Docomo Also announced: "Visible Phone" and "Cellular Drone"

NTT DOCOMO held a "New Service and Product Announcement Event" at Bellesalle Shiodome in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, on October 19. President Kazuhiro Yoshizawa took the stage. He stated the theme was three "MORE" concepts and delivered the presentation.

Under "MORE Variety," they showcased a lineup of 13 new models, including the "XPERIA XZ" supporting high-speed data reception exceeding 500Mbps, the "V20 PRO" offering high-quality sound, photos, and videos, and the "MONO," Docomo's first original smartphone and a Good Design Award winner. He also explained new rate plans accompanying the launch of LTE-compatible "docomo Keitai" phones and the corporate plan for "d Magazine," a flat-rate unlimited reading service for digital magazines.

Under "MORE Possibility," it announced the start of trial services for "Visible Phone," the "docomo Drone Project," and a "Proof-of-Concept for Shopping Agency Service Using Cellular Drones," aiming for full-scale commercialization and practical implementation.

"Visible Phone" is a service for the hearing impaired, displaying the caller's speech as text in real time on the user's smartphone. This enables voice calls while confirming the text on the screen, and is expected to be useful in situations where asking someone to make a call on your behalf is difficult, such as during life emergencies. Monitor recruitment began the same day, with the service being provided on a trial basis.

The "Drone Project" has established a verification environment for "real-time transmission of operational status footage from drone-mounted cameras, along with aircraft status and location information" and "remote aircraft control." With the capability to conduct proof-of-concept testing for "long-distance beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operation," the city stated it will conduct various verifications utilizing drones going forward.

The "Shopping Delivery Service Demonstration Experiment," one component of this project, will commence in November. It involves using cellular drones (drones utilizing mobile phone networks) to deliver requested goods to homes. The experiment will be conducted on the flight route between Nokonoshima in Fukuoka City and the main Kyushu island, as well as on the island itself.

Following the presentation, actress Mitsuki Takahata, who appears in the company's commercials, took the stage. Takahata joked, "I'm a bit nervous today since my two talkative bosses aren't here," before engaging in a conversation with President Yoshizawa.

Among the new products, Takahata's favorite was the smartphone "MONO." "First, I was surprised by the low price. Plus, I like the simple design," she said. President Yoshizawa revealed, "The name comes from the wish for it to become an important 'thing' for people, and also from the meaning of 'simple'."

Takahata expressed keen interest in the cellular drone, saying, "It gives me that near-future thrill. I'd love to experience the shopping delivery service before it becomes practical." She attempted to pilot a small drone on the spot but ended up failing spectacularly, much to the amusement of the audience.

President Yoshizawa stated, "Our mission is to continuously provide new value. We hope you'll look forward to our new challenges." Takahata added, "Every time I attend a presentation, I'm amazed by Docomo's evolution. I'm looking forward to what comes next."