If you’re in Japan you not only have the choice of taking a class online, but you can also opt to view lectures on your cell phone! Cyber University as they call it, opened up in April and has just over 1800 students enrolled. Classes range from Chinese history, journalism, English lit, and more. The service only works on Softbank (OTCPK: SFTBF) phones for now, but Cyber University is in talks to expand to more operators.

Japan, the country where you can earn your 4 year degree from a device that fits into your pocket. Amazing.

[Via: Textually and AP]

Roughly a month ago, we saw Disney Mobile shutting its MVNO operations in the U.S. and we thought the popular cartoon and film maker finally figured out — it’s the content it should make its money from. But no, they’ve decided to give it another shot only this time in Japan. Somehow, I’m having a problem envisioning Japanese kids running around with their Disney-branded handsets, although you never know…

Anyway, Disney has “reached a basic agreement” with Softbank (OTCPK: SFTBF) Mobile to use their network in a hope to eventually reach one million subscribers by sweetening the deal with free “animated film downloads.” In addition, the two companies are teaming up to “develop handsets and consign its output to other companies.” Way to go Disney… NO! Again, stick to content – that’s what you do best!

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

When you’re competing in such an advanced mobile phones market as Japan, you just gotta differentiate your offering from your competition. Hence, Softbank (OTCPK: SFTBF) released limited edition phone designs based on the popular manga/anime series, Gacchaman. Naturally, it’s not just the beautifully designed shells — these phones also come with themed menu icons, backgrounds and other mobile content… Check out two more shots after the jump.

Read the full article »

Japan, that little island nation dotting the Pacific “Rim of Fire” and constantly rocked by shaking earth, has mobilized “a system to notify customers of an imminent earthquake.” Japanese wireless operators DoCoMo and KDDI are joining forces to develop this type of early-warning system, as is Softbank (OTCPK: SFTBF), to give the Japanese population a few precious seconds of lead-time. The mobile phone networks will integrate with the Japanese Meteorological Society, which has developed a way to detect a quake several seconds ahead of its arrival. An earthquake warning system would be extremely useful in a nation that can claim 20% of shakers globally.

The mobile warning system will likely use an integrated mobile application that would sound an alarm or give visual warning of the incoming earthquake – giving the Japanese people time to brace for the impact or escape to safer environs. The time it takes to check email or text messages might be longer than the advance warning, making them unlikely mediums for the warning system.

via: yahoo

Following the KDDI summer collection announcement, Softbank (OTCPK: SFTBF) unveiled its line of new handsets. The idea seems not to release just a single device, anyone can do that, but a bunch — making sure there something for everyone. Unfortunately, in other parts of the world, we hardly see anything new released for the summer. Anyway, let’s roll with the handsets…

Read the full article »

Japanese carrier Softbank (OTCPK: SFTBF) has announced two new qwerty keyboard smartphones – both rocking the hot new Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard operating system. The X02HT packs in a 2megapixel camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, 2.4 inch display, qwerty keyboard, and uses GSM radios with W-CDMA for high speed data. The X01H goes even bigger with larger 3 inch display, WiFi, Bluetooth, 2MP shooter, and HSDPA enabled GSM radios with W-CDMA. We’re loving the bright orange motif – it stands out and lets people know that the phone in your hand is something special.

check the link for more pics…

Read the full article »