The culprit is apparently the Au One Market, one of the increasing number of third-party app stores available for devices not eligible for Google’s own Android Market. This particular download store is a common preload on KDDI smartphones sold in Asia, with the most recent Au One update adding support for the push advertising.

The frustration for users, however, is that there’s no obvious way to turn the adverts off, nor indeed to uninstall the Au One Market baked into the ROM (or at least not without voiding the warranty). In fact, the opt-out is hidden in the EULA (End User License Agreement), a grayed-out link which is hardly the most obvious way to turn some very obvious promotions off.

It remains to be seen whether other developers and third-party app distributors follow Au One Market’s approach and try to get more intrusive with their promotions. Voting “with your feet” – by uninstalling such apps – is the usual way of reacting, but if carriers begin to include such functionality in their core ROMs then users may struggle to avoid them.

[via Android Community]

There’s also WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth, EVDO Rev.A and GPS, along with mini USB, microSD and a 5-megapixel main camera. Unfortunately, all that ruggedness – including IPX4 waterproofing, IP5X grade dust resistance and the ability to survive 76cm drops onto concrete – comes at a price, which is bulk: the ASUS TOUGH is clad in rubber and the like, adding up to 215 x 132 x 20-22.2 mm and 620g on the scales.

Battery life from the 7,400mAh pack is unconfirmed, though we’re guessing KDDI and ASUS’ target audience – enterprise users wanting to outfit their on-site workers with ruggedized slates capable of standing up to some careless treatment – will demand all-day runtime. No word on pricing at this stage, but the ASUS TOUGH ETBW11AA will go on sale in Japan come November.

That fits in with previous reports that the iPhone 5 would be a so-called World Phone, with a single model capable of using both GSM frequencies – as A&T and most of Europe uses – and CDMA networks – such as Verizon. The smartphone is also tipped to have an 8-megapixel camera and debut a larger display, increasing the panel size from the 3.5-inches of all previous iPhone versions.

Interestingly, NTT DoCoMo is believed to have been left out in the cold from Apple’s new deal. Sales on SoftBank had supposedly been dwindling, prompting Apple to broaden its scope in Japan. KDDI is yet to confirm the deal, as are SoftBank and Apple, but the carrier is expected to have paid handsomely for the privilege of offering the iPhone 5.

[Thanks Tom!]

The network will also be able to provide the user seamless high-speed access throughout Japan. That would mean a person moving from a wireless data connection into range of the WiFi network would not notice the transition to the WiFi service from the data service. The new network will be available to the subscribers of the KDDI packet flat rate plans.

KDDI is calling the new service au Wi-Fi Spot and it is free of charge with the au Android smartphones in over 10,000 locations to start. By March of 2012 the number of locations will have been increased to 100,000. There is no configuration to the phone needed for the network to be used with authentication being made to the network based on credentials inside the phone.

Inside you’ll find new software by the name of ExTouch, this dedicated to helping improve Windows 7 touch input by giving you a dedicated App launcher. Feel free to visit Onkyo for additional information if you read Japanese. Looks kinda sassy!

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Apparently the MiFi itself is included with a rental plan for data, which is what we would call pay as you go plans here in the US. The MiFi is the one we are used to with support for up to five different WiFi devices at one time including laptops, tablets, phones and more.

The MiFi will work on networks that operate on 800/850MHz, 1900MHz and 2100MHz allowing for global roaming. The device offers connectivity speeds of up to 7.2Mbps. The service for the MiFi starts at 1,280JPY per day and the rentals can be ordered on the KDDI rental site.

There’s also less onboard storage, just 4GB, though you get the same 512MB of RAM.  KDDI’s interface is different to what we’ve seen on the Tab before, too, thanks to a collaboration with Ocean Observations.

As for accessories, the only thing Samsung has confirmed is a desk cradle (which you can see in the gallery below).  No word on pricing for the KDDI SMT-i9100, but it’ll apparently arrive on the Japanese network in February 2011.

[via Android Community]

Keeping things moving is a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, paired with WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.1, and the smartphone is waterproof and has a microSDHC card slot.  It uses a new EVDO system, too, promising up to 9.2Mbps downlinks and 5.5Mbps uplinks.

