Somehow I missed this from last week, but it looks like KDDI is set to offer a new application called "Applicon EZ" that allows phones to not o­nly display programming information, but act as remote controls for a variety of devices.

KDDI and Okinawa Cellukar announced o­n the 24th that they would be offering a BREW supporting EZ Appli called "Applicon EZ," for display of electronic programming guides (EPG) and controlling AV equipment from a cellular phone. To start, the o­nly supported phone is the W22SA. Basic functions can be used free of charge.

"Applicon EZ" is an EZ Appli (BREW) capable of searching and displaying electronic program guides (EPG) for 1 week's worth of terrestrial/BS/SkyPerfect broadcasts, and acting as a remote controller for TVs, video players, and DVD recorders. If users register for the 210 yen per month "Deluxe Menu," they can schedule recording of programs directly from the electronic programming guide, and will alert users of new programs based upon registered keywords for program name and performers. If users choose the 315 yen per month "Premium Menu," in addition to the services offered by the "Deluxe Menu," they can remotely schedule programming o­n supported DVD recorders.

"Applicon EZ" is scheduled to receive programming information from 5 main Tokyo commercial channels, 36 nationwide channels, WOWOW, and SkyPerfect Communications. The company then plans o­n adding information for all domestic TV stations.



Inspired by:
http://k-tai.ascii24.com/k-tai/news/2004/11/25/652740-000.html

Press Release:
http://www.kddi.com/corporate/news_release/2004/1124/index.html