Japanese cell phone leaps ahead

The Apple iPhone has been the hottest phone around since its introduction, but the "hottest" label may be ready to move east with the introduction of a new phone in Japan. KDDI (a Japanese cell-phone operator) introduced the Infobar 2, a futuristic candybar smartphone with an OLED display, 2 megapixel camera, microSD storage, and forward thinking features like a Felicia smart chip that will allow customers to use the phone as a payment system for transportation and contactless purchases. The Infobar 2 lives on the KDDI EV-DO high speed network, so WiFi isn't necessary for the phone's television, music, and Internet access. Like the iPhone with its AT&T link, the Infobar 2 is tied to KDDI--a subtle pattern is beginning to unfold…

For more on the hot new Japanese phone:
- read the new product analysis at NetworkWorld