KDDI au concept phones explained and pictured

We got the low-down (well, at much of a low-down as one can get from thematic designers) on KDDI's latest au concept phones here at CEATEC, and the themes are -- are you sitting down? -- space and soup atomic elements. No, we didn't make that up. If you're still with us, hit the break for some pictures and explanations.

First off, the "gem" flip concept opens up to reveal a crystalized solar panel, while the other surfaces are graced with a qwerty keyboad and phone controls for your ponderous space exploration.

Meanwhile, the "voyage" phone's battery area open up to reveal a standard solar panel. On the flip side, an LCD screen displays planet Earth as shown from the moon, because, you know, that's where you are, and stuff.

These concepts, designed by Hiroano Tsuboi are based on what KDDI calls a "soup atomic element." They, too, utilize a solar panel, but sport a new display (not-yet invented) technology that promises to appear out of nowhere where the time is always 9:10.

[iEye @ Oct 1st 2008 12:10AM]

All iPhone clones!

[Plothole @ Oct 1st 2008 12:37AM]

Apparently all phones are iPhone clones. Heck, even the iPhone must be an iPhone clone. :P

[Patriks7 @ Oct 1st 2008 1:05AM]

Well when you think about it, the iPhone 3G is an iPhone clone.. I mean look how many similarities those have!

[Troels C @ Oct 1st 2008 3:46AM]

Guys, he is mocking those idiots who thinks everything is an iPhone clone. Its satire ftw...

[Plothole @ Oct 1st 2008 6:08AM]

@Troels C

I kinda figured that, or I would have said something... entirely different.

[markyb @ Oct 1st 2008 12:20AM]

I like the wording "Not yet invented" technology. These all look like someone just learned how to use a scroll saw, paint and stencils.. I'm not impressed.

[oGMo @ Oct 1st 2008 12:35AM]

Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, manage. Those who can't manage are journalists.

Those who can't handle journalism are critics.

[alexicov @ Oct 1st 2008 12:46AM]

And those who can't critic


Work for engadget!

haha sorry, couldnt help myself :P

[Electromodo @ Oct 1st 2008 12:52AM]

Their design looks different from what we got used to today, true. But what we got used to today will look antique and boring one day in future.

Those red minimalistic bricks could become a hype and an obsession one day.

[markyb @ Oct 1st 2008 12:54AM]

The red one on the right in the last image, looks like one of those flip open picture frames... or a game boy advance sp. OLD TECHNOLOGY!! hehe

[Flashpoint @ Oct 1st 2008 12:21AM]

This thing better stay a concept.

Otherwise, someone's gonna lose ALOT of money.

[chansthename @ Oct 1st 2008 7:32PM]

They're not exactly going to fit into your pocket anyway

[linuxamp @ Oct 1st 2008 1:07AM]

I see the space but where's the soup?

[markyb @ Oct 1st 2008 1:28AM]

Its "cup-o-soup" packets tucked neatly under the solar panels, for convenience!

[elcheapo @ Oct 1st 2008 1:50AM]

these are obviously some student designs from some mid level ID program , moon campus.

[BillyWarhol @ Oct 1st 2008 2:41AM]

iGOO MEGA been there done it* ;))

[Wwhat @ Oct 1st 2008 4:21AM]

Stories from 'the sun' and tons of 'concept' devices? Has engadget gone down the drain?

[XenoX101 @ Oct 1st 2008 8:51AM]

That black phone is possibly the nicest looking phone I've ever seen. I really hope these are good phones and aren't made of cheap plastic. It's about time someone out there released a phone that doesn't look stereotypical.

[d.dan @ Oct 1st 2008 9:32AM]

that phone looks enourmous!

[frankXchange @ Oct 1st 2008 9:14AM]

I LOVE designing for 'not yet invented' technologies. You should see my series of atomic-powered wrist watches. The other day I submitted a blank piece of paper as my design for a next generation computer. It's going to happen, trust me. I just need to find a new job now so I can afford to buy one.

[nicleT @ Oct 1st 2008 9:43AM]

First look, I thought it was a "2001 Space Odyssey" photo concept.

[zebiddydoodaa @ Oct 1st 2008 10:29AM]

Whats Japanese for 'Groovy' !?