JVCKENWOOD to Launch IP Radio "KBX-P51"

JVCKENWOOD Corporation is accelerating its expansion in the IP radio domain and is now making a full-scale entry into IP radio services. As part of this initiative, the company will launch a new IP radio model, "KBX-P51," under the KENWOOD brand in late June. This device is the first IP radio equipped with the IP radio app "Buddycom," provided by Science Arts Inc., with whom JVCKENWOOD has a capital and business alliance agreement. By offering a monthly subscription-based IP radio service, including communication fees and app usage fees, along with the "KBX-P51" IP radio, JVCKENWOOD provides an integrated solution from introduction to operation. The device can utilize up to three communication lines—dual SIM LTE connection and Wi-Fi connection—and automatically switches between them according to the communication environment, ensuring stable and comfortable communication. Since it is equipped with "Buddycom," which has been the No. 1 domestic share IP radio app for five consecutive years*1, users can switch between the IP radio and smartphones/tablets depending on the usage environment. Furthermore, it supports automatic translation into 27 languages (optional) and storage of call voice data for up to approximately one month. Recently, in Japan, against the backdrop of labor shortages due to the declining birthrate and aging population, efforts to improve operational efficiency and expand foreign employment are progressing. In this context, radios that enable quick and easy group calls have become important tools supporting customer service and on-site work. Until now, professional radios that build their own communication networks and provide reliable communication have been widely used. However, in recent years, in addition to these professional radios, the demand for IP radios that utilize LTE and Wi-Fi for nationwide communication has expanded due to the increasing need for wide-area collaboration and real-time information sharing with remote locations. Given these changes in the market environment, expectations for IP radio services and IP radios that offer simple introduction and operation are growing. JVCKENWOOD will market this device as an IP radio that enables nationwide, license-free group voice communication and supports operational efficiency through various functions, targeting fields involving on-site operations such as public infrastructure (airports, railways), civil engineering and construction, transportation companies and organizations, as well as local governments and ministries. A prototype of this device will be exhibited at JVCKENWOOD's booth at the "Local Government & Public Week 2026 Disaster Prevention EXPO" held at Tokyo Big Sight from May 13 (Wednesday) to 15 (Friday). *1: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Mic Research Institute "Deskless SaaS Market Status and Outlook 2025 Edition" - Shipment value of voice (video) communication tools (for non-desk workers).

1. Comfortable use with up to three communication lines (dual SIM LTE and Wi-Fi) with automatic switching Supports dual SIM LTE connection and Wi-Fi connection, allowing the use of up to three communication lines. If the communication status becomes unstable, it automatically switches to a better line among the three before losing signal. Users do not need to perform any switching operations, enabling smooth and comfortable stable communication. 2. The first IP radio connected to "Buddycom," the No. 1 domestic share IP radio app for five consecutive years This device is the first IP radio equipped with "Buddycom," which has been the No. 1 domestic share IP radio app for five consecutive years. Users can switch between the IP radio for outdoor construction/work sites and smartphones/tablets for "Buddycom" in the office, for example, to achieve wide-area, simultaneous two-way communication using devices appropriate for the environment. 3. Supports automatic translation of call audio into 27 languages (optional) With transceiver translation (optional), call audio can be automatically translated into 27 languages. Translated audio is played back in a timely manner after the speaker's utterance, and it also supports text conversion of the translated language (optional; 18 languages at launch, 27 languages planned with a firmware update this summer). This enables quick and accurate communication even among staff speaking different languages. 4. Voice data can be stored and played back for up to approximately one month with recording/playback function, also supports text conversion (optional) With the call recording and playback function, all transmitted and received voice audio is automatically recorded and saved to the server. Recorded data is stored on the server for up to approximately one month (744 hours). Furthermore, it supports text conversion of call audio (optional), allowing it to be recorded as text data. Recorded data and text data can be played back and confirmed from the call history screen of the IP radio, smartphone/tablet, and PC administrator's web console. This prevents missed information and enables smart sharing within the call group. 5. High durability to withstand harsh environments Dustproof and waterproof performance (IP68*3/