Switched

Sweet and Simple: The Best Basic Phones for Our Dearest Dads

Jon Chase — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Advice, Columns, Editor's Picks, Reviews, Mobile Phones

A reader asks: My father is a businessman who travels a lot internationally, and asked me to find him a bare bones, simple cell phone that works well but also looks good. For the life of me I can't settle on a device. Instead, the market is flooded with smartphones or regular ones with tons of confusing crap stuffed inside. He doesn't text much but needs the capability, and his vision and hearing aren't the best, so font size and volume are biggies, too. I've given up searching so Just Tell Me What To Get!

Dear Reader: We think your father probably represents a vast, under-served market sweet spot: the Boomers who regularly use cell phones and text, but have no need for a tricked-out convergent cell phone. Call them the silenced majority, if you will. It seems with all the smartphone mania of the past few years, cell makers threw the baby out with the bathwater, and have all but abandoned developing quality "feature" phones, as they're now called. They have the same flimsy designs and craptastic OSes they've had for the past five years, with perhaps a token media player, Web browser and camera thrown in. It's a shame. If the marketplace works anywhere as efficiently as economist Adam Smith proposed, some clever phone manufacturer is surely going to read your letter, realize the value of this market, design a spectacularly simple but good phone and make a killing. (We don't mean the Jitterbug, which, while perfect for some people, isn't right in this case.) Please let it be soon.

Until then, though, we do have a few suggestions to help out. Since you didn't say what service provider he uses and we suspect you aren't the only one with this dilemma, we went ahead and found the best "simple" phone for each of the big four U.S. carriers -- ones that are sturdy, stylish and simple, and that can be used internationally (with the exception of Sprint). Oh, and because we've been on the receiving end of plenty of pocket dialers, we only went with flip phones for easy, compact travel for your dad on-the-go.

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Sweet and Simple: The Best Basic Phones for Our Dearest Dads originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Officially Debuts Nexus One Android Phone

Warren Riddle — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Google, Mobile Phones, CES-2010

Last year, T-Mobile introduced its G1 mobile, the first handheld to utilize the Android operating system. Since that debut, analysts and spectators have been anxiously waiting for the next stage in Android devices, particularly the much-discussed Nexus One Google phone.

Google announced the phone officially today in California. The presentation traced the history of Android and included detailed information about the size of the Nexus One ("No thicker than a number 2 pencil, no heavier than a Swiss army knife."), its features (GPS, accelerometer, light, and proximity sensor), and its hardware (1 GHz Snapdragon). The Nexus crew also provided insight into some upgrades from the early G1 models, including "better news and weather widgets" and heightened voice capabilities.

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Google Officially Debuts Nexus One Android Phone originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tech Etiquette: Cell Phone Dos and Don'ts

Tom Conlon — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Advice, Editor's Picks, Mobile Phones, BlackBerry 101

The cell phone has been draining the world's sperm supply for more than 35 years already. And yet, as ubiquitous as mobiles are today, so too are the dolts who still haven't grasped how to use one responsibly. For anyone who's ever gabbed at dinner, texted on the toilet, ruined a movie, or grossed out an elevator (just to name a few mobile no-nos), Switched presents the following guide of cell phone Dos and Don'ts. By all means, do us (and yourself) a favor and forward it on to your fondest offenders.

Next >>

Tech Etiquette: Cell Phone Dos and Don'ts originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Phone

JP Mangalindan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Mobile Phones, Holiday Gift Guide

Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Phone (Style-o-Phile, Cost No Object)

Thinking of springing for the veritable super car of cell phones? Lamborghini has saved you the trouble of searching high and low by releasing a phone of its own. Housed in black titanium and hand-brushed stainless steel, the Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini (price TBD) was inspired by the Murcielago LP640, from the trademark Taurus bull on the central button down to the signature on the battery cover. Dual LCD displays crafted from 60.5 carats of scratch-resistant sapphire complement the black, minimalist backlit keyboard, 2-megapixel camera and reasonable seven-hour talk time. It's made by luxury phone manufacturer Vertu, which means it's created with folks who value ease-of-use and bling over the latest techno specs, making it perfect for the high-rolling novice in your life who still needs to stay in touch. But get it while you can. With only 1,963 units manufactured - a tribute to the year Lamborghini was founded -they're about as rare as the real deal.

Gift Guide: Tag Heuer Meridiist Automobili Phone originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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9 Banned Apps You'll Never See on the iPhone

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, iPhone, Mobile Software, Mobile Phones

There's no denying the runaway success of Apple's App Store: to date, iPhone and iPod touch users have downloaded some 2 billion applications from its ever-expanding library of 100,000. But there's also no escaping the rumblings of discontent from many consumers and developers who feel that Apple is unfairly acting as judge, jury, and executioner by censoring apps and exiling them from the App Store.

Much of the consternation stems from the fact that Apple has never published hard and fast guidelines for what determines whether an app will be allowed through Apple's gatekeepers. To make matters worse for frustrated developers, Apple frequently contradicts itself in its judgments. So, say, while porn stars are free to peddle T and A to consenting adults, e-book packages that include the "Kama Sutra" are apparently too risqué for Apple. In the hopes of discovering a method to this maddening process, we've looked at nine high-profile iPhone apps that were found guilty of transgressing Apple's (unwritten) approval terms, and weigh in on the fairness of Apple's judgment and the likelihood an app will have it overturned on appeal in the future.

