In July 2020, au celebrated its 20th anniversary.
In accordance with the evolution of technology and changes in lifestyles, mobile phones have been included in a variety of functions, but au is active in a variety of models with characteristic functions in the last 20 years.It has been released.
そこで今回は、これまで発売されてきたauオリジナルモデルからTIME & SPACE編集部が音楽、タフネス、デザインなど、キーワードごとに、先進的でインパクトの大きかったモデルを選出してみた。
Introducing a variety of mobile phones of au, which is always fresh, nostalgic, and a bit too unusual (?).
By the way, the name of the early mobile phone has alphabets such as "S", "T", and "CA" at the end, which represents the manufacturer name."S" is made by Sony, "T" is made by Toshiba, and "CA" is made by CASIO.In addition, there are "SA = Sanyo Electric", "H = Hitachi", "P = Panasonic", "de = Denso", and "K = Kyocera".
First of all, from a mobile phone that incorporates the function of the music player.In 2000, when the current large -capacity memory cards like Android smartphones and the music distribution services of subscriptions were not common, au has announced a mobile phone with a music player function as soon as possible.
After that, in the heyday of the "wearing melody" that reproduces the song with electronic sounds, the "Chaku -Uta" service, which can be listened to a part of the song with a CD sound source, to "Chaku -Uta Full", which can be heard in full chorus in 2004.Evolved.au has been deeply linked to music culture from both mobile phones and services.
By the way, this is the beginning of the au general catalog in January 2005.In this era, it can be seen that all models have strongly feature the characteristics of music players.On the other hand, the service of "Chaku -Uta Full", which allows you to download one song in the whole song, began in 2004, and the style of listening to music with mobile phones spread.
One from the lineup announced after the birth of au in 2000.In addition to the sound source via a PC or a CD player, it is possible to share music data with the Walkman at the time by installing a small memory card "Memory Stick".It is one that was integrated with.
This model has a built -in HDD as a domestic mobile phone.The ultra -small HDD with a capacity of 4GB could save about 2,000 music.It also supports LISMO, a comprehensive music service for PCs and mobile phones, which appeared in 2006.
In 2008, when multifunctional mobile phones were multifunctional, it was released as one of the new music styles.Both the camera and the GPS are omitted, and a super compact body with a width of 44 x 75 x 18mm thick."Chaku -Uta Full" supported the 320kbps high -quality sound service "EZ Chaku -Uta Full Plus".
Au and CASIO's "Toughness Metropolitan", which has a water -resistant and impact resistance function for the first time on a mobile phone, has launched a rugged and tough character.After that, I sympathized with the concept and the "coolness" of the design that conveys the concept and toughness at a glance, as well as those who have been waiting for mobile phones that can be used in the harsh outdoors.It was widely accepted by people.
The first machine of the "G'zone" series, which is the first mobile phone with water resistance and impact resistance.It can be called with a wet hand and can be washed lightly with a tap, and you can use it even if you inadvertently drop it in water.The front of the main unit is a magnesium alloy body, a urethane cover for the upper lower case, and a circular urethane bezel for LCD protection.The toughness mobile phone started here.
Equipped with a color LCD on the tough ness mobile phone.The designer in charge of G-SHOCK worked on the initial concept further.Metal mesh to prevent dust and flooding is used for the speech, microphone part, and back speakers.The area around the display is reinforced with titanium.
A high -performance toughness mobile phone with water resistance and electronic compass of JIS protection grade 7 (equivalent to IPX7 now) while folding.The parts that look like the hook at the tip of the main unit are "protector".The attached hexagonal wrench could be replaced with three patterns as shown in the lower left of the catalog image.
As the function of mobile phones evolved on a daily basis, it is also au that cut into "design", which had not been attracted much.
"Au Design Project" has a number of famous machines, along with famous products that work on users' mood and fun with famous domestic and overseas product designers and artists.It created a recognition that was recognized as a product that reflects sometimes culture, not just a communication terminal as a tool.In addition, we actively collaborated with popular artists and popular sports teams, and many unique models have appeared.
Even if you are not au users, many people, the Nishikigoi color of "Infobar", first come to mind as a typical au mobile phone.This is the first product of "au Design Project", which has a variety of models with domestic and overseas product designers and artists, and has been transformed to mobile phones.
The Infobar series by product designer Naoto Fukasawa has become particularly popular and has become a popular series to launch seven models by 2017.
The color variations of "Cassis Mousse", "Vanilla Beans", and "Mango Pudding" are presets a popular illustrator, Apparu Mizumori, which has been popular with cute style of painting since the 1970s.An original seal that can be used freely and decorated is also included.At that time, it became popular as a junior mobile phone.
"Fullchen Kettai" that allows you to customize your mobile phone design with parts sold separately.Various collaboration models such as fashion brands, professional baseball teams, and companies have been released.In addition, "Nakachen", which can download and change the menu design and operation screen, was also possible to coordinate in total.
At the birth of au in 2000, mobile phones with cameras were very rare.In the era of calling, e -mail, and browsing information on a simple Internet, au has released a dedicated camera, Pashapa, which can be filmed on a mobile phone.Initially, "photography on mobile phones" was not immediately accepted, but the camera was an indispensable function in the trend of the subsequent "photo mail" (photo mail® / photo).The number of pixels has entered the era of chopping each company how many pixels and beautiful photos and videos can be taken.
