"WILLCOM 03" - a cell phone featuring a full-flat surface screen with dual mode touchpanel

WILLCOM, a Japanese cell phone carrier which has enthusiastic followers among bloggers, released "WILLCOM 03" which has "full-flat, illuminated touch screen panel."

Compared with its predecessor, the new model looks much better, modern and chic.

Its features also seem to be improved (at least up to the average level...)

- Full-flat surface screen without any mechanical buttons
- Dual-mode touch screen which one can switch cursor and key pad for dialing
- Built-in one-seg tuner ('one-seg' is the digital TV broadcasting for mobile device, available only in Japan).
- Built-in Bluetooth

Price is set at JPYen 35,520, with choosing the "W-VALUE SELECT" course. Considering the fact that new models are being released in every year, being tied to one model for 24 months is quite agonizing.

Frankly speaking, I would have changed the model if not "iPhone" is coming later....

Additionally, the official name for "Next Generation PHS" service was announced, and it would be called "WILLCOM CORE."

The service would have:

- Over 100Mbps (both uploading/downloading)
- Connection available even when you run at more than 300km/hr

The service starts from next year.

Translated by Hayashi
(original post on May 26, 2008)