28% of Japanese users consider iPhone switch
updated 10:30 am EDT, Mon July 7, 2008
iPhone in Japan
In the face of reports suggesting ambivalence to the iPhone 3G in the Japanese market, Kakaku.com has released survey results indicating that these accounts may be significantly off the mark. The Japanese iPhone is currently set to be carried exclusively by Softbank on July 11th; in the Kakaku survey, early 8,000 people (90 percent male) were questioned in June through a price comparison portal for electronics. Extrapolating from the respondents' answers, Kakaku says that over 50 percent "will definitely purchase one," or at least intend to. Of this group, over 45 percent are not current Softbank subscribers.
When looking at the survey in the context of the overall Japanese cellular industry, the results indicate that just over 28 percent of all Japanese mobile users are tempted to switch carriers to Softbank, purely to use Apple's new device. Reasons cited include "because its design is superior," "because its interface seems easy to use," and "because its functions seem interesting."
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2008
naturally
no way would anyone who seeks a simple to use phone choose anyone else. japanese phones are packed with features but none accessible to a normal person who has not swarmed the manual at least 10 times.
i had a middle school student (15 year old - likely he should be able to hack nasa) look for my email on my phone and after 5 minutes gave up. the iphone will be a phone with fewer features but a much needed interface and usability upgrade that japanese have never had. japanese phones are absolutely for those who change phones every year: just to be able to brab but never use. indeed, terrible phones.
finally: iphone