KDDI Corporation Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company

KDDI To Launch Next-Generation au Services Across Japan in December Sales of New GPS Keitai and Movie Keitai to Start Simultaneously

Tokyo, November 12, 2001 -- KDDI Corp. and Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company are due to launch three new cellular phone services across Japan from December this year. eznavigation, a GPS navigation system, and ezmovie, a moving image transmission system, will be the first services of their kind available in Japan through mobile phone networks. The third new service, an all-new au cellular phone service compatible with the global mobile Internet standard WAP2.0, will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Accompanying the new services will be two new cellular phone units. The GPS Keitai will give users access to the services and functionality required to use the GPS to determine their exact location. For its part, the Movie Keitai will give users access to the moving image service outlined above. Movies will come complete with stereo sound, and will be available anyplace, anytime, for extremely reasonable prices. Sales of the new phone units are to commence in early December. Customers will be able to choose from two different models of GPS Keitai, the C3001H and the C3002K, though only one model, the C5001T, will initially be available for the Movie Keitai. At the start of the services, GPS services will offer customers approximately 20 different contents, with moving image services totaling approximately 60. Both new services have a special promotional campaign that runs until March 2002. This promotion will give customers access to high-speed packet services, which normally incur a monthly charge of 600 yen, for free through a set discount. Further details of the new services are listed below. 1.Main Characteristics New cellular phone units GPS Keitai C3001H C3002K Movie Keitai C5001T Compatible with nationwide cdmaOne packet communications network eznavigation functions ezmovie functions (max speed: 64Kbps) - More advanced ezplus Java-compatible functionsUtilization of eznavigation positional information in other applications WAP2.0-compatible Access to unofficial i-Mode sites Note: Java and related products and services are the trademarks and registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc., and its global network 2.eznavigation functions (1) Main characteristics - Utilization of high-accuracy positional information in other applications Navigation systems to date have relied on signals sent out from transmission bases. eznavigation incorporates signals from the GPS satellite network into the system to provide more accurate, real-time location information. The new system uses three different GPS signals to ensure that location information is accurate to within a few meters. GPS signals may not be able to reach users when they are inside or underground. In such cases, signals from as many as 20 transmission bases will be coordinated to continue to determine users' locations. It should be noted that accuracy suffers in such adverse circumstances. (2) Usage Method The wide range of contents offered by this new service is accessible from EZweb's eznavigation menu. Through this menu customers can access paid content from a large variety of companies, such as map functions, gourmet town guides, communications services, traffic information, weather reports and emergency information. In addition to route information based on current location, customers will now be able to receive e-mails containing details of individual destinations. Maps and location-dependent virtual pets will also be available. On a more serious note, families will be able to check on the location of family members, and emergency signals can be sent out should the need arise. These functions provide customers with an unprecedented level of contact among families and friends. (3) Initial number of contents available (due to undergo steady expansion) 20 (see list at end of press release) 3.ezmovie functions (1) Main characteristics - Smooth moving images, stereo sound, hyperlink-compatible to movie credits EZweb's data transmission speeds will be speeded up to a maximum of 64Kbps. At the same time, smooth moving image transmission will be made possible through the use of the MP4 file format. This format combines a number of global standard compression algorithms: the MPEG4 algorithm used for moving image compression, and the MP3 and QCELP algorithms used in sound and music compression. High-quality stereo sound is one of the many benefits of this technological combination. Hyperlink-compatible movie credit functions will combine with the new services to broaden the range of communication services accessible from video contents. Interactive e-commerce is one area that can be expected to make particular gains as a result. Note: QCELP is a registered U.S. trademark of