Europe : Europeans are joining 46 million world-wide users of i-mode - the mobile internet service that offers customised games, online shopping, messaging services and downloads. Specially designed to complement i-mode’s services, Motorola reveals their first i-mode handset, the super-sleek, compact E378i.

i-mode service has revolutionized wide-ranging aspects of work and leisure in Japan by offering easy access to internet sites. To date, it has attracted more than 46 million subscribers world-wide, since its introduction in February 1999 in Japan, and is now being made available in 22 countries and regions through partnerships with 12 operators worldwide.

The E378i has a dedicated i-mode key, so with just the push of a button, you can have almost instant access to a wide range of popular services. Its large, colour screen ensures you can clearly see your bank balance, get the correct name and time when making airline reservations or check your spelling when sending emails. You are freely able to download games from i-mode portal and play them on the E378i with its rich sounds and graphics, or download songs and use the phone as an MP3 player. You can pick and choose your personal preferred services from i-Mode, so why not personalise your phone as well?

“NTT DoCoMo welcomes Motorola’s entry into a rapidly expanding global i-mode market, with the innovative and attractive E378i handset”, said Takeshi Natsuno, Managing Director, Multimedia Services, of NTT DoCoMo. Motorola’s global brand, coupled with its strength in innovative products and technology, will play an important role in the expansion of i-mode”

“We have designed the E378i to offer excellent quality features at a reasonable price – so everyone can share in the tremendous i-mode experience. Consumers will be able to make the most of the songs, pictures, emails, games and shopping available, ” said Greg Estell, Vice President and General Manager, Motorola Mobile Devices, Europe.

Surf until your hearts content, i-mode is a cost effective way for the seamlessly mobile user to explore the mobile internet, as you pay per download rather than the time spent on the online.

Other features on the E378i include:

Triband, global roaming between the Americas, Europe and Asia
Integrated VGA camera (640 x 480)
Digital Zoom (up to 4x)
Brilliant colour display, 176 x 220 pixels, 65,000 colours
MMS – share pictures, sound and text
Built in hands-free speaker
5MB of end-user memory
Voice memo and enhanced predictive test