Push-to-Talk failure in Japan

Mesmerized by the US Nextel's success with its PTT service running on Nextel's proprietary iDen network in early 2000's, Japanese carriers including DoCoMo and KDDI au also introduced similar services utilizing existing cellular networks in Japan in 2005. However, the concept never really took off in Japan. According to DoCoMo, about one hundred thousand users use the service on a monthly basis. As the result, both carriers announced the pending retirement of PTT services with KDDI au shutting down its in August this year, followed by DoCoMo with the plans to close the service in September next year.

Source: IT Media

NHK joins iPhone app craze

NHK, the Japanese analogue of British BBC, joined the ranks of iPhone application developers by releasing the replica of its iconic clock. The clock application doesn't only keep the authentic looks but it also provides the time tone similar to the original sampling. It's available free for download from the iPhone appstore.

Source: CNet Japan