Qualcomm (2) Usage Contents offered by this new service is accessible from EZweb's ezmovie menu. This menu brings within easy reach both paid and free contents from a large variety of providers, such as movies, music, news, weather reports, and contents relating to cartoon characters, sports, fashion, celebrities, comedy and entertainment. Sites offering contents for the new service provide users with high-quality video contents in no more than a minute. Be it the latest chart information or news highlights, content is available anyplace, anytime, for extremely reasonable prices. (3) Initial number of contents available (due to undergo steady expansion) 60 (see list at end of press release) 4.Advanced ezplus Java-compatible functions (1) Main characteristics - Supports HTTP transfers, makes possible data transfers via servers With the introduction of the new service, ezplus functions, first introduced in July and previously capable of dealing with applications of a maximum size of 50Kb, will be greatly expanded. New versions will support standard HTTP file transfer protocol, a change that will allow data transfers between cellular phone units and servers. As a result of the above, two-player computer games and other communicative activities will become possible via servers. Moreover, application data can be updated automatically, allowing timely access to the latest news, weather reports and other similar contents. Mobile agent functions are another new option. Users can use these functions to send out agent control programs, which automatically collect required information from servers. Other new functions will allow the eznavigation location information to be utilized by other applications, creating an even more interactive user environment than ever before. (2) Initial number of contents available (due to undergo steady expansion) 20*(see list at end of press release) Total number of ezplus services to date: 41 * This figure includes those services that make use of eznavigation functions 5.WAP2.0 features Compatible with XHTML, the next-generation global standard WAP2.0, adopted by the WAP forum, is the global standard for mobile Internet applications that require XHTML support. It is due to be introduced as the platform for EZweb, and, through it, eznavigation, ezmovie and ezplus. Compatibility will also be maintained with WML (Wireless Markup Language) and HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language) the predecessors to XHTML in this respect. Superlative security features The adoption of the WAP2.0 standard will boost integration of the new services with the Internet at large. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is an integral part of WAP2.0 encryption protocols, and the system is also compatible with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) security, fast becoming the de facto standard within the industry. These features allow WAP2.0 to provide the extremely secure communications environment required by banking, credit settlement, shopping and other applications. Allows access to unofficial i-Mode sites Both the GPS Keitai and the Movie Keitai are WAP2.0-compatible. As such, they not only allow access to existing EZweb content, but to unofficial i-Mode HTML sites. It should be noted however, that the unique i-Mode users' environment will not be maintained when viewing unofficial sites. 6.Charges (1) Main Points EZwebmulti, a new EZweb service course, will be introduced for GPS Keitai and Movie Keitai customers. The high-capacity data transmission required by the eznavigation, ezmovie, and ezplus services available with EZwebmulti will be available at even more favorable prices than existing options such as EZweb@mail. (2) Monthly Fees EZwebmulti Monthly fee 300 yen High-speed packet service Monthly fee 600 yen Note: High-speed packet service is the new name for PacketOne64 services. The new name will come into effect in December of this year. Discount on EZwebmulti and high-speed packet service set Monthly fee High-speed packet service available free until end of special campaign in March 2002 (standard monthly fee: 600 yen). 300 yen Standard discount (200 yen discount) 700 yen Those customers who sign up for EZwebmulti and high-speed packet services at the same time gain access not only to high-speed data transfer at a maximum of 64Kbps, but also to an identical maximum transfer rate when using EZweb from Movie Keitai units. This results in a significant increase in the quality of moving image services. Simultaneous sign-up for the above two services also result in a 200-yen discount on the monthly fee. Those customers signing up for both services before the end of March 2002 will receive an even larger discount, resulting in a monthly fee of only 300 yen. During the promotional period the monthly usage fee for High Speed Packet services will be free. (3) EZwebmulti Packet Communication Fees * 1 packet = 128 byte1 access = 1 page or 1 