TOKYO -- After taking Japan's appliance market by storm with sleek, high-end toasters and fans, Balmuda is now bringing its design- and user-focused approach to the smartphone market with its first model debuting later this month.
CEO aims to stand apart from Apple and Samsung, with eye on apps and cars

Balmuda's new smartphone features a curved, tapered design around a compact, 4.9-inch screen. (Photo courtesy of Balmuda)
TOKYO -- After taking Japan's appliance market by storm with sleek, high-end toasters and fans, Balmuda is now bringing its design- and user-focused approach to the smartphone market with its first model debuting later this month.