KYOCERA : Introduces ‘BASIO’ Smartphone for Seniors

February 19, 2015

(This product is only available to the Japanese market.)

Kyocera Corporation (President: Goro Yamaguchi) announced the release of the "BASIO" smartphone. Aimed at seniors and first-time smartphone users seeking ultimate simplicity, the phone features an intuitive design of its home screen and easy navigation of features and applications. Launched for the Japanese market, the product is part of KDDI's new lineup announced last month.

Kyocera's BASIO (from left) in gold, pink and blue

Model	BASIO
Colors	Gold, Pink, Blue
Sales Companies	KDDI Corporation, Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company (Japan only)

The new handset features a large 5.0-inch display for enhanced readability and an easy-to-understand home screen designed in consideration for visibility. It also has tactile operation buttons which will feel familiar to users accustomed to feature phone handsets. In addition, BASIO corresponds to KDDI's "au VoLTE" next-generation voice calling service and features Kyocera's proprietary "Smart Sonic Receiver" technology, realizing enhanced and clear sound reception. Users can enjoy taking photos with a high-resolution 13-megapixel camera and easily share them with family members via social networking apps. Furthermore, the handset is waterproof*1, dust-resistant*2 and shock-resistant*3, thus providing peace of mind for use in daily life.

BASIO is an ideal choice for seniors looking to make the switch to smartphones for the first time, as well as users who want a simple smartphone experience. The product is available in Gold, Pink and Blue color designs.

Main Features

1. Original home screen shown on large, easy-to-read screen

The handset is equipped with a 5.0-inch full-HD display that shows high-resolution images and videos as well as sharp, easy-to-read texts. Large icons and texts arranged on the home screen makes it easier to know where to tap. In addition, on-screen buttons are available for one-touch calls to frequently dialed numbers. Furthermore, it is possible to rearrange icons or select an icon arrangement from multiple patterns to match individual usage styles. 2. Button layout supports easy use 1) Phone button / e-mail button Calls can be dialed and e-mails can be sent by simply pressing the physical buttons located on the front of the handset, and the buttons light up when receiving calls or emails. Pressing the illuminated buttons allows users to answer calls or check e-mails easily. The buttons feature the same touch sensations as those in conventional mobile phone handsets, thus reassuring first-time smartphone users.

Large icons and buttons to easily call frequently called numbers shown on the home screen

The telephone button lights up when receiving calls

2) Dedicated camera button Pressing the dedicated camera button on the side of the handset will activate the camera. This button also serves as the shutter-release button, allowing users to take photos in the style of a point-and-shoot camera while firmly supporting the phone with both hands.

Camera button located on the side

3. Clear, easy-to-hear sound quality
Compatible with the "au VoLTE" next-generation voice calling service, BASIO corresponds to higher frequency ranges than conventional calls, realizing clearer voice reception. Moreover, the handset is equipped with Kyocera's proprietary Smart Sonic Receiver, a technology in which the whole display vibrates to transmit sound from the other party using both sound waves and vibrations. This enables users to hear the smartphone clearly no matter where their ear is placed on the screen. BASIO also features other functions such "Sound Adjustment" that allows users to adjust how sounds are heard from the phone depending on individual likings, as well as "Speak Slowly," a function that allows the user to hear the other party's voice at a slower speed.

4. Other convenient functions
1) "Deka Moji" (big font)
Texts are displayed in large font sizes for better readability.
2) Magnifying glass
A certain section on the screen can be selected and displayed at a larger size.
3) Access to customer center
An icon on the home screen allows for easy access to the customer support center, which customers can contact when they have questions or issues.
4) Large-capacity battery allows long use
A large 3,000mAh battery allows nearly 25 hours of continuous talk time and approximately one month of standby time, significantly reducing the need to worry about battery life.

5. Compatible with various convenient and fun applications
The handset corresponds to Google Play Store™ for access to a variety of applications, movies, music, and e-books, and also comes with the popular "LINE" app preinstalled. In addition, BASIO is equipped with a pedometer which not only measures the number of steps taken, amount of calories burned and walking distance, but also can be set to notify the number of daily steps to a registered person through e-mail, thus reassuring family members who live apart. The pedometer also provides a fun feature in which users can set the home screen for a hypothetical trip along the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido based on the distance walked.

Specifications

Size (W×H×D) / Weight	Approx. 70x142x10.4mm / Approx. 152g
Battery	3,000mAh
Charge Time	Approx. 140 minutes when using the common AC adapter (sold separately)
Continuous Call Time	Approx. 1,530 minutes (VoLTE)
Continuous Standby Time	Approx. 750 hours
Operating System	Android™ 4.4 (KitKat®)
CPU	MSM8974AB (2.3GHz) Quad-core
Memory	Internal memory: 16GB ROM / 2GB RAM External memory: microSD™ / microSDHC™ / microSDXC™ (up to 128GB)
Display	Approx. 5.0-inch Full HD TFT LCD
Cameras	Main camera: Approx. 13-megapixel CMOS Front-facing camera: Approx. 0.97-megapixel CMOS
WiFi® / Bluetooth®	WiFi®: IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth®: Ver4.0

*1*2 Waterproof / dust resistant: Ensure that caps are securely fitted and attached. Do not submerge in seawater, swimming pools, or hot springs. Do not place on areas such as beaches.
IPX5: Water projected at all angles through a 6.3mm nozzle at a flow rate of 12.5 liters/min for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
IPX8: The handset retains the functions of a telephone without water entering the main body after being submerged slowly to a depth of 1.5 meters, containing fresh water and tap water, respectively, and being left submerged for approximately 30 minutes.
IP5X: Protected against dust particles less than 75μm.
*3 Shock resistance: Complying with the United States Department of Defense MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Shock-Procedure IV, the phone was tested by dropping a non-operating unit at 26 angles from 1.22 meters. Cannot be guaranteed against all types of shocks.

Displays shown in the images are examples and may differ from actual displays. Call duration and standby time may differ depending on communication environments and usage methods. "4G LTE" is the term for referring to LTE as 4G, set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). "Smart Sonic Receiver" is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. Google, Android and Google Play and other are trademarks of Google Inc. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. "Bluetooth" and the Bluetooth logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. which Kyocera has been granted permission to use. LINE is a trademark or registered trademark of LINE Corporation. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.