transmission * Fees are 0.27 yen/packet when determining position with eznavigation or utilizing SSL/TLS communications. * Those customers accessing paid contents on other sites will be required to pay the relevant providers additional charges not covered here. Discount Options - PacketOne Middle and Super Packs Reduced Fee Time on EZ Internet (including eznavigation, ezmovie and ezplus) is from 1:00 until 17:00. Reduced Fee Time fees are also available whenever customers download more than 100 packets of data in a single access. This special reduction was conceived of to allow customers wider access to data-intensive contents. Under Reduced Fee Time fees, a 10KB map could therefore be downloaded with packet communication fees of 16 yen, and fees for a 100KB video clip would come to 88 yen. Taking one of the PacketOne options outlined above will allow customers to reduce packet communication fees even further. Packet communication fees under the PacketOne Middle Pack A total of 625 10KB maps of 16 yen each could be downloaded with a free usage amount of 10,000 yen. A set fee therefore yields a fee of approximately 4 yen per download. A total of 113 10KB maps of 88 yen each could be downloaded with the same free usage amount of 10,000 yen. A set fee of 2,400 yen therefore yields a fee of approximately 21 per download. 7.Service Commencement Date Early December, 2001 (planned). This will coincide with the first sales of the new cellular phone units. 8.New Cellular Phone Units Compatible with the New Service (1) C3001H COCO SECOM EZ-Compatible Model Compatible with COCO SECOM EZ, which provides positional information, emergency signal and dispatch of staff services. A wide range of services is available from SECOM Co., Ltd. in this respect, such as the immediate dispatch of staff to customers who have activated emergency signal functions. (This service requires separate applications and charges payable to SECOM Co., Ltd.) 1Mb Data Folder Melodies, images, games and other downloads are stored in a memory approximately 1Mb in size, the largest such memory available in a cdmaOne cellular phone. This capacity allows customers to save more than 20 ezplus applications of 50Kb size. Large-scale dynamic speakers Large-scale speakers in the back of the unit allow impressive audio accompaniments to games and other activities. 'ATOK for au' Japanese Conversion System The 'ATOK Pocket for Mobile Phone' Japanese Conversion System installed in the C451H cellular phone is now available in this new unit, in a new improved version. Entering a single character now results in a pop-up display showing all words used to date that begin with the same character, thereby allowing text to be entered much more quickly. A total of 14,000 commonly used and currently fashionable words have also been added to the system database, for a total of 98,000 words. 4,096-Color TFD-LCD Display The unit boasts a TFD-LCD display, which combines high picture quality with exceptional speed of response. Maps obtained through eznavigation scroll particularly smoothly with this screen, and ezplus games also benefit from the unusually clear display. Side Illumination Illumination is provided by a new advanced light, carefully integrated with the unit side-piece. The light glows a deep blue when the unit receives phone calls or is active with location-determining services. Color Options The new unit is to be available in three different colors: silver, black and scarlet. (2) C3002K (Winner of the 2001 Good Design Prize) A Stylish Model Offering Exceptional Clarity of Image Aluminum body The aluminum panels of which this model is made provide customers with the high quality and stylish metallic feel that other materials simply cannot match. 65,536-Color GF LCD Display The unit boasts a 65,536-color GF (Glass Fine) LCD screen, which delivers high contrast and extremely high image quality. The screen is compatible with the JPEG format, one of the most commonly used image compression formats. Improved character display Phone numbers, phone call times and history and re-dial functions are displayed with 2424 dot characters for extra ease of use. Data is accessible with a single glance. WnnV2 Japanese Conversion Software This software provides a wide range of functions, ranging from quick memory options to complete sentence conversion for commonly used phrases. Colloquial language can be converted without difficulty, making e-mails easier to compose and send than ever before. Dictionaries used range from the most basic to more specialist options providing access to place names, company names and public facilities. A total of 64,600 words are installed as standard, including abbreviations and currently fashionable words. Notification light The unit includes a three-colored (blue, green and red) LED that flashes when certain types of data are received. Different combinations of flashes indicate whether the received data is a voice message, an e-mail, a c-mail, or a talk mail. (3) C5001T (Winner of the 2001 Good Design Prize) Flagship model of the new range, offering high-quality MPEG4 playback with stereo sound Video Playback Functions The model's superlative playback functions allow users access to the wide range of ezmovie video content at 15 frames per second. Picture quality is also extremely high, thanks to the QCIF (144176 dot) moving images size. Video transmission reaches maximum speeds of 64Kbps for those customers signed up with high-speed packet services. 