DoCoMo phones to get simpler OS
NTT DoCoMo Inc. will remove advanced functions and services from its cell phones' operating software, such as the ability to connect to the Internet, enabling the nation's handset manufacturers to simultaneously design low-function, low-price handsets for overseas markets and high-function, high-price handsets for domestic distribution based on the same software, The Yomiuri Shimbun learned Saturday.
The decision came as several manufacturers have withdrawn from the saturated domestic cell phone market that currently offers little prospect of generating profits.
DoCoMo hopes the decision will help the handset manufacturers expand internationally, while also expecting it to contribute to its own overseas strategies.
According to the carrier, functions to be removed from operating software will include i-mode, Internet connection services, and FeliCa, an integrated circuit card service that enables handsets to be used for electronic payments.
The company plans to introduce Android, jointly developed with Google Inc. as the new operating software by 2010.
DoCoMo has created a unique domestic market with highly sophisticated cell phone handsets and services, such as i-mode. Competitors have followed the company's strategies, offering similar products and services.
However, because cheaper handsets with simplified functions are preferred in overseas markets, handset manufacturers have been required to develop different models, including operating software, for the domestic and overseas markets. The situation has made it hard for Japanese manufacturers to win overseas market share and prompted Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. to withdraw from the mature domestic market, which is unlikely to expand further, according to analysts.
The new operating software will make it easier for companies that make handsets for DoCoMo to develop and produce handsets for overseas markets.
For the domestic market, the manufacturers will add sophisticated functions and services to the new operating software. The makers may also introduce low-price handsets with simplified functions to the domestic market, according to sources.
Because DoCoMo also is considering investing in carriers in other Asian countries, the new strategy will enable manufacturers to introduce low-priced handsets in those markets, the sources said.
The change of policy by DoCoMo, which holds about a 50 percent domestic cell phone market share, likely will encourage KDDI Corp. and Softbank Mobile Corp. to adopt a similar strategy, analysts said.
source
The decision came as several manufacturers have withdrawn from the saturated domestic cell phone market that currently offers little prospect of generating profits.
DoCoMo hopes the decision will help the handset manufacturers expand internationally, while also expecting it to contribute to its own overseas strategies.
According to the carrier, functions to be removed from operating software will include i-mode, Internet connection services, and FeliCa, an integrated circuit card service that enables handsets to be used for electronic payments.
The company plans to introduce Android, jointly developed with Google Inc. as the new operating software by 2010.
DoCoMo has created a unique domestic market with highly sophisticated cell phone handsets and services, such as i-mode. Competitors have followed the company's strategies, offering similar products and services.
However, because cheaper handsets with simplified functions are preferred in overseas markets, handset manufacturers have been required to develop different models, including operating software, for the domestic and overseas markets. The situation has made it hard for Japanese manufacturers to win overseas market share and prompted Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. to withdraw from the mature domestic market, which is unlikely to expand further, according to analysts.
The new operating software will make it easier for companies that make handsets for DoCoMo to develop and produce handsets for overseas markets.
For the domestic market, the manufacturers will add sophisticated functions and services to the new operating software. The makers may also introduce low-price handsets with simplified functions to the domestic market, according to sources.
Because DoCoMo also is considering investing in carriers in other Asian countries, the new strategy will enable manufacturers to introduce low-priced handsets in those markets, the sources said.
The change of policy by DoCoMo, which holds about a 50 percent domestic cell phone market share, likely will encourage KDDI Corp. and Softbank Mobile Corp. to adopt a similar strategy, analysts said.
source
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