SCCyberworld

Friday, December 12, 2008

i-mate™ to launch first phone in Japan: Ultimate 8502 smartphone

i-mate™ plc. (Headquarters: Dubai, UAE, hereafter: i-mate) and Japan Communications Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan, hereafter: JCI) are pleased to announce that the i-mate Ultimate 8502 smartphone has received JATE/TELEC[1] certifications, paving the way for its nationwide release. This will be the first time that an i-mate device will be available in Japan, the world’s most advanced cellular market.

JCI, a global leader in wireless data communications as an MVNO, has supported i-mate’s efforts to offer the device from the outset and will be the first company in Japan to offer the device. JCI will initially focus sales activities on Japan’s lucrative enterprise market. JCI CMO Naohisa Fukuda said “We are pleased to offer i-mate unencumbered, SIM-lock free access to a Japanese wireless carrier network. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with i-mate and to facilitating the market entry of many more of their devices.” JCI offers the world’s most flexible environment for developing on the Windows Mobile platform. JCI commenced 3G services over NTT Docomo, Inc.’s 3G network in August of this year. JCI offers global terminal manufacturers unhindered access to the Japanese market, including obviating the need for inter-operability tests (IOT) with wireless carriers.
i-mate products, which are all designed SIM-lock free, deliver world leading functionality in a range of distinctive designs. Speaking about the i-mate Ultimate 8502’s certifications in Japan, i-mate Founder and CEO Jim Morrison said “I’m proud to be able to work with JCI to offer the i-mate Ultimate 8502 to customers in Japan. As one of the world’s most advanced mobiles, the Ultimate 8502 is fast and fully connected, and well placed to leverage Japan’s advanced networks. This makes it ideal for those wanting a powerful touch screen mobile with extra smarts.”

The Ultimate 8502 offers an unmatchable list of features and functionality, including Windows Mobile 6.1, QWERTY and touch-screen input, GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth™ connectivity. Direct Video Out allows the device to be connected to projectors and Televisions to view presentations, photos, and video calls on the big screen. Word Mobile, Excel Mobile and Powerpoint Mobile come as standard with the device, meaning users can opt to use the Ultimate 8502 in place of their laptops while outside the office.

i-mate customers throughout Japan will also receive free and exclusive access to i-mate’s i-Q suite of solutions. Offering peace of mind to business and consumer customers alike, Secure i-Q allows an i-mate customer to lock, wipe and alarm their device if it’s ever lost or stolen. Professional i-Q delivers big business benefits to businesses of all shapes and sizes, making it easy to manage and secure entire fleets of i-mate devices.

Reflecting on the significance of the i-mate and JCI partnership, Jim Morrison said “Today marks a significant step forward for i-mate. We are delighted to be given the opportunity to work with JCI, and look forward to working closely together to deliver outstanding mobile solutions to customers throughout Japan.”

JCI will continue to facilitate the market entry to Japan of leading international device manufacturers such as i-mate to ensure maximum freedom of choice and quality for consumers.
[1] JATE/TELEC certifications are required for all mobile radio devices sold in Japan.

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