Currently, I would like you to enjoy the model introduction at the time, keeping the latest "iPhone 11" camera in 12 million pixels in mind.
In 2000, when mobile phones with cameras were still rare, au was released by au, which can be made with a camera by connecting to the charging terminal of the mobile phone on hand.The specifications as a camera are 100,000 pixels and 256 colors.From here, the performance of the camera evolves rapidly.
A camera function -oriented model bearing the name of CASIO's camera brand "EXILIM".At that time, the resolution was 8.1 million pixels in au.Lens that stand out on the battery side emphasize the commitment to the camera function.
Equipped with Japan's first high -definition camera.If you have an HDMI terminal and connect it to an external monitor, you can play high -definition video.And the shooting style that is particular about the video is also unique!At that time, it was common to shoot with a mobile phone opened vertically, but it proposes a style that shoots the same horizontally as a digital video camera like the photo below (from the catalog in July 2009).bottom.
The name "Wooo" is a brand name such as TV at Hitachi.At that time, there were many mobile phones with the name of Toshiba "REGZA" and Sony "Bravia".Sharp "AQUOS" is still active.
Despite the slide mobile phone, it is the world's first waterproof function.And because of the name of Sony's global digital camera brand "Cyber-Shot", the resolution is 12.1 million pixels, so it is not as good as the current smartphone high-performance camera.A mechanism that launches the camera by lowering the lens cover on the back side.Camera -specific mobile phones also approached cameras, both in movies, steel, and use style, which became a great personality.
Since its birth, mobile phones have evolved significantly by incorporating various functions and new inventions without staying in calls.What can I do to make mobile phones more convenient and interesting?Here are some of the unique routes of au announced by au.
A revolutionary mechanism that allows you to enjoy the usual mobile phone when opened vertically, and you can enjoy the one -segment broadcast and LISMO video clip on a familiar horizontal wide screen when opened sideways.The hinge mounted for vertical / horizontal opening is noticeable as an accent.
A business card -sized compact body, a sports -specific terminal that you can wear all the time when running and walking.It was one of the current smartwatch -like roles, such as calculating and recording exercise and calories consumption in cooperation with the au's "au Smart Sports" service provided by au.
The first in Japan!The sensor senses the vertical and horizontal holdings, and automatically changes the key display to "QWERTY key" and "10 keys".In addition, if the slide key was stored, it could be operated with a "touch panel", and it was one of the images of enjoying reading comfortably.By the way, 19 dictionaries were pre -installed.
The power is turned off, calling / cutting, calling to the numeric keypad, the volume switching, the maximum number of telephone numbers registration is up to 3, and the functions that were installed are over.It was the ultimate simple mobile phone that appeared as a smartphone gradually shifted to a smartphone.
AU, who has been giving birth 20 years ago, has always announced unique mobile phones and experimental models ahead of the times.The times have changed from mobile phones to smartphones, but their thoughts and spirit of product have evolved, sophisticated, and are being firmly passed on to their concepts and functions.Finally, I will introduce a unique au model that is currently lined up.
To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the first model "INFOBAR" of "au Design Project", which determines the image of "au design", it has been released on feature phone.The design is Naoto Fukasawa, who has been working on the Infobar series since the first generation.The fan meeting held in line with the release was also thriving, revealing the popularity of INFOBAR, which exceeds just tools.
A toughness smartphone made by Kyocera that inherits the DNA of the "G'zone" series.The fourth generation counted from the 2014 "TORQUE G01".One is loved by many outdoor fans as well as mountain and marine professionals, such as robustness, impact resistance, and low -temperature operation guarantees for seawater resistance.Not only concepts and functions, but also designs, including designs, are particularly unique in the current smartphone, and there are many core fans who say, "If you don't have TORQUE!"
au has been actively working on a mobile phone for kids under the name of "Junior Metropolitan" since 2006.The latest version of the "Mamorino" series "Mamorino" series for kids released in 2010, "MAMORINO 5" released in 2019.In conjunction with SECOM's GPS and on -site express service "Cocosecom", it has a function that can rest assured in case of things.In addition, it is full of functions that notify parents about their children's whereabouts, teach their schools and lessons on their alarms, and clear their parents' concerns.
In Japan, the Samsung "Galaxy Fold SCV44", which was released only with au, is equipped with a foldable (foldable) display.About 4 in the closed state.It can be used as a 6 -inch slim smartphone, about 7 if it is opened.A large screen of 3 inches.Not only can you use three apps at the same time in three parts, but you can also enjoy video content with great power.Although it is an expensive model, the first unique function of Japan's first "beautiful organic EL display" has become a big topic.
Screen about 6.A 7 -inch smartphone can be folded like a cosmetics compact case.It fits neatly in pockets and bags and is easy to carry.In addition, the display angle can be fastened at a free position, which is useful for hands -free video calls and selfies without a smartphone stand or tripod.Because it is easy to handle, it is gaining high support from women.
au mobile phones have gradually added new features to "telephone".In the process of evolution, I sometimes produce masterpieces, and sometimes I have been too ahead of the times.However, all of the variety of models are commonly "foreseeing an exciting future."
In the 5g smartphone era, AR and VR can be enjoyed, payments become much more convenient, linked with various devices, and more exciting future has begun.I hope that au from the 21st year will also look forward to it.
