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.