Video Blog: Japanese Cell Phone

It's been a while since I've done this, but it's quick and easy, so let's have a video blog (with additional notes below)! Those of you who have been around me in the past few months will know that I've been getting really into American smart phones, and I'm itching to see whether Japan is still miles ahead in this area of technology. When I took this video in 2008 my Japanese phone was certified badass, and since then certain features have naturally become common place or old news entirely. That's to be expected, but there are still things that make me go "whoa" when I see it, like free TV wherever I am. So just keep this two-year-old phone in perspective, people.

I would have liked to use the phone here, but unfortunately I was unable to set that up. Not that it's impossible, but I simply never did it for one reason or another. My plan is to see if SoftBank is available in my area and possibly reactivate my phone, which would obviously be the cheapest option, even though I could totally geek out on what's available now. So let's watch the video. I apologize for the low sound.

Japanese Cell Phones

Video Notes:

• SoftBank 920SH YK (Official Japanese Site) with White Plan
  
• The phone was cheaper than the version without stock functionality (???)
  
• Phone specs:
  -3.2 megapixel camera with video
  -MicoSD card slot
  -GSM SIM card
  -Free live TV
  -TV scheduling, recording, and reminders
  -Connect to bank account to swipe like a credit card
  -Barcode scanner
  -3G capable, pay by data usage
  -Infrared port to exchange numbers and files with other phones
  -Bluetooth
  -Connects to computer via USB to transfer files
  -International capabilities
  
• Likes:
  -Turns to the side and looks AWESOME
  -English menu
• Dislikes:
  -Pay extra for call waiting and voicemail
  -No word completion for English
• It actually does turn on now, but the camera doesn't work along with other features