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9 Banned Apps You'll Never See on the iPhone originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: Jabra Stone

Evan Shamoon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Peripherals, Mobile Phones, Holiday Gift Guide

Jabra Stone (Style-o-Phile, Under $250)

The Jabra Stone ($129.99) is the first significant step for the notorious Bluetooth headset in some time. The design effectively removes the annoying "boom" of other headsets off of your face/ear; in fact, it can actually be concealed under longish hair, should you so desire. The excellent sound quality, good battery life, and slick charger (when charging, it looks like a flat, rounded stone) make this one of the best Bluetooth headsets money can buy, particularly for the self-conscious headset wearers out there. (Unless you have very small ears, that is: the design of the earpiece is such that it's not adjustable, meaning it can be difficult to prevent from falling off.)

Gift Guide: Jabra Stone originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Advice, Editor's Picks, Mobile Phones

It's hard to keep up with the cell phone market these days. New models hit store shelves seemingly every week, and carriers roll out new contract plans nearly as frequently. Maybe that's why the prepaid cell phone market is growing so rapidly.

Consumers are flocking toward no-contract, unlimited services. At least two prepaid carriers have seen their subscription rates double over the past year -- and now the big companies are rolling out their own prepaid options to retain their existing customers.

You generally won't have to have a credit card or leave deposits with these services, but you will have to buy your own phone, which can run anywhere from $30 to over $300, depending on the service you use and how many bells and whistles you want. In addition, most plans come with activation fees ranging anywhere from $15 to $35.

Prepaid's not for everyone, though. So how do you determine if it's a good fit? To help you figure it out, we've put together a list of the 10 types of situations where prepaid phones make sense. Click on 'Next' below to find out more.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Which Prepaid Phone Plan Is for You?

Warren Riddle — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, Mobile Phones

The madness of holiday shopping is upon us, and even though tech prices are dropping to all-time lows, it's still important in this economy to pinch pennies whenever possible. One proven method of saving, particularly for families or frequent talkers and texters, is to cut out those expensive monthly mobile bills and explore some prepaid phone options.

Demonstrating the ease of prepaid shopping, we purchased the cheapest available phone in-store ($10.89 with tax for the Virgin Mobile Kyocera Marbl at Walgreens), quickly activated the little guy online, and within 15 minutes were eating away at our 20 free minutes (with adequate-to-good reception and no dropped calls).

Since prepaid phones don't require contracts or credit checks, and let you cap usage, they provide a perfect option for parents, travelers, thrifty students, bosses with chatty employees, and those who just have a less-than-stellar credit history.

Oh yeah, and did we mention that you can get started for less than $15? If that sounds inviting, here are some phones, prices, and plans from a variety of carriers. But, because we just can't cover every phone or plan, make sure to always look for rollover options, expiration dates, and additional fees (particularly for text messaging and account activation).

Continue reading Which Prepaid Phone Plan Is for You?

Which Prepaid Phone Plan Is for You? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Launches 2010 GTI Exclusively Via Mobile Phone Game

Tom Samiljan — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, iPhone, Mobile Software, Downloads, Mobile Phones

In an atmosphere of disappearing print magazines, increased TV viewing on the Web, and a tough market for both car buyers and dealers, one of the few successful car companies alive today needs to change the game a bit. So with the introduction of a niche-y hot hatch that isn't even that cheap, Volkswagen hits hard with quick and dirty campaign on everyone's favorite toy -- the iPhone. This morning, Volkswagen became the first auto manufacturer to launch (by launch, we mean advertise) a car solely on the Apple phone. No, it's not an app, but rather, an exclusive, playable, and independent level of iPhone racing game Firement Real Racing, which has already received 70-million downloads since launching back in June.

Available on the iTunes App Store for free, the 'Real Racing GTI' level lets you choose from six different 2010 GTIs and race them on a track laden with VW logos. Unfortunately, it doesn't integrate with the rest of the game, but it does have one killer feature: Players can compete to win one of six limited-edition black GTI MkVI cars, which have special stitching on the floor mats and head rests, carbon-fiber finishes on the doors and mirrors, red calipers on the wheels, and special logos on the front and on the steering wheel (see close-ups of the cars in the slideshow below). In addition, the 2010 GTI's sound system has been upgraded to include full iPod integration (so you can access your full music library on the car's dashboard versus a simple auxiliary connection).

Continue reading VW Launches 2010 GTI Exclusively Via Mobile Phone Game

VW Launches 2010 GTI Exclusively Via Mobile Phone Game originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finger Piano Share: Play Real Pianos From Your iPhone, Remotely

Tom Samiljan — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:18:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Cell Phones, iPhone, Switched Video, Mobile Software, Home Audio, Mobile Phones

The iPhone increasing lets you do many things, but playing a real piano in real time so far hasn't been one of them -- at least until this past week at CEATEC, the annual consumer electronics show held in Tokyo, Japan, which we were fortunate enough to attend. On display at the Yamaha booth was one of the more impressive iPhone apps we've seen to date: Called Finger Piano Share, since it lets up to 10 people remotely play a real piano from their iPhones via Wi-Fi (the piano must be of the MIDI-enabled Disklavier variety, of course).

You'll see a bit of what the app looks like in the above video. You tap a virtual key on your iPhone screen, and the real key plays on the piano. Finger Piano Share lets you play music of your own creation, improvise along with other folks simultaneously for some kind of abstract jam session, or play pre-programmed tunes by following onscreen prompts, a la 'Rock Band.'

Continue reading Finger Piano Share: Play Real Pianos From Your iPhone, Remotely

Finger Piano Share: Play Real Pianos From Your iPhone, Remotely originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Comes After iