May 13
Nikkei Net Interactive has a report claiming that Apple and Softbank are co-developing a mobile phone with iPod features. They have already reached an agreement on the development of this device. The new device will be Apple branded:
Apple, which will be selling cell phone handsets under its own brand for the first time, is expected to outsource production. The company is believed to have chosen Softbank as its partner because Softbank plans to offer high-speed Internet access for cell phones, for a mobile iTunes store.
SoftBank is known to have diversified its activities into the mobile business with the acquisition of Vodafone Japan. The new phone is expected to be introduced first in Japan then later in the USA.
