NTT DoCoMo and Taiwan’s High Tech Computer Corporation, HTC, announced on July 12 that they had developed the HTC mobile information device hTc Z. Sales through DoCoMo’s corporate sales division are scheduled to begin in late July.
(CNet Japan)
On the other hand, the specifications appear to include consideration for Japanese manufacturers, such as the lack of iMode support, though for some reason the CNet article does not mention that point.
Not supporting iMode also means that there is no flat-rate packet plan. Regarding future plans, however, NTT DoCoMo’s Mr. Miki said: “Because the hTc Z will use a similar plan, there is no flat-rate plan, but we would like to consider a semi-flat-rate plan in the future in response to demand.”
This device will be offered under the HTC brand. It will probably soon be able to work on Vodafone as well. Vodafone offers a flat-rate service for specified corporate FQDNs, so when this is combined with the device, company applications can be used at a flat rate.
When I get hold of an actual unit, I will write a follow-up.
Nokia has already begun offering devices under its own manufacturer brand. It seems likely that the shift from carrier-branded devices, as at present, to manufacturer-branded devices as seen overseas will gradually advance, especially for corporate use.
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