Softbank Japan is given hope to the growing number of iPhone users in Japan who are missing the emotion icons in SMS as it is used and known on all mobile phones in Japan.

“Email without emoticons can’t be email in Japan,” said SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. “We persuaded Apple Computer (to localize iPhones for the Japanese market).” Softbank Mobile will add the emoticon function to Apple iPhones within the year through an update program.

If the company is providing the update on time for the Christmas/ year end sale season, it has a good chance to increase the number of its iphone users in this important year end sale.

Today I wanted to get my iPhone 3G. Finally, after so many times running to the shops and looking at all these models I was ready for the iPhone a month ago. I did not get it at that time, because my current contract was running until the end of August and it was suggested to me to wait until that time. Two weeks ago I went to Softbank again and made a reservation for an iPhone. At that time Softbank allowed to take reservations and I was glad they did, never knowing for sure if you get the phone or not. 

Today was the big day. Yes it is Sunday and in Japan it is like every other weekday only more people at the mall and shops. This afternoon I went to the mall, lots of people there looking and shopping. I got the the Softbank counter and had to wait. Click to continue »

LINKEDIN, the social network for business sorts has announced the release of its native Iphone application.

The indigenous app, based on the same back end that serves LinkedIn mobile, reportedly offers quicker response time and a myriad of new features.

According to Jerry Luk of LinkedIn, the new application provides professional networkers with a “complete mobile experience.” Click to continue »

Today I finally made it - I reserved my iPhone 3G. I went to the mall and as I was there I had a look at the mobile phones. Since my cell phone contract is running out in a few days I was in need for looking. Not really in the mood for one. I hardly use my keitai, because I do not like to talk over the phone, it is to much stress - to loud to much background noise. I rather write short messages and that is rather random as well. 

To be honest I have this Click to continue »

Now just a little over 24 hours after the world wide launch, the news are coming in fast. It looks like almost everything went fine. There have been a few problems here and there, but all over it was a success day for Apple at it’s mobile phone partners. Everything was sold out at the end of day one, and lots of people had to walk home or continue to stay in line for an other chance.

It is not a surprise and it was expected. Apple was able once again Click to continue »