Casio G'zOne Launched in Korea
LG Telecom, Korea’s smallest mobile operator, took the wraps off that nation’s first waterproof mobile phone, the canU 502S [.jpg], developed under alliance with Japanese firm Casio Computer. Launched in Japan in May 2005, the G’zOne is a rugged, water-and-shock resistant handset based on the company’s popular G-Shock wristwatch series. The unit has four styles of digital time keeping and a sub-display screen that functions as an electronic compass. The Korean version also comes with an MP3 player and a mega-pixel camera and has a price tag of 550,000 won.
“If dropped in a pool, tub or sink, this phone will survive for roughly thirty minutes since we sealed its tiny crevices with rubber packing,” LG Telecom spokesperson Kang Shin-koo said. Two larger connection openings for a speaker and built-in camera module were also specially treated to prevent water from entering the handset.”
The Japanese version was labelled as “water resistant,” so submerge for 30 minutes at your own risk! — Ed.