Try Socius Bluetooth hand set function

■Trying out SOCIUS's Bluetooth handset function

　Recently, I've tried several pieces of hardware that are like "handsets that can be used by connecting wirelessly to a smartphone". They are Elecom's multi-device Bluetooth keyboard "TK-MBD041 series" and Green House's "Bluetooth mini-phone GH-BHMPA".

　Both machines are quite convenient, but there are minor drawbacks. So I thought, "This should be better," and tried WILLCOM's "WX01S SOCIUS" (manufactured by SII).

This "WX01S SOCIUS" (SOCIUS) was made in 2011. Since it is a terminal released in October, it feels like a terminal. But what about using it as a Bluetooth handset? Out of curiosity, I bought a used white rom at an online auction. A little over 10,000 yen. For a moment, I thought about signing a new contract for WILLCOM's PHS line and buying SOCIUS, but I wondered if I could use it without any inconvenience with white roms, so I decided to buy white roms.

By the way, a white rom is "a terminal that cannot make calls or communicate because the line contract information is not written". Recently, it also refers to a terminal that can no longer make calls or communicate after removing the SIM card. It is a terminal that cannot use the line for calling / communication, but it is possible to use functions that are not related to calling / communication (do not use the carrier's communication network).

So, judging from the results of my testing, I felt that SOCIUS was a good choice for use as a smartphone receiver. Although there is a slight sense of insufficiency, I thought, "Well, then I should sign up for a WILLCOM line and use SOCIUS as the main terminal for calling." Anyway, after that, I would like to report SOCIUS's "function and usability as a Bluetooth receiver".

■Can receive and make calls

　SOCIUS can be used as a Bluetooth handset to answer incoming calls on your smartphone. Up to 4 smartphones can be registered to SOCIUS, and up to 2 smartphones can be connected via Bluetooth at the same time. Only one call will be made.

　I chose the iPhone 4S and the GALAXY Note SC-05D as smartphones to connect SOCIUS to via Bluetooth. Or rather, I don't have a mobile phone with a line other than these.

　And first, Bluetooth connection (pairing) between SOCIUS and these smartphones. The website of the manufacturer SII (Seiko Instruments) has a list of SOCIUS compatible models (http://www.sii.co.jp/wx/01s/smartphone_link/index.html). There is an iPhone 4S there, but no GALAXY Note SC-05D. Also, this SOCIUS, as mentioned above, is a white ROM. Will it connect properly with two smartphone models?

　The anxiety disappeared in a few minutes. I was able to connect to Bluetooth with both smartphones without any problems. The connection procedure is in the chapter "Using by connecting to a Bluetooth device" from page 56 of the SOCIUS instruction manual (http://www.sii.co.jp/wx/01s/download/instruction.html). I felt that it was very easy to pair as a Bluetooth handset.

　After pairing, when each smartphone receives a call, SOCIUS receives the call. And you can talk by pressing the SOCIUS's answer button. Regarding ringtones, in addition to using SOCIUS ringtones and vibrators, you can also use smartphones as ringtones.

　You can also make phone calls from SOCIUS. By entering a phone number in SOCIUS or selecting one from the phone book, you can call from a smartphone connected via Bluetooth or from SOCIUS (PHS line).

　In other words, regarding calls , No need to touch your smartphone at all. In other words, it feels like you don't have to be conscious of the existence of your smartphone except when you are conscious of "which line should I call from" when making a call. It seems that the call function of the smartphone has been ported to SOCIUS, which is somewhat strange. Anyway, it feels like I was able to integrate the phone line into SOCIUS very smartly.

Also, in the case of SOCIUS, the phone book is quite practical, although the details will be described later. In addition, the size and operability are very good because it is also a hardware that can be used as a stand-alone phone. Unlike other Bluetooth handsets I've tried before, the not-so-small screen and easy-to-use menus and button controls make it almost effortless. It's a talimae, but it's easy to use as a phone.

　In addition, after pairing, you can quickly connect/disconnect the smartphone and SOCIUS via Bluetooth simply by operating SOCIUS. Well, if you actually use it, you don't need to do that, but you don't have to touch your smartphone to connect/disconnect.

　The feeling of using SOCIUS as a handset was very good overall. Conversely, the only disappointing points are that the phone book of the smartphone may not be transferred successfully (described later), and that a Bluetooth headset cannot be connected to SOCIUS.

■Situation that makes you feel so convenient!!

