IDO/DDI to Enhance 'EZweb' Mobile Internet Service to Challenge I-Mode
nikkeibp.asiabiztech.com
July 7, 2000 (TOKYO) -- DDI Corp. and IDO
Corp. revealed that they will enhance EZweb,
their Internet service for mobile phones, to rival
NTT DoCoMo's i-mode.
The enhanced EZweb service will include a
content service in color, improved mailing
function and portal site service.
The enhanced EZweb features contents in color,
alert sounds in 16 chords and a location
information service. They plan to have all of
their future cdmaOne mobile phone models
equipped with these functions as standard. The
C309H model that is slated for shipment in July
already has them.
As for the mailing function, the companies plan
to add an off-line reading function, which has
been one of most wanted functions by users.
In addition, they will launch a portal site on the
EZweb screen called "EZportal" on July 17. It
will customize contents depending on users'
preferences extracted from registered user
information. Specifically, it enables showing of
recommended contents tailored to individual
users and registering of up to five favorite sites
by the user to show on EZweb's top page. The
service is free.
Additionally, EZweb service providers continue
to support WAP content creators by providing
"WAP Editor," a WAP content production tool.
IDO/DDI plan to provide animated images and
music content with the aim of boosting demand
for high-speed communication services such as
high data rate (HDR) and 1xTREME.
They also plan full implementation of a
fee-collection system for contents providers.
IDO has not provided this service, but will
launch it in mid-July. After that, it will be
possible for contents providers to provide pay
contents and expect DDI/IDO's billing system to
perform fee collections for them.
IDO changed its service name of "EZaccess" to
EZweb in the hope that the unified EZ brand will
obtain as wide recognition as the nationwide
service that the DDI/IDO group is currently
providing.
As for the difference between DDI's and IDO's
brand contents, they will integrate them by
October, when they officially merge with KDD
Corp.
The number of subscribers of EZweb and
EZaccess Internet access services for mobile
phones is 2.2 million in total. KDDI (the merged
company's name after October) hopes to
increase that to 5 million by March 2001.
Related stories:
IDO/DDI to Offer CdmaOne Mobile Phone with
Color LCD Screen
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IDO, Cellular Phone Group to Start Location
Information Service
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DDI/IDO's WAP Service Subscribers Hit 2
Million
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(Nikkei Communications, BizTech News Dept.) |
