Android Phones

[Gest]

Does anybody here know if KDDI will be coming out with a Google branded Android phone anytime soon? I know they signed up to the OHSA but I'm assuming membership is standard for all the big players that aren't MS, Apple or Nokia.

Also, are there any pricing or plan details out yet for Docomo's HT-03A. I wonder if they will have price caps on their data plans like AU and allow tethering.

[BigInJapan]

[shochu]

Also, are there any pricing or plan details out yet for Docomo's HT-03A. I wonder if they will have price caps on their data plans like AU and allow tethering.

its out now - and really cheap! 30,000yen you can buy it outright or pay over 12-24 months. In comparison the SH04 - the Sharp slide out keyboard smartphone is 64000 -more than double.
I have packet hodai yen already with docomo - 5000yen capped price - I hope I can keep that when I buy the HTC magic (03A).

[Gest]

Yeah, just went and had a look at that after I read your post. My wife reminds me we signed another 2 year contract with au and it won't be up until next Jan. Anyway, au are claiming Android phones will arrive next year but if they reneg or if they aren't the fully Google branded ones like the Docomo, I'll switch then. Supposedly, the Sony intro Android model that BiginJapan mentioned will be targeting the high end of the market and they will be an au supplier.

The spec sheet I picked up from Docomo is actually pretty impressive. I had no idea it was GSM as well.

[shochu]

Got the phone, it's awesome, android is brilliant and the apps from Android market absolutely rock. Only issue is battery life - it comes with a spare already so that tells you something. You can quickly replace the battery though.
The Japanese IME keyboard sucks - the default android one is much better ( bigger virtual keys - less errors when typing)
It uses USB mini-B connection - the same as Willcom, so you can buy willcom accessories at Daiso - i.e car charger and usb charger - cheap.
Perfectly syncs with Gmail - all facets contacts, drafts, sent messages - the lot - very handy.

Price is cheap too - 30000yen - less than half the price of the new Japanese models. Biz-hodai is sweet too - all you can use internet for a little over 5000yen.
No imode - your @docomo address is obsolete. You can't use any i-mode functions, no biggie for me but if you use them now its something to consider.

Overall a great smartphone and Android is superb (apple must be worried). Highly recommended.