If you choose toughness, au! From the first "G'zOne" to the latest model! Looking back on au's successive toughness models

au was born in 2000, when the former IDO and DDI cellular groups were merged. Twenty-two years have passed since then, and the environment surrounding mobile devices has changed significantly with the times, as the mainstream of terminals has evolved from mobile phones to smartphones, and communication standards have evolved from 3G to 4G and then to 5G.

Amidst the changes, there is one thing that au has consistently stuck to. That is to deliver to the world a toughness terminal that responds to customer feedback. From "G'zOne C303CA" released in February 2000, to "TORQUE 5G" compatible with 5G released in March 2021, and "G'zOne TYPE-XX" which made a long-awaited revival in December of the same year. ”, We have continued to release mobile phones and smartphones that can be used in harsh environments.

Why does au keep sticking to toughness? Takayuki Kondo of the KDDI Product Planning Department, who has been involved in the planning and development of successive toughness terminals, explains the reason as follows.

"The reason why au continues to focus on toughness is that customers want a device that is durable and hard to break, and that they want to use it with peace of mind in any environment. Agriculture, forestry, We have evolved toughness performance while responding to the hot demands of those who work hard in environments such as the fishing industry, transportation industry, and construction industry, and those who enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, fishing, camping, biking, and winter sports. We will continue to pursue further toughness so that it can be used safely in various situations.” (Takayuki Kondo, Product Planning Department, KDDI)

How did au's toughness terminal evolve to the present? Let's look back at all the toughness terminals that au has released so far.

The memorable first model in the G'zOne series of toughness mobile phones manufactured by Casio Computer. For the first time as a mobile phone, it has water resistance and shock resistance, making it possible to use it in the rain and shower scenes, and it also has shock resistance that can withstand hard use in daily life. Also, this model was the only one in the series that had a type other than the au logo.

A successor model that appeared seven months after the first model was released. The basic performance is the same as the first G'zOne series "C303CA", but the design has been slightly modified. All G'zOne series will be released from au after this model.

The first model with a color LCD. Designed by the designer who was in charge of G-SHOCK, it has a rugged look that makes you feel tougher than it looks. Comes with a "three-way buckle" that allows you to choose from three ways to attach it.

The design has been completely redesigned, and from the rugged appearance of the previous model to a rounded and stylish form. I got a lot of support from female users. In terms of functionality, it corresponds to the Java application "ezplus".

G'zOne, which appeared for the first time in four years, is the first bi-fold model in the series. Unlike the conventional straight type, the folding in half requires a movable hinge. Therefore, the release of this TYPE-R had a blank of 4 years from the previous model C452CA. This model is the first in the series to be equipped with a camera and an electronic compass. The R in the model name has meanings such as Racing, and the engine sound of a racing car is used for the startup sound.

The first model in the G'zOne series that supports CDMA 1X WIN (au's 3G mobile phone service). Equipped with a large display of about 2.4 inches and a high-performance camera with 2.07 million pixels. Equipped with a microSD card slot for the first time in the series, it is now possible to store plenty of ringtone full and CD music data.

In addition, in this model, a corporate model "E03CA" compatible with Bluetooth and equipped with a large-capacity battery was also deployed, and was used by sales drivers of transportation companies.

The G'zOne series has been highly praised by users who demand sturdiness above all else in their mobile phones, but some users have also heard that the size is too large. Therefore, this model was developed by thinning and miniaturizing the body. The design has also undergone a major change to a linear and modern form. In terms of functionality, it is equipped with the series' first One Seg and Osaifu-Keitai® (EZ FeliCa).

Appeared as an evolved version of "W62CA" released in 2008. While maintaining the toughness and camera performance, the design has undergone minor changes, and the functions such as the response during operation have also been improved.

The 10th anniversary model of the G'zOne series. The X in the model name TYPE-X has the meaning of the Greek numeral “X (10)”. The design returns to the rugged form of the early series, and the "circle face" on the back, which is a symbol of the design of the G'zOne series, is also revived.

Toughness for smartphones - "G'zOne IS11CA", which appeared in response to such user requests, is the first Android 2.3 smartphone in the G'zOne series. In addition to the original application "G'z GEAR", it is equipped with Osaifu-Keitai and infrared communication functions.

The first au 4G LTE model in the G'zOne series. And this model was the last model in the series at that time. As a result, there were rumors among some fans who regretted the end of the series, such as "Was the L in the model name the L for Last?" It was the meaning of L in LIVE G.

Kyocera's toughness smartphone, the first model of the TORQUE series. It complies with the durability test "MIL-STD-810G" of the US Department of Defense, and has toughness that clears 11 items such as waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and vibrationproof. The G'zOne series by Casio Computer ended with "G'zOne TYPE-L CAL21" in 2012, but the genealogy of au's toughness terminal was taken over by Kyocera's TORQUE series.

The toughness that was well received in the "TORQUE G01" has evolved further. It boasts durability that complies with 21 items, including 19 items of the U.S. Department of Defense durability test "MIL-STD-810G" and 2 items of Kyocera's own durability test. In addition to further improving impact resistance, it also supports new freeze resistance, load resistance, and the world's first seawater resistance. It has also expanded its horizons to users who love activities in the sea, such as surfing, snorkeling, and fishing.

4G LTE mobile version of TORQUE. In addition to waterproofing, dustproofing, and shock resistance, it has passed 18 tough tests, including temperature durability, vibration resistance, and freeze resistance, and complies with the durability test "MIL-STD-810G" stipulated by the US Department of Defense. In particular, the durability performance has been strengthened, and the drop strength on lauan wood (wooden board) has been increased from the conventional 1.22m to 1.8m.

Conforms to 21 items, including 19 items of the durability test "MIL-STD-810G" established by the US Department of Defense and Kyocera's own seawater resistance test and load resistance test. In addition to clearing the drop resistance test from about 1.8m onto steel plates and concrete, it adopts a hybrid structure that reinforces the glass. It further enhances the sense of security in outdoor use.

Complies with 22 items of the durability test "MIL-STD-810G" set by the US Department of Defense, as well as Kyocera's own tests such as steel ball drop, continuous drop, and hot water shower, and conforms to 27 items. Because it can be used safely in harsh fields such as mountains, seas, and rivers, it has been supported not only by outdoor activity enthusiasts, but also by professionals working in civil engineering, construction, forestry, agriculture, and fisheries.

Supports next-generation communication standard 5G. While inheriting the high durability that has been cultivated in successive models such as waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and seawater resistance, it has newly cleared the foam hand soap cleaning test and chemical resistance test. It is the strongest toughness smartphone with exceptional durability that has passed 28 tests, the most in the history of the TORQUE series.

A bi-fold mobile phone compatible with au 4G LTE. Although the G'zOne series once ended its history, it has been revived for the first time in nine years as a special project model for the 20th anniversary. Compliant with 19 items of the US Department of Defense standard test "MIL-STD-810H" such as waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, temperature durability and freeze resistance. The designers of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., who were in charge of the design of successive G'zOnes, gathered again and worked on the design of this model.

We have looked back on the 22-year history of au's toughness terminals, but what they all have in common is that they want a terminal that is durable and hard to break, and that they want to use it safely in any environment. It must be a terminal that meets the needs of users. There is no end to the pursuit of toughness. au will continue to take on the challenge of further improving toughness performance while envisioning all kinds of usage scenarios.

Text: TIME&SPACE Editorial Department

* Information on KDDI products and services posted is current as of the date of publication. Please note that information such as product and service charges, service details and specifications are subject to change without notice.