NTT DoCoMo introduce mobile wallet services with new i-mode smartcard handset

NTT DoCoMo has announced the launch of their new i-mode FeliCa Service for mobile wallet applications and market the company's first i-mode smartcard handset, the mova P506iC, beginning on 10 July 2004.

DoCoMo's revolutionary new service and smartcard handsets may be used for a variety of unprecedented functions that were previously possible only with IC-equipped cards, including train travel, debit card (electronic money) and credit card-based withdrawals and transactions, and personal identification.

Ten companies will offer the i-mode FeliCa Service initially, allowing P506iC users to enjoy these new functions at locations including airports, cinemas and convenience stores.

The P506iC features a LCD display that can be rotated 360 degrees for use at various angles, including a wide-angle viewfinder/display at 90 degrees. Telephone calling, e-mailing and i-mode functions may also be performed while the phone is closed. The handset also comes with a CCD camera with an effective resolution of 1.95 mega pixels, recorded resolution of 1.92 mega pixels, and a digital zoom (20x).