Kyocera Corporation announced the release of the DIGNO S smartphone, which is compatible with KDDI Corporation’s recently launched (September 2012) high-speed 4G LTE network. The DIGNO S features the largest battery (2,520mAh; 1,110 min. talk time) of any smartphone with a screen under 5.0-inches in the Japanese market*1, and a rapid battery-charging function*2. The latest in the Kyocera DIGNO® series of smartphones, DIGNO S is part of KDDI’s new handset lineup announced on Oct. 17.

The handset also comes with Kyocera’s proprietary Smart Sonic Receiver technology, which transmits clear audio quality to the user’s ear drum directly through vibrations in the handset’s display screen. The innovative tissue-conduction audio technology has been further enhanced from previous applications to heighten acoustic pressure of low-pitch sounds for even clearer, easier-to-hear audibility.

Furthermore, DIGNO S features a 4.7-inch HD display and Kyocera’s proprietary technology (Sugugoe) that allows voice commands to activate various applications. The new DIGNO S combines the speed of the LTE high-speed communications network with convenient and easy-to-use functions. The DIGNO S also has a tethering function, allowing up to ten Wi-Fi®-equipped devices to link-up and take advantage of the LTE network.

Features

1. Large-volume battery

The handset is equipped with a large battery (2,520mAh), so the user can enjoy continuous use without fear of the battery running out quickly. The battery provides up to 1,110 minutes of talk time and up to 720 hours (3G) or 580 hours (LTE) of standby time.

2. Rapid battery charging function

proprietary battery-charging control technology, with a charging dock and AC adaptor that apply 2.7 times more electrical current than conventional models. The DIGNO S battery can charge from 0 percent to 50 percent of capacity within 30 minutes, and 80 percent of capacity in just 60 minutes.

3. Ultra-high-speed 4G LTE

The DIGNO S is compatible with KDDI’s ultra-high-speed 4G LTE network*3 (downlink: up to 75Mbps; uplink: up to 25Mbps)*4. At such high speeds, users can optimally enjoy their smartphones for downloading or streaming large-size videos. Furthermore, the handset can become a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling up to 10 devices to be tethered and use the DIGNO S’s high-speed LTE network connection – a function commonly desired in business scenarios.

4. Voice-activated command feature

For the first time ever, Kyocera has implemented its proprietary voice-activated command feature into the DIGNO S, allowing the user to speak to the phone to activate e-mail, phone and other commonly used applications – a function accessible by simply tapping an icon on the lock screen. This reduces on the amount of operations needed on the touchscreen and is also easy to use even for first-time smartphone users. When an incoming call or message arrives, it can be received via voice command without even touching the phone.

5. Smart Sonic Receiver

Smart Sonic Receiver technology transmits clear audio quality to the user through vibrations in the handset’s display screen – a technology based on Kyocera’s proprietary advanced ceramic technology. In the DIGNO S, this technology has been further enhanced, heightening acoustic pressure of low-pitch sounds for clearer audibility. As the vibrations cover a wide area of the screen, the user is able to hear clear voice quality regardless of which part of the ear they place the device on. Furthermore, by pressing the whole screen against the ear to block out ambient sound, it is easier to hear in crowded and noisy environments