Always waiting for something...

Well, the tension is building. On September 5th, it is expected that Microsoft and Nokia will be announcing Windows Phone 8 (Apollo) and 2 new Nokia WP8 devices. Hot on their heels, Samsung is bringing 2 WP8 phones to market and HTC (my current device) is announcing 3 new devices.

The question then for me (the most immediate) is when is Windows Phone 8 actually hitting the streets? There are a couple things to consider:

• The Zune client will not be used for Windows Phone 8. So, where is the replacement?
• Some say Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 will be joined at the hip, so no connection until October 26?
• Where does all this leave those WP7.5 devices waiting for the WP7 "Refresh" (WP7.8)?

This is my most immediate question. There is little doubt I will be switching to WP8 sometime, but not until I get a good look at the contenders. I may decide it is in my interest to stick with the HTC line, though I have no real reason to do that, other than liking my Titan. HTC is no friend of Japan and Japan is ignoring the Windows Phone completely, by all accounts.

Finally! My HTC has upgraded to Tango (Windows 7.5 refresh). There were actually three updates, 2 of WP7, and one from HTC. I am a little uncertain what was involved, but I will say, I still cannot post a photo in SMS. This must be a product of my Softbank connection, not of the phone or of the OS. All the more reason it is time for Japan to get more phones, more choices, more CARRIERS!!!!!

I am perfectly happy with my Titan. The next step is to get the Windows Phone 7.8 update, bringing me the new Start screen. I am ready. Bring it on!

But....in typical MS style, I have seen rumors that current phones will not get 7.8 until Windows phone 8 is out...and rumors that Nokia will get the WP8 first....exclusive for a month. Say it ain't so, Steve!

Waiting again. Will it arrive here, or do I have to again purchase and have it shipped...

This is the best news I have heard in a long time. But I am cautious. What I am hoping, is that the features that allow me to use multiple accounts on my Acer with the Consumer preview will also allow this to be my next Windows purchase. Killer machine! Love the Touch Cover....why didn7t Apple think of that? ;)

Office 13 Consumer Preview

Wow! I am so far loving the Office 2013 Consumer Preview. It will be interesting to see how this all interfaces soon.

However, it did bring up a ton of issues when I went to install...just like the post below. I am curious who is running the show at Microsoft Japan. Perhaps the whole thing is down the toilet.

• Japan was not included in the list of countries to install (Worldwide English)
• To actually install required following the link for "if your country is not listed here"

From there, I said, "Bag it" and installed from the US. This all amazes me and seems to play into a meme that Japan has no interest in actually joining the rest of the world.

So, Microsoft Japan, (not that you are listening), quit tweeting about Windows 8. Quit tweeting about Office 13/15. Quit tweeting about Windows phone. Put up or shut up, because I think you deserve your current position: left in the dust.

Still waiting...

I'm still calling this "Waiting in Japan" despite the fact that just a year ago next week, Japan introduced the first WP7.5 (Mango) phone, listed on this page.

Here is what we are missing, that I am still waiting for:

• Bing update.
• Local Scout
• Full mapping
• Music marketplace
• Phones on all carriers, not just KDDI AU.

Why am I still hopeful? Well, WP7.5 is dead, and the Fujitsu phone will be going nowhere. It has beeen eclipsed by hundreds of Andoid clones. But here is what is going to be the real kicker. Whether Japan again gets everything, I can't say:

• Windows 8 is on the horizon. It will be implemented worldwide.
• Full implementation of Windows 8 will hopefully herald a morerobust Marketplace in Japan through
• XBox Music.

But though I am hopeful, I am not completely without fear of Japan, in its unique insularity, leaving out features:

• XBox is not fully supported in japan.
• Bing may not come to XBox as it has in America.

But there is still hope. Japan is not the only market getting less than complete support.

So time will tell. Meanwhile, I am still "Waiting in Japan."

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.