A First for Japan! Launch of Sync Call and Voice Party―New Communication Services Using VoLTE

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About Sync Call

1. Sync Call Features

  • (1) Basic Function (dedicated voice call user interface)
    • Calls can be received without leaving the current screen even if a user is browsing the WEB or using an app (movie, game, etc.) when they receive an incoming call.
    • Users can easily tap "Speaker", "Answer (normal)", or "End" to select an operation that matches their conditions when they receive an incoming voice call.
    • During a call, the menu is minimized (ball-shaped menu), allowing users to operate their device such as browsing the WEB or using an app just as they would when they are not taking a call.
  • (2) Sync Functions

    This is a new communication service that offers users features for various daily situations they can use during voice calls with VoLTE. These features include Screen Sync, which displays the caller's smartphone screen on their recipient's smartphone; Camera Sync, which displays live images from the caller's camera on their recipient's smartphone; Location Sync, which displays the caller's and their recipient's location information on a map; and Handwriting Sync, which enables sharing of hand written text on the screen.

    1. Screen Sync
    During a VoLTE call, users can synchronize screens with their caller (including sounds played with the device) by tapping the Screen Sync button. For example, during a call, callers and their recipient can view the same Web page or the same pictures and enjoy a conversation while looking at the same screen.

    2. Camera Sync
    During a VoLTE call, callers can launch their smartphone camera and display images from their camera in real time on their recipient's smartphone by tapping the Camera Sync button. For example, callers and their recipient can have a conversation while enjoying the scenery from a vacation spot or check an item while shopping. This function offers users features that they can use in various daily activities.

    3. Location Sync
    During a VoLTE call, callers and their recipient can share each other's location information by tapping the Location Sync button. The location information is plotted on a map allowing each other to accurately see each other's location. For example, when a caller is waiting for their recipient somewhere, they can share their location information in real time while having a conversation. Even if the meeting location is not a familiar place, callers and their recipient can exchange information while looking at a map.

    4. Handwriting Sync
    During a VoLTE call, callers and their recipient can share written text and drawings on each other's screen by tapping the Handwriting Sync button. For example, they can use drawings to say something that is difficult to convey with words, underline something they want to emphasize on Web pages displayed during Screen Sync, or decorate pictures displayed during Screen Sync.

2. Usage Fees

Sync Call service usage fee: Free

  • Calling and data communication charges are separately incurred for VoLTE calls.
    The recipient of an incoming call also incurs data communication charges for Sync functions (Screen Sync, Camera Sync, Location Sync, and Handwriting Sync).

3. Launch Date

Early December 2014

  • Sync functions (Screen Sync, Camera Sync, Location Sync, and Handwriting Sync) are scheduled to be provided from February 2015.

4. Supported Models

Android (TM) smartphones that support au VoLTE

  • Sync functions (Screen Sync, Camera Sync, Location Sync, and Handwriting Sync) for isai VL LGV31 and URBANO V01 will be supported via a version update after the service launch.

5. How to Use

  • Basic Function (dedicated voice call user interface)
    Preset on Android (TM) smartphones that support au VoLTE. No setting, registration, or other operation is required.
  • Sync functions (Screen Sync, Camera Sync, Location Sync, and Handwriting Sync)
    Preset on Android (TM) smartphones that support au VoLTE. No setting, registration, or other operation is required. The usage of Sync functions are limited to calls between Android (TM) smartphones that support au VoLTE.
  • Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
  • Other company and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective company.

About Voice Party

1. Voice Party Features

This is a voice call service that enables simultaneous group calls with up to 30 people including the initial caller, regardless of everyone's type of device.

  • Calls between au VoLTE models (within the au 4G LTE area) are calls with high sound quality. In other situations, a conventional level of sound quality is enabled for voice calls.
  • The actual voice sound quality may vary depending on the communication environment and network traffic conditions.
  • Recipients using 3G (1x) or other carriers' mobile phones may also participate.

2. Usage Fees

Voice Party option charge: ¥300/month excluding tax

  • The initial caller is separately charged a calling fee based on the number of people they call.
  • By subscribing to Basic Phone Pack (V) (¥400/month excluding tax), you can use other voice call options for cheaper as well.

3. Launch Date

Early December 2014

4. Supported Models

Android (TM) smartphones that support au VoLTE

  • Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
  • The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.