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Report: Apple, Softbank developing iPod phone
Apple has partnered with Softbank to build a new cell phone with iPod-like features and the capability to download songs directly from the iTunes Music Store, according to a report in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun Japanese newspaper. The article claims that Softbank president Masayoshi Son and Apple CEO Steve Jobs met earlier this year and formed the partnership to develop the long-rumored device. The phone will reportedly be a 3G model with music-playing features and high-speed web connectivity. The report says that the phones will be released in Japan “sometime this year at the earliest,” and then later in the U.S.
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1
Don’t believe it. No way would Apple let it be released in Japan first.
Posted by Adam on May 12, 2006 at 1:24 PM (PST)
2
Yeah, that sounded completely wrong to me too. A lot of companies do like to test products or services overseas before they hit the US, but this is an American company with a huge product—Apple just wouldn’t do that with something as big as the rumored phone.
Posted by M. le Pod on May 12, 2006 at 1:28 PM (PST)
3
What is this obsession with Convergent Devices?
Sure carrying around Batman’s Utility Belt of Media Player, Mobile Phone and Digital Camera make you look like a Dork, but Convergent devices never work as well as a collection of dedicated devices. With Bluetooth, a collection of dedicated devices can even behave as one convergent device.
Posted by Daniel Woods on May 12, 2006 at 1:52 PM (PST)
4
cell phone industry is somewhat better in japan than the U.S. if it impresses the japanese, then im sure as hell would impress americans.
Posted by navas on May 12, 2006 at 2:31 PM (PST)
5
“Don’t believe it. No way would Apple let it be released in Japan first.”
“Yeah, that sounded completely wrong to me too. A lot of companies do like to test products or services overseas before they hit the US, but this is an American company with a huge product—Apple just wouldn’t do that with something as big as the rumored phone.”
Maybe it’s because most carriers haven’t even set up a 3G network in the US? The only thing we have right now is EV-DO, so most of the high-speed connectivity is useless without 3G.
“What is this obsession with Convergent Devices?
Sure carrying around Batman’s Utility Belt of Media Player, Mobile Phone and Digital Camera make you look like a Dork, but Convergent devices never work as well as a collection of dedicated devices. With Bluetooth, a collection of dedicated devices can even behave as one convergent device.”
The average consumer wouldn’t really care, especially because you might as well wear a sign that says “ROB ME!” while carrying all those devices.
Posted by Nobody on May 12, 2006 at 2:37 PM (PST)
6
When I read 3G, I thought it meant the phone was based on the 3rd generation iPod. Totally forgot about 3G networks.
Posted by Lee on May 12, 2006 at 2:46 PM (PST)
7
Hmm, It’s weird to hear that Apple will release in Japan first. I guess it might be smart though, just in case it flops.
Get ready for the “iPhone”.
Posted by Cole2026 on May 12, 2006 at 3:25 PM (PST)
8
Oh, I also forgot this importan piece of information: Softbank is a Japanese company.
Posted by Nobody on May 12, 2006 at 4:12 PM (PST)
9
Yeah, softbank being Japanese is the only reason I would see that.
Posted by the4starish in San Diego on May 12, 2006 at 6:09 PM (PST)
10
Japanese school kids market segment for latest phone is bigger than any other market in Europe or N.A.
Surely, it only apt to test it there just like the phone you’re using now. period. PLUS, the world’s biggest mobile phone co. is Japanese.
Posted by digi9 on May 12, 2006 at 7:17 PM (PST)
11
This is a smart move for Apple to corner the market where more advanced cellphone users live. Hate to say it but when it comes to mobile technology the US is 3rd world intellectually. Also, Japan has been conducting 4G trials (not forth generation iPods for the non-knowing). Faster speeds, and higher penetrations are just what is needed to make this work.
Posted by Don on May 13, 2006 at 12:35 PM (PST)
12
“PLUS, the world’s biggest mobile phone co. is Japanese.”
You really believe that?, the worlds largest mobile phone manufacturer is Nokia which is Finnish, the largest mobile phone network, or cell phone carrier as you would say
is Vodafone a British company.
Posted by Cloysterpeteuk on May 13, 2006 at 1:43 PM (PST)
13
Softbank are very big in Japan now as they bought Vodafone Japan.
Posted by Cloysterpeteuk on May 13, 2006 at 1:48 PM (PST)
14
the u.s. is definitely behind the times when it comes to mobile phones. it’ll be a looooong time before 3g availability levels reach what they are in japan
Posted by sighte on May 14, 2006 at 1:47 AM (PST)
15
I’m extremely excited for an Apple phone. It’s taken too long.
Posted by Dylan on May 15, 2006 at 10:34 PM (PST)