From my perspective this is all because Panasonic pulled-out of the smartphone races. NTT Docomo has been a reliable safe-hold for Japanese electronics companies and Docomo would have had a decent lineup for fall if Panasonic would have committed.<p>Panasonic's R&D was firmly centered around Japanese flip phones and the jump to Smartphone put them in an awkward position.<p>And so it seems, iPhone's pull was too great for Docomo in the end. I cannot wait for the official announcements.