4,096-Color Low-Temperature Polysilicon TFT LCD Screen This quick-response screen lets users enjoy high-clarity video clips. The expressive power of the screen's excellent contrast and vivid colors is immediately apparent. Digital Stereo Sound Digital stereo sound, accessible through a stereo earphone microphone which comes as standard with the unit, adds a new dimension to video clips. Crystal Illumination The seven-color light installed in the back of the unit flashes to let users know when phone calls and e-mails arrive. Different colors and patterns can be set for different acquaintances, letting users know callers' identities without even opening the unit up. 9.Peripheral Devices The following peripheral devices are due to go on sale along with the GPS and Movie Keitais: the ezplus controller, the first cellular phone game controller to go on sale in Japan; a Bluetooth adaptor that allows wireless data transmission with cdmaOne cellular phones; and MySync, a program allowing PIM and other data to be transmitted and synchronized between cellular phones and personal computers. (1) ezplus Controller cConnecting the ezplus controller up to a cellular phone allows users to interact with content much more easily. A 4-way controller and four keys provide users with a control setup similar to that used in modern games consoles. Needless to say, this makes game content, especially shooting games, far more accessible than in the past. The controller uses four arms to stabilize the cellular phone in question, a design which makes it compatible with a wide range of units. The controller boasts great ease of use, activating immediately on being plugged into a cellular phone. Moreover, the power supply switches off automatically after being left unused for a period of five minutes, contributing greatly to efficiency of battery usage. Note: The controller is to be compatible with the C5001T, C3001H, C3002K, C452CA models, and future ezplus-compatible models. (2) BluetoothTM Adaptor Uses the Bluetooth protocol to make wireless data transmission possible through simple attachment to a cdmaOne cellular phone. Allows wireless dial-up connections to be made from personal computers even when on the move. In conjunction with the attached MySync software, the adaptor enables the transmission of PIM and other data between cellular phones and personal computers. * BluetoothTM is a globally accepted wireless transmission protocol which allows data transmission between cellular phones, PCs and other compatible devices. BluetoothTM is a registered trademark. KDDI Corporation, Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company and TDK Corporation use the technology under license. * Due to be compatible with C5001T, C3001H, C3002K, C1001SA and C1002S models, the C400 Series, the C300 Series, and all models released in future. * Please consult the appropriate homepage for other important issues relating to the use of this product. (3) MySync This software allows PIM and other data (used in address books, schedules, task lists and the like) to be transmitted and synchronized between cellular phones and personal computers. Its advanced functionality does away with the nuisance of having to input data into both cellular phones and PCs. A wide range of options are made possible by the new software: downloading PIM data saved on a PC onto a cellular phone; transferring other files created and edited on PCs in the same manner; and backing up cellular phone data on PCs for safety. It should be noted that copyrighted information cannot be transferred in this manner. A serial cable for connecting phone unit to PC is included with the software CD-ROM. However, only one such cable is provided when the software is bought as part of the BluetoothTM package. On-screen instructions make installation simple. Data synchronization is also straightforward. Once the cellular phone and PC in question are connected, users only need to start the program up and select the necessary options. PIM data synchronization can be conducted all at once or by item, in line with user preferences. * Due to be compatible with C5001T, C3001H, C3002K, C1001SA and C1002S models, the C400 Series, the C300 Series, and all models released in future. * When using a serial cable. * Please consult KDDI homepage for other important issues relating to the use of this product.

Copyright (C) 2001 KDDI CORPORATION All Rights Reserved.