Looking back on 2021 (November): The smartphone launched by Balmuda is "disappointing"?/ Be careful of "USB Type-C"!: Mobile Monthly Top10

In 2021, there are only a few remaining.I will look back on this year while checking the access ranking of ITmedia Mobile on a monthly basis.This time, we will introduce the top 10 accesses in November.

November 1, 2021 -November 30, 2021

In November, Balmuda Phone, announced by Balmuda anyway, was a big topic.Half of the top 10 articles were related to Balmuda Phone.

BALMUDA PHONE is the first smartphone that Balmuda was fully announced.The company is known for its highly valuable home appliances, especially open toasters.That's why BALMUDA PHONE also expected "high value -added", but when I opened the lid, it was "Middle High Range Android smartphone of over 100,000 yen".When you actually pick it up, you can see that it is made with a commitment, including the original app.It is now "valuable" to be able to use it comfortably with one hand.

However, if the expense exceeds 100,000 yen, the high -end model will be considered.Considering the balance of "specifications and prices", it is not a matter of saying that it is "Toki" to buy a high -end model.The debate seems to be divided as to how many people who want to emphasize the commitment that does not appear in the specifications on smartphones.

BALMUDA PHONE can be purchased at the company's direct sales site, shop, and Softbank dealers.Some SoftBank dealers also have hot mocks (operating samples), so you may want to go to touch this year -end and New Year holidays.

In the 10th place in the number of accesses, a column about "USB Type-C audio", which is likely to be used mainly on Android smartphones and iPads.

The "USB Type-C" as a terminal standard is characterized by the fact that it includes a certain traffic light from "USB (UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS)" as a signal standard.If it is a smartphone or tablet, it is compatible with the "USB PD (Power Delivery)" standard for many models to flow large -capacity current, and "DISPLAYPORT" for exchanging images around high -end models.Some models can flow signals.The mainstream model with USB Type-C terminals that support USB PD and DisplayPort even on notebook PCs has become the mainstream.

In the case of smartphones and tablets, there were many models that introduced an analog audio from the same term during the dawn of USB Type-C.However, there are quite a few models that do not support analog audio output, such as Google's Pixel series.If it does not support analog voice output, it is OK if you connect a DAC (digital / analog converter) that converts digital voice signals into analog audio.

However, there is a problem that the audio cable (conversion connector) is "analog" or "digital", and there are quite a few people who buy it by mistake.It would be nice if the package was clearly written, but it may not be "specified" whether it is digital or analog, or it is written a little when you look at the back.In this case, I can't help making a mistake.

So, if you want to purchase an audio device connected to the USB Type-C terminal, especially a conversion connector, make sure you can use it on your smartphone or tablet.