops. I love how different people with the company are describing feaures of the new rlease. This viseo wraps up some of the biggest. See it...

I touched the first WP7 in Japan....ooooooooh

Well I stopped by Labi tonight on my way home. I held the two live devices in my hands and for the first time got to experience the Metro UI first hand. The IS12T is fast and smooth. The screen is adequate and the beast is slim and light. I asked the salesman who approached me, when Softbank would be getting a WP7 phone in their line up. He asked me to wait a moment and brought over a rep, who asked, "You wanna buy this phone?" I said sure," but my contract is not up yet and I don't wish to switch carriers."

"Oh, Softbank. Then you can get iPhone5." "I don't want iPhone 5." "How 'bout iPhone 4? Great phone." "My wife has an iPhone 4 and hates it (I didn't tell him she works for Google Japan). And I already have an iPhone." "Oh, iPhone 3." "No, iPhone 3GS. I want a Windows Phone. All I want to know is when Softbank will get a Windows Phone. My contract is up in December, so I will switch then."

"Oh, you have a 3 year contract." "2 year." "All phones are a 2 year contract," he said.

He then proceeded to give me his card and told me to come back because they had three people including him who spoke English. "Come back when you want to buy a phone." I will, but don't try to sell me an iPhone. To their credit, the best of the two phones was in a separate display side-by side with an iPhone 4 and and Android of some kind. People have got to get their hands on one, and they need sales people who are interested in finding out what they want and then explaining all of them. To give him the best of it, he was a Softbank guy. He can't sell me a WP7.5. But while I was there, I switched them both the English, cruised to my blog, set the wall paper to Mango...that's how easy it is to use. I have never touched one before but I will again soon.....Very soon.

Zune gets Update 4.8...Zune.net in Japan now shows WP7

The Marketplace is taking a step closer to becoming a full Marketplace in Japan with the imminent release of the new Toshiba Windows Phone Mango. Read More...

Windows Phone 7 and Kinect working Together

Here is an interesting video that not only shows off the integration of how WP7 helped Kinect become more real-world, but also gives a taste of the new Dashboard coming soon to an XBox near you! Read more...

The Price is Right?

Rumors of the high-cost of going Toshiba in the Japanese market. What would you pay for the only Mango phone to be announced thus far and the only in Japan so far? Read more...

It's here!

It is the 9th of August as I write this in Japan, and that means I have close to 48 hours to wait, but I will be powering on my XBox 360 and Kinect with trembling expectation. Here comes "Fruit Ninja!" I am excited on more than one level. I have been playing for a year on iPhone, it was not long ago released on WP7 (waiting here as well), but now, Kinect. This should be as close to having a blade as imaginable! On another level, I am please to be ready to download a Kinect game I don't have to power up the CD/DVD drive to use, don't have to order, and don't have to plunk down $50 to purchase. At about $8, this is a bargain and brings a new level of excitement to the world's top gaming system. Read more...

Microsoft's Cloud Data Systems

The word "cloud" has begun to take on a mysterious connotation and most people think you must be on Skydrive, Google Mail or the Apple Cloud for data storage to participate. What we miss is that all the services from these large companies all are part of the data "cloud." Microsoft has put together a great little video describing the system, showing their modular approach, and even outlining cost and environmental savings. Read more and watch...

This makes Cloud Computing More than Worth it's Weight in Collaboration

Here is a great project that I have not seen approached any where but on WP7. Could be it is there, but the possibilities of this kind of Internet sharing seem endless, from video training to collaborative critical analysis. Seems well thought out. Read more...

WikiRama Updated with Cool Windows 7 Phone Features

Wikipedia has become an indispensable tool for finding information on the web. Love it or hate it's open structure which must sometimes be weighed against accuracy, more often than not, finding casual information and following links to deepen knowledge has made Wiki a staple of mobile computing. Here is a reader that seemingly takes full advantage of the WP7 UI. Read more...

Nanapho Brings us Some Great Info on the New Fujitsu-Toshiba Phone

Here is far more information than you will find and I may have to take a trip to Harajuku just to hold one of these. Obviously, not quite ready for prime time, but the September official release is just around the corner. It will be fun to see what changes come and which devices will hit the market to compete with the Fujitsu. Read more...

Japanese Carriers are Going to Teach AT&T a thing or 2 about Marketing

Just hours after the unveiling of the newest Windows Phone, and the first Mango device, Japan has already shown a thing or two about sharp, over the top advertising and marketing. While it can't be purchased yet, the electronic stores in Tokyo will soon be flooded with new Smartphones unlike any on the shelves currently. While the iPhone and Android platforms will still be prominently displayed, there is going to be a splash of color, uniformed sales people hawking the phones and plans out front, and shelves of devices to check out. See one example of the marketing here...

Japanese Mango Video Sports Front-Facing Camera?

I will be interested to find out more about this device. Note the tape that covers the manufacturer's logo on the top, and tape down below where perhaps the carrier might be listed. Most intriguing, is what appears to be a front-facing camera in the upper right-hand corner. Read more...

MSN Japan Feature

With the realease of WP7 in Japan imminent, here is a site outlining features for the Japanese market, including text entry with flick, the People Hub and more. Read more...

Japanese Windows Phone Site Updates with Manago

New video on the Japanese Winodws Phone site shows localiztion of the App Marketplace with Navitime and Mixi, among ther Japan-specific services. Read more...

Rumor of late August Launch of Fujitsu Phone

Some ar saying that KKDI (AU) will introduce the first new Mango WP7 phone in Japan. It is clear from recent events and videos that the update is nearly ready, and a flurry of new devices have either been shown or are rumored in development. If this is true, other manufacturers and carriers in Japan can not be far behind. Read more...

New WP7 Devices Shown

Here is a video to warm my heart. The first showing of one Fujitsu device, along with ZTE, Acer and the new Samsung we have been eyeing as possible. Read more...

Windows Phone Still Expected in Japan Before Year's End

It is being reported that WP7 will be coming to Japan before the end of the year. With most roll-outs expected in late October, and the Japanese input and display language and new font available now, it must be just around the corner. Still, we need more information on how the Marketplace will evolve and which services besides apps (music maybe) will be available on launch or shortly after. Read more...

Endgadget Finally Pulls it Together

I had linked to Endgadet earlier, but found their hub no longer responded. So I removed the link. Perhaps they were simply finding it difficult to keep up with the flood of news in their daily link format.

Well, here is probably the most complete review of Mango on any site. They also seem tremendously positive and instead of simply lamenting what is not yet there, they often point out that this is an incomplete build and that many other features and apps will be coming shortly. Good video links. Read more...

More on the International Language Roll Out

While this still leaves many questions, and omissions for Japan like mapping are worrisome, they are at least headed the right direction and the new Marketplace holds promise. Read more...

Metro Forever

Here is Microsoft's unveiling for Windows 8 running on everything from notebook to Arm devices. If anyone doubts the complete integration of the old and new, watch this. Again, Microsoft may very well be proving they are not just following the latest trend and launching willy-nilly into one segment. They genuinely seem interested in seeing it all work together.

Especially important to me, is that what I am currently running on Windows 7 will continue to work on the new OS and that I may not have to immediately upgrade hardware to take advantage of the new UI. Read more...

Multilingual Keyboard Support

Now this looks sweet. One of my fears would have been and "all-or-nothing" approach to the languages features. But it appears you can have any number of the supported languages with complete auto-suggestion in the new Mango update. Read more...

Stephen Elop Introduces the "Sea ray"

This is the full-length speech with a lot of the vision stuff, including a sneak peek at the first Nokia Windows Phone 7 device. Read more...

Winrumors shows "secret" Mango features

The news and videos available with new reviews now are coming fast and furious. Winrumors gives a nice look at Mango features and actually makes comparisons with the recent NoDo updated devices. Read more...

Gizmodo Calls the Mango WP7 - "Pretty Great"

Gizmodo expressed the sentiment that the new version of the Windows Phone 7 is the best thing since sliced bread. Well, almost. Still, a great review and video that leaves us wanting more....and wanting it NOW! Read more...

Mango included in Japanese Windows Phone Site

While the vendors available thus far are still offering only the 6.3 and 6.5 versions of Windows Phones, there are links to Mango information and video and Japanese developer schedules indicating an imminent release in Japan. Read more...

Ballmer confirms WP7 coming to Japan in 2011

Speaking before Microsoft Japanese developers, Steve Ballmer admitted Microsoft came to market about a year late on WP7, confirmed introduction to the Japanese market before the end of the year, and touted over 500 features in the upcoming 7.5 update (Mango) ...Read more and video!

Are you ready for the 24th?

Much is coming on Tuesday. This is the Microsoft event that has been called everything from the final announcement of Mango (Windows 7.5 Phone) to the addition of 9 new handsets this year. And while the biggest news yet would be a surprise showing of the first Nokia phones, there will undoubtedly be much to talk about on the 25th! ...Read more

A new list of features

Windows Phone 7.5 (the artist formerly known as Mango) will sport all sorts of surprise features. We are already waiting for IE9 and asian support, but there is even more under the hood ...Read more

About a week ago Nokia and Microsoft signed the definitive agreement, which was announced back in February, and many new Nokia smartphones wll be based on Windows Phone OS. Andy Lees, Presidnet of Microsoft's Moble Communication Business, and Kai Oistamo, Nokia's Executive Vice President in charge of Corporate Development, say the companies have already started work, and that things are ahead of schedule. ...Read more

Windows Phone 7 App Marketplace statistics

We provide real-time updated statistics for Windows Phone 7 Marketplace. By using the code on your right, you will be able to display updated statistics (automatic picture update). We just ask you to keep the link to WindowsPhoneApplist.com MarketPlace if you integrate it ;)...Read more

The upcoming update for Windows Phone 7, known as Mango, has a lot of goodies inuded. But recently spotted oficial name for the update gives additional clues as to when Mango will go live, and when we might see the next major version of the OS ...Read More

Microsoft and Nokia finally tie the knot!