In fact the only thing stopping us from weeping openly is the fact that the Toshiba REGZA IS04 will arrive in January 2011 running just Android 2.1, which is already behind the times and, by then, will be well superseded.  It’s part of three new KDDI Android devices announced today.  No word on any potential North American/European release.

[via Android Community]

The Sharp IS03 Android smartphone surfaced this week with a 9.6MP camera and a display that is as high resolution as the iPhone 4 screen. That screen is 3.5-inches and the phone has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The really cool Skylifter balloon concept surfaced this week. The massive balloon is designed to carry huge equipment into remote areas that weighs up to 150 tons.

A new Android smartphone has turned up called the Altek Leo 3.5G. The official PR images where shown off and the thing has a 14MP camera with a ship date set for Q1 2011. Researchers have issued a report claiming that Apple iOS usage share is 4.9 times that of Android. The reports was in response to one that claimed Android was overtaking Apple iOS and only proves fan boys can spin numbers any way they want.

The official launch date for Windows Phone 7 is set for Monday October 11. The first handsets will hit AT&T that Monday and I hope the mobile OS is better received than the Kin phones were. The Samsung Wave II S8530 smartphone is getting a larger 3.7-inch Super LCD and dropping the previous 3.3-inch AMOLED panel. The real issue is that the phone is expected to run Bada, which is the worst part about the phone.

UD Replicas unveiled some really cool and supremely geeky replica motorcycle suits that look like the suits from the coming Tron flick. The suit for guys looks like the one Sam Flynn wears in the movie. AT&T whipped out three new Android smartphones early in the week including the Bravo, Flipout, and Flipside. All three of the devices run Android 2.1 and have Motoblur with prices running from $79.99 to $129.99.

Verizon has announced that the Droid Pro will be landing in the coming weeks. The phone will have a touchscreen with a full QWERTY keyboard and looks a lot like a Blackberry. Word that Call of Duty: Black Ops will have 3D as an option surfaced this week. I can only imagine how cool playing this game in 3D will be.

ThinkGeek started shipping the Star Wars Wampa Rug this week. The thing looks like a bearskin rug made out of the pelt of a snow monster from Hoth. Western Digital unveiled new external storage solutions with USB 3.0 connectivity. One of the new drives could be had in up to 3TB storage capacity.

The Logitech Revue Google TV box made its official debut this week for $299 on pre-order. The box lets you do all sorts of stuff like watch web content on your TV and tons more. Those rumors of a Verizon iPhone won’t die. Rumors circulate claiming that the iPhone for Verizon will go into mass production starting at the end of 2010.

If you are one of the users of Netflix on the PS3, you may get tired of having to use that disc to get access. Disc-free access for the game console is due to land this month. Rumors of a 11.6-inch MacBook Air continue to circulate and create lots of buzz. The rumors are being fed by the fact that stock of the current Air are out everywhere.

PayPal has updated its iPhone app and the update allows users to deposit checks without going to a bank. Depositing checks requires images to be taken of the front and back of the check and money hits the PayPal account about six days later. Kingston unveiled its new microSD card with 32GB of storage this week. The tiny card has enough space for thousands of photos and songs.

Rumors abound that a new iPad is coming next year with a Retina display and 128GB of storage. The latest batch of rumors was started by a Wall Street analyst. New features will undoubtedly come with the huge popularity of the tablet. Augen pulled the wraps off six new Android tablets. Several of them are rather mundane, but one very cool tablet has a netbook base with keyboard and lots more.

HTC has offered up a demo of the Windows Phone 7 running HD2. The video demo shows many of the ins and outs of the coming smartphone. iFixit has torn down the Nokia N8 and deemed the phone designed very well inside and the handset is said to be very reparable. The phone looks neat on the inside. Thanks for reading this week’s edition!

As we’ve grown to expect from Japanese smartphonse, the KDDI IS03 is bursting with functionality.  In addition to EVDO Rev.A, WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR there’s infrared, GPS, 1-Seg mobile digital TV and an FM transmitter, as well as compatibility with KDDI’s mobile wallet electronic payments system.

