au Presentation 2017 Summer Launch of "au HOME" connected to smartphones

President Takashi Tanaka took the stage at the outset to deliver a presentation.
President Tanakastated, "Five years have passed since we launchedthe message'New Freedom.au'.In 2017, under the theme 'Let's Try It', we aim to further advance our customer-first approach," and introduced new devices and services.The new lineup includes nine models:smartphones likethe full-screen display GalaxyS8and S8+, the HTC U11 with high-resolution audio, andthe AqousRbundled with the Robocle rotating charging stand;plus the MARVERA mobile phone compatible with "TV de Photo,"which displays received photos on TV screens.
Seven of the smartphonessupport the Japanese version ofthe voice assistant function "Google Assistant,"whose launch was announced the previous day.
President Tanakathen announced the launch of"au HOME ,"a new initiative in the Life Design business, starting in late July. au HOME isan IoT service that utilizes "au HOME Devices"(such as sensors and network cameras) and smartphonesto allow users to monitor family and home conditions while away, as well asremotely control home appliances. To meet the diverse needs of a wide range of generations, many more devices are planned for future addition.

Special guest Steve Chen, Product Management Director for Google Assistant, appearedon stageto speak about the partnership between the two companies.Chen highlighted three key aspects of the assistant: "accessibility anywhere," "functioning with simple language," and "being a personal assistant for each user." He stated, "We look forward to participating in the au HOME visionthrough the Assistantand delivering a great user experience."

Thenew TVcommercial "Summer Door: A Summer Only for Heroes" was screened at the venue. Representing the cast of the Santaro series, actress Kasumi Arimura (playing Princess Kaguya) and Nanao (playing Princess Otohime) appeared in summery yukata outfits.Though their characters are sisters,Arimura joked about their reunion after a year apart,saying, "We're sisters, so why haven't we seen each other in so long?"Regarding the Santaro series, theyshared,"As fans, we look forward to each new commercial," and "The stories are so diverse,you forget it's actually a mobile phone company commercial." They also revealed behind-the-scenes stories, noting that filming always involves improvisation battles and that it's hard to hold back laughter.

Both shared summer memories involving yukata, revealing troublesome experiences like their kimonos coming undone or their obi sashes loosening.The two enjoyed an early summer festival with a "yo-yo fishing contest." When Nanao, who was trying yo-yo fishing for the first time, won, Arimura conceded, "I guess I just can't beat my big sister."
President Tanaka, who watched the contest, concluded, "For au's summer, we're planning projects that show special favor to our users. Please look forward to them."