I just heard a rumor from a website that iPhone 2.2 will include a number of emoticons to make it more attractive to Japanese teenagers. Let's check this out
Yeah, I saw it. It's a ridiculous move IMO. The iPhone may not be selling as fast in Japan as predicted, but I seriously doubt Apple needs those school kids who can only communicate with emoticons to flock to the nearly Softbank stores in order to boost its sales now. I am a little surprised that Jobs got bought into it.
I think it is a wise move. If poeple are using emoji in their mails and use them a lot, as younger people do (especially girls) then it is wise to supply them. It doesn't cost the comapny too much money, and it is a win for Apple.
I think that Apple does need the little kids to flock to the Softbank stores in order to boost sales. the iphone is supposed to be trendy. It is these kids that really determine if something is cool or not....