In the past, Pantech had introduced a phone with bone conduction technology. At Mobile World Congress, NTT DoCoMo unveiled its latest mobile phone called ‘Sound Leaf Plus’ that is equipped with a unique mobile receiver-microphone combo.
Developed for people suffering from hearing disabilities, the Japanese telecom leader wants them to carry normal conversations with this 45 grams weighing device. It can also be useful to elderly people as their hearing power decreases with age.
Featuring Bone conduction, Sound Leaf Plus sends sound vibrations to the auditory nerves passing via cranial bones. This technology connects to the cellular phone service via Bluetooth link or a hard wire. The bone conduction is currently noticeable in specialized, military devices as throat microphones for hands-free operation for pilots and underwater operators.
“The device developed by NEC/Tokin included a high frequency switch that improved sound articulation. It is also useful for normal hearing people when one has to talk in noisy environments†expressed NTT DoCoMo spokesperson Shinya Yokota.
The Sound Leaf Plus works when pressed against the bone, just below the ear. It is available to DoCoMo subscribers in Japan.