There’s also 512MB of RAM and a 2GB microSD card preloaded (up to 32GB supported), and the whole thing weighs in at 138g and will be available in white, black or orange.  Interestingly, the display has a dual-power mode which can show battery status, signal, missed calls and other reminders without the backlight being active, and it seems to beat the Continuum to the post with a second touchscreen panel for the Android controls.  No word on whether Sharp are going to develop a version of the IS03 for the US or Europe, sadly.

[via Android Community and via PC Watch]

For instance, while the IS01 has an FM transmitter, 1Seg digital TV tuner, EVDO modem and phone functionality, developers won’t apparently be able to access them.  Instead, they’ll get the basic Android 1.6 SDK and a proprietary Sharp API that covers “infrared data transfer, LED flashlight, camera, opening and closing [notifications], and file picker.”

What’s interesting is that, while the IS01 has a 5-inch 960 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, developers are being asked to code Android apps running at 854 x 480.  That’s more appropriate for regular Android smartphones, so hopefully we’ll see whatever Sharp’s developers come up with spread to other devices.

As for the consumer IS01, rather than the October 2010 release we initially heard about, it seems the handheld will drop next month (albeit in Japan) in both black and light blue.  The developer version is only available in brown; no word on pricing yet, but if you’re interested you can register for more information.

[via Pocketables]

Video demos after the cut

The IS01 is based on Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon chipset, and packs EVDO Rev.A, WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.  Android sits under a custom UI, and there are dual cameras – a 5.3-megapixel one on the back and a lower-res one up front for video calls – with support for augmented reality apps.

Unfortunately Akihabara News weren’t as positive, critiquing the IS01′s build quality though admitting that the Snapdragon keeps things chugging along nicely.  We’re crossing our fingers that Sharp do the sensible thing and bring the IS01 to North America and Europe sometime soon.

[Thanks Andy!]

There’s also a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera, WiFi b/g and Bluetooth.  It’ll be interesting to see whether this CDMA version makes it over to North America any faster than its GSM equivalent.

It’s not all good news, however.  Akihabara went hands-on with the IS02 (which goes by the name K01 in the US) and found the experience to be distinctly sub-par.  The phone turned out to be unstable and sluggish, and were yet to be optimized for speed.  It seems Toshiba weren’t quite ready for KDDI’s launch; hopefully the production devices will do better.

Toshiba TG02 demo:

Since this is a Japanese device, there’s also plenty of stuff the rest of us could never hope of getting, such as a 1-Seg TV tuner.  There’s also IrDA, along with dual cameras – a 5.27-megapixel one on the back, and a 0.43-megapixel snapper up front for video calls.  Storage is via either 3GB of onboard memory or a microSD card slot, and the whole thing measures in at 149 x 83 x 17.9 mm.

Battery life is apparently good enough for 310 minutes of talktime or 200hrs of standby.  Sharp are preparing two versions, apparently, one for consumers (which should hit the market in October this year) and another, on sale from May 2010, which is targeted at developers.  No word on pricing at this point.

[via SlashPhone and via Impress]

The prototype fuel cell that company is showing off is a sort of hybrid device that has the fuel cell coupled to a lithium ion battery to help provide enough power for surges in use. The battery/fuel cell hybrid is good for the aforementioned 320 hours of run time and a recharge is as quick as refilling the methanol container.

The big letdown of this prototype is that KDDI doesn’t expect to have the technology on the market for at least a few years. One day we will be able to go for weeks without having to find an AC outlet for our gadgets, one day.

Video demo after the cut

The idea is that the robot works as a straightforward dock when it comes to watching media on a larger display, but can also help as your constant companion.  For instance, iida Polaris can track your physical condition and make exercise suggestions and new recipes, building up a history of your routines and calling for help should you deviate too greatly from them (for instance if an elderly person collapses).

Unfortunately, as we said the iida Polaris is just a concept right now, and there’s no promise that this Rolly-with-a-conscience will ever trundle from shelves.  Check out the video below for more details.

[via CrunchGear]

The two cards, manufactured by Mitsumi Electric Co Ltd and Renesas Technology Corp, are based on a design by KDDI but use different wireless components.  The Mitsumi Electric card, on the left in the image above, relies on Atheros Communications Inc’s AR6002 chipset with integrated RF transceiver and baseband processing.  Meanwhile Renesas Technology uses its own KS3021 RF transceiver IC and KS7010 baseband processing IC.

