Orange and NTT DOCOMO Join Forces to Deliver the SHARP AQUOS PHONE SH80F - the World's First 3D Smartphone to Convert 2D Content in Real Time

PARIS, September 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Orange and NTT DOCOMO announced today that they have pooled their expertise and know-how to unveil the SHARP AQUOS PHONE SH80F, the world's first Android Smartphone able to convert 2D content into 3D content in real time. This ground-breaking handset will propel users into the third dimension: as streamed content like Orange TV, videos and games appear as they should be, in 3D.  

Available in France on 6 October 2011, the SHARP AQUOS PHONE SH80F represents the next revolution for Android Smartphones.

Orange and NTT DOCOMO have a long-standing relationship and shared vision to harness new innovations that deliver an enhanced customer experience. This recent collaboration has allowed for the requirements of both Asian and European markets to be simultaneously realised by SHARP, maximising the opportunities for both operators.

The new SHARP AQUOS PHONE SH80F exemplifies this focus on innovation allowing users to view 3D content without any special glasses on the 4.2" AQUOS LCD,  create their own stunning 3D content with the dual 8 megapixel cameras and even convert their favourite 2D content into 3D, at the touch of a button. Sharing the content is easy as well by posting it on social networks such as DailyMotion, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter or viewing it on any compatible DLNA or HDMI device (televisions, PC).

"We are excited to be launching the AQUOS PHONE SH80F, thanks to our collaboration with NTT DOCOMO and SHARP," said Yves Maitre, Senior Vice President, Mobile Multimedia and Devices, Orange. "Orange is committed to bringing compelling innovations to our customers. Together, we share this ambition, launching this product in both Asia and Europe. We look forward to developing similar opportunities for our customers in the future."

A World of 3D Content

The SHARP AQUOS PHONE is the first Android Smartphone to offer on-demand Orange TV's 35 channels and programmes in 3D. All the entertainment, sports, youth, music and discovery programmes can be viewed, as never seen before. Conversion from 2D to 3D is immediate and simultaneous for all streaming content that users want to view whether on Orange TV, DailyMotion or YouTube.

Kiyohito Nagata, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Strategic Marketing for NTT DOCOMO, said, "We're very proud of our partnership with Orange, which has made it possible to introduce this innovative 3D smartphone made by SHARP Corporation to the international market. DOCOMO will continue to work closely with Orange as part of a strategy to lead the global market with new and innovative products."

The SHARP AQUOS PHONE allows users to share photos and movies in two ways: by transferring the content to a 2D or 3D television via the HDMI port or directly on the Internet via DailyMotion, YouTube 3D, Facebook and Twitter. Since it is also compatible with DLNA, it can work with 3D content on other DLNA devices such as televisions and computers.

Gamers can enjoy the best video games such as EA's Need for Speed Shift (pre-installed) or Sims 3 (try'n'buy), in 3D.  A full selection of 3D video clips and photos are on-board to show-off the full capabilities of the SHARP AQUOS PHONE and the ZapitNow application gives users quick access to their favourite mobile content via channels rather than needing to type in long URL's.  

Unrivalled Image Quality

The SHARP AQUOS PHONE is fitted with a capacitive tactile AQUOS 4.2" qHD high quality screen that guarantees to preserve the colours at optimal brilliance and deliver excellent image sharpness. The dual 8 megapixel stereo cameras located on the back of the AQUOS Phone can be used to shoot 3D photos or videos in HD. Videos shot in 3D offer a perfect rendition and 3D photos captured are amazingly true-to-life.

"SHARP is extremely proud to partner with Orange to launch together our ground-breaking AQUOS PHONE SH80F, the first Smartphone to convert 2D content into 3D in real-time, including streaming content like Orange TV," said Masami Ohbatake, Group General Manager, Communication Systems Group, for SHARP Corporation.

"Building on our long-standing and successful relationship with NTT DOCOMO in Japan, we are delighted to have the opportunity to now work together with Orange. SHARP's strong heritage and world-class reputation in display screens, alongside our state-of-the-art technology means we are perfectly placed to enrich the content and services Orange and NTT DOCOMO are offering. We are confident the SHARP AQUOS PHONE SH80F will bring the richest multimedia and internet experience of any Smartphone and open up a brand new dimension for customers to experience both 2D and 3D content alike."

With the latest Android Gingerbread supported, the SHARP AQUOS PHONE is one of the best performing Android Smartphones. It combines performance and speed with a high-speed Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.4 GHz processor which is supported by 2GB internal memory and an expandable memory up to 32GB.

The SHARP AQUOS PHONE will be available from Orange for €199 with subscription to an Origami package from €59 per month with an immediate €100 cash-back voucher valid from 6 October - 23 November 2011 in-store or online.

Orange and NTT DOCOMO will continue to collaborate together to harness new innovations for their markets that will enhance the customer experience.

About Orange

For more information (on the internet and on your mobile): http://www.orange.com, http://www.orange-business.com, http://www.orange-innovation.tv

About Sharp

For more information, please visit Sharp's Web site at http://sharp-world.com/index.html.