This morning Microsoft & Nokia announced that they’d finalized their agreement to work together on Windows Phone. While there weren’t any shockers in either press release there were a few tasty morsels we couldn’t help buy take a few glances at. ...Read more

EntertainmentConnected Lve Blogs MIX Keynotes

Word on the street is there are some pretty exciting announcements regarding Windows Phone 7 coming soon. Read more...and take part!

Microsoft adds page for information on updates

Ina move clearly in response to recent issues with updates and hacks to bypass update protocols, Microsoft has a page on their Windows Phone 7 site providing information on the how and why of device updates. Resd more...

Nokia-Microsoft Talks on Schedule

Less than two months after Nokia made it official that it will manufacture only Windows Phone-powered smartphones, talks between the world's largest phone manufacturer and Microsoft are going according to schedule. Read more...

Is this real?

The date on the lock screen has me thinking not, but everything else seems real enough. Perhaps the phone is in fact coming to Japan later ths year. Your guess? Read more...(Japanese)

NoDo inproves performance

It appears the NoDo update has resulted in improved speed loading apps. Here is a comparison video that shows faster load time on idential devices with the same content. Take a look...

Is this another indication of imminent entry into the Japanese Market?

There are rumors that WP7 units will soon support NFC (Near Field Communication). Many Japanese models of flip-phones support this technology, similar to Sony's Felica, so is this perhaps an indication that the Nokia units, and others to be released soon by other manufacturers and Redmond are destined for this important Asian market? Read more...

IDC Says Windows Phone will be the No. 2 Mobile OS by 2015

Today IDC Released their Worldwide Forecasts for the Smartphone Market. They see some huge changes in the mobile front for the next few years. They say the iPhone will keep pretty much the same market share they have now and that Android will capture a bit more to keep it the top OS worldwide with 45% marketshare. The real story here is that they see Windows Phone 7 as the No. 2 player in the mobile world with 20.9% marketshare by 2015. Read more...

NoDo coming to USA!

NoDo updates are finally going to begin. According to winrumors, two phone carriers are confirmed to begin pushing out the update as early as tomorrow. The two are Telus- Canada and Orange- UK. No word on what other carriers will be included in the first wave but there is still hope for some. O2 and Vodafone will most likely be in the second wave of updates that is set to begin on April 5th. AT&T customers will continue to be left in the dark for the time being, as AT&T is still testing the update. AT&T released the following statement: read more

Apple continues tired old "If you don't have an iPhone ad campaign"

This from PocketNow.com. My comment is the Apple iPhone UI is old and tired, and as well, the distinctions of having e-readers, bookstores, music services and app stores is, well....Put your two-cents in. Is there any distinction any more that makes Apple "special" and apart from the herd, or have iPhones become the herd with Android and WP7 fast on their heels? Viva la choice!

Check it out...

Windows Phone 7 predicted to be in top three mobile OSs

The Asia-Pacific Smartphone market will double in size by 2016 to hit shipments of 200 million, according to the latest forecast of technology research firm Ovum.

Read more at BusinessWorld Online...

NoDo Update Available! Here's your #$% copy and paste!

The latest Windows Phone 7 update is available! Looks like more features than I was expecting, but at least, can we now can the talk about "no cut and paste?" Codenamed "NoDo" this brings important changes to marketplace, WiFi connection and other goodies.

Re-Inventing the site

This is now going to be dedicated to hopefully welcoming the Windows Phone 7 to Japan.

I want all the information, all the videos, all the ads, all the reviews I can possibly find to inform and prepare myself for what is hopefully a done-deal for bringing the best phone OS to Japan.

Why I think it is only a matter of time:

• My first Zune 30 was at least compatible specifically with the Japanese radio spectrum.
• The introduction of the HD brought support for Asian fonts and new new UI that I am convinced was more a proving ground for a potential phone OS than an end-all PMP.
• The expansion of the XBox services in Japan and the inclusion of the Zune video Marketplace signals MS's intent to follow through with a new device, hopefully this year, in Japan.
• The Nokia/Microsoft alliance announced in February promises potentially new and exciting devices supported by one of the world's largest mobile phone names.

So here it is. I am ready to hitch my wagon to the EnterConnected wagon to view the exciting things I think they know are in the offing.