The antenna on both cards is around a third the overall size; none of the companies involved revealed what sort of range users might expect.  KDDI envisage the WiFi microSDs being used to add WLAN wireless to cellphones and other mobile devices, though there’s no word on a possible release date nor pricing.

The G9 features a 1Seg TV tuner and supports 1X, CDMA and GSM networks. It also has a titanium compound used as a coating for the stainless steel body, adding a touch of class into the mix. With a 480 x 854 3-inch touchscreen display, a microSD card slot, and a 3.2-megapixel camera, the G9 is actually really similar to the Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot S001.

You can record content using this device and you can use a mobile pico projector to display content received from the 1Seg tuner on your wall or a screen. Other features include GPS, Bluetooth, mobile wallet, 3.5 hours of talk time and 230 hours of standby. The G9 is set to launch in Japan sometime in August. Three color options will be available including a black finish with green accents, a titanium finish with silver accents and a mirror finish with pink accents.

[via Impress]

The mobile device labels WOO Ketai H001, its 845×480 screen display measures 3.1-inch in diagonal, and is based on a color-accurate and a wider viewing angles IPS panel. With a flip of a switch, the screen can display conventional 2D to virtually optimized 3rd dimensional multimedia contents.

WOOO Ketai H001 from KDDI comes with a built-in 5MP digital camera, microSD expansion slot for additional storage, supports Global Passport CDMA service, 1Seg broadcasting TV tuners, ewallet application and weights just 145 grams. It’s scheduled to launch in Japan from early Spring, but don’t hold your breath for a release elsewhere.

[via impress]

It’s not like the S001 wouldn’t work outside of Japan: Sony Ericsson have seen fit to give it GSM/CDMA connectivity, allowing KDDI’s “global passport” roaming system to work.  There’s also Bluetooth, 1-Seg digital TV, electronic payments, preinstalled navigation software and a full internet browser.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan, you can pick up the Sony Ericsson S001 on KDDI in black, pink and green with gold trim.  But don’t expect the rest of us to be anything but bitter about it.

[via OLED-Info]

However little else about the device is known at present, including perhaps the most interesting feature: the camera.  Given that Exilim is the brand under which Casio markets its standalone digital cameras, it’s reasonable to assume that the NX-9250 will have a high megapixel count and, hopefully, decent optics. 

Other than that, all we know is that the handset has Bluetooth.  Earlier this year, Casio’s 8.1-megapixel W63CA, for Japanese carrier KDDI, was cleared by the FCC for roaming purposes.   

[via Mobile Burn]

Unlike Japan’s usual superstar phones, which tend to be over-blessed with buttons, high-definition displays and general wonderment, the Xmini has a mere 1.8-inch QVGA (240 x 320) LCD display and 4GB of internal storage.  Inside are some particularly small number keys, which are likely to present a problem to anyone without the slenderest of digits.

Nonetheless, the CDMA cellphone is compatible with KDDI’s LISMO Video service, for streaming TV and movies, and EZ ‘Chaku Uta’ for audio downloads.  The Sony Ericsson Xmini will be available in Japan at the end of December; don’t hold your breath for a release elsewhere.

[via Akihabara]

The camera also features face detection and anti-shake, together with a flash, and given Casio’s expertise in point-and-shoot digital cameras it’s likely to take a decent picture.  The W63CA measures 110 x 50 x 17.4-22mm and will go on sale in Japan in November, price unknown.

As OLED-Info point out, the 3.1-inch AMOLED display used in the Casio Exilim W63CA is actually the same screen KDDI demonstrated back at the beginning of the month.  It will also be used in a more basic cameraphone, also for KDDI, the Hitachi W63H AU.

The second new display is also a 3.1-inch QVGA panel, but here capable of showing 3D images via parallax barrier technology.  2D images can be converted into 3D in real-time, with narrow angled strips running down the display used to show slightly different images to the left and right eye.  In that way, no special glasses are required.

Both new displays will find their way into handsets, although the timescales are tentative.  KDDI expects the 3D panel to be commercialized by the end of 2009, while the WVGA OLED panel will appear “on actual products shortly although the exact timeline cannot be mentioned”.

[via Electronista]