AIR EDGE
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AIR-EDGE (formerlly AirH) was a Japanese PHS data communications service created by Willcom (formerly DDI Pocket) in 2001. In contrast to contemporary mobile internet services like DoCoMo's i-mode, Willcom targeted Personal Handyphone System (PHS) devices. PHS devices were cheap cordless phones with a limited calling range, and they were widely used before the advent of keitai and i-mode. Therefore, Willcom was attempting to bring Java apps to the already-underpowered PHS devices. The service's original name was derived from then-DDI Pocket's H" series of PHS devices, which were higher-end compared to other PHS devices.
Game storefronts were hosted on a portal site called CLUB-AIR-EDGE. Willcom was bought by SoftBank in 2010, bringing AIR-EDGE under their control. It appears AIR-EDGE usage sharply declined afterwards, as smartphones were beginning to eclipse keitai and PHS devices. In 2014, Willcom merged with eAccess (also bought by SoftBank) to form Y!mobile. This was a sub-brand of SoftBank's mobile internet business, focusing on lower budget lines and PHS devices.
Features[edit | edit source]
- Java Appli
- In addition to MIDP 2.0 and CLDC 1.1, it also supports JSR-75, JSR-172, and Mascot Capsule.
- https://www.ymobile.jp/service/contents_service/create/javaapli/
Gallery[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
- AIR-EDGE on ja.wikipedia.org
- CLUB-AIR-EDGE homepage on Willcom's website
- H" on ja.wikipedia.org
- Sample AIR-EDGE app list on Willcom's website
- Y!mobile on ja.wikipedia.org
- Ymobile on en.wikipedia.org (overview of both eAccess and Willcom's histories)