There were a lot more situations than I expected when using SOCIUS that made me feel "Oh, so convenient!!". I would like to give some concrete examples.

First of all, when talking on a smartphone, the annoying "smartphone screen gets oil on your face" is gone. After a call, I usually wipe my smartphone screen, but it's very comfortable because I don't have to worry about it.

Then, it became easier to "use apps on your smartphone while talking on your smartphone". It used to be "something I would never do" without using an earphone microphone or a Bluetooth headset, but now I feel free to do it.

However, if SOCIUS is not equipped with a wired earphone microphone, you will be holding SOCIUS with one hand, so you will have to operate your smartphone with one hand. If you want to comfortably use apps while talking, it's more comfortable to connect a Bluetooth headset to your smartphone and handle the smartphone with both hands.

What's also surprisingly convenient is that you can talk with SOCIUS alone while your smartphone is charging. When I'm in my room, I put my smartphone on the cradle, but it's nice to be able to use only SOCIUS when talking on my smartphone. No matter which of the two smartphones receives the call, SOCIUS can receive the call.

　I also feel comfortable sending out messages. SOCIUS is a terminal operated with physical keys, and can be easily operated with one hand. To make a call, press the phone book button and enter the registered name (furigana) with the numeric keypad to search the phone book very efficiently. It feels good to be able to send a call with the quick operation of a feature phone.

　Socius as a handset is very convenient. That's when I feel like, "Oh, I wish I could connect a Bluetooth headset to SOCIUS with this." Alternatively, I think it would be nice if there was some sort of wireless headset that could be used exclusively for SOCIUS. If that happens, I think it would be very good to enjoy the convenience of SOCIUS as a smartphone hub for incoming and outgoing calls even in situations where SOCIUS cannot be held in one's hand.

　SOCIUS has a flat earphone terminal. So, if you have a headphone microphone or headset with a flat connector, you can make hands-free calls even though it is wired.

■The phone book is also practical

　SOCIUS is a modern PHS terminal before the Bluetooth handset, so it has a modern and sensible phone book. You can register up to 1,000 items, and you can enter 3 phone numbers and 3 email addresses for each item, as well as various information such as addresses, and you can also set group settings and ring tone settings in detail.

　I was quite interested in "Bluetooth Phone book transfer from a smartphone via Basically, you can transfer the phone book wirelessly (via Bluetooth) from a device such as a smartphone that supports Bluetooth's PBAP (phone book access profile) to SOCIUS.

　The results of transferring from iPhone 4S and GALAXY Note SC-05D were good or bad on a case-by-case basis. As far as I tried this time, I couldn't transfer the phone book perfectly, but I could transfer it at a practical level, and there was a way to edit the phone book freely, so it might be quite useful.

Specifically, the transfer from the iPhone 4S was a big failure. The furigana of the registered name is not reproduced correctly, and it is impossible to even sort, let alone search. In effect, it became a useless telephone directory. Of course, no matter how many times you try,

Transfer from GALAXY Note SC-05D is reasonably good. Although there are minor inconveniences such as the phone number being registered as a FAX number, the basic part was transferred in a state that can be used as a "phone book for selecting the destination number".

Perhaps in my case, the reason is that I transfer the phone book on my PC to iCloud or Google, and then transfer it to SOCIUS via my smartphone? Furthermore, this phone book may have been converted over and over again for nearly 20 years? Anyway, "perfect phone book transfer" from the smartphone to SOCIUS was not possible.

Alternatively, if you try it in another environment, the phone book may be transferred without any problems. So, I would like you to take the phone book issue as if it was like this in the case of Starpa.

However, with SOCIUS, you can use a utility for PCs (Windows 7/Vista/XP SP3) called "WX Data Tool". It is software that can transfer SOCIUS images, sounds, phonebooks, etc. between PC/SOCIUS. Using this, you can edit or create a new SOCIUS phone book on your PC. So, although it takes some time and effort, you can create and edit a complete phone book with "WX Data Tool" and write it to SOCIUS.

　In any case, SOCIUS and Bluetooth receivers I think that there is a fairly high level of practicality. I tried it with white ROM this time, but if it is SOCIUS that can talk with a PHS line, it may be more convenient. In other words, PHS is attractive in terms of sound quality and price. I really want to make a PHS line contract with SOCIUS and use it as my main mobile phone.

　By the way, I think that SOCIUS has a lot to offer for those who care about Bluetooth handsets and telephone dedicated devices. The design and size are also impressive, so if you are interested, please try to touch the actual machine once.