Just before the year 2008 ended, Softbank introduces a TV-tuner accessory to the iPhone in Japan -- the 1-Seg TV. I'm not sure though if this device will work outside the Japanese airwaves. The 1-Seg TV grabs the channels over the air and transmits the signal to your iPhone via wifi which could be a bummer if you want to watch TV in your car while driving on a heavy traffic (they should also enable USB cable transmission too). Priced at around $108 (9,850 yen), the device is 100% in Japanese (hardware and software) so I guess bringing the tuner out of the country will only be useful to those who can read Japanese. You can grab the Softbank Software over at the iPhone App Store (if you are lucky to find it with a search). After over two weeks of using the iPhone 3G, I can fairly say I have become familiar with this mobile device to share some insights on how it fares as a primary mobile phone. In a way, I regard the iPhone 3G primarily as an internet device and media player that has the cute feature allowing you to make calls and send SMS. That being said, if you are a heavy SMS user, then the iPhone is not for you. Read more in our articles including "Softbank makes iPhone TV Tuner in Japan" and "iPhone 3G: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
Just before the year 2008 ended, Softbank introduces a TV-tuner accessory to the iPhone in Japan -- the 1-Seg TV. I'm not sure though if this device will work outside the Japanese airwaves.
The 1-Seg TV grabs the channels over the air and transmits the signal to your iPhone via wifi which could be a bummer if you want to watch TV in your car while driving on a heavy traffic (they should also enable USB cable transmission too). Priced at around $108 (9,850 yen), the device is 100% in Japanese (hardware and software) so I guess bringing the tuner out of the country will only be useful to those who can read Japanese. You can grab the Softbank Software over at the iPhone App Store (if you are lucky to find it with a search).
Our coverage of japanese iphone includes: "Softbank makes iPhone TV Tuner in Japan"; "iPhone 3G: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"; "Top iPhone 3G Alternatives". Each article provides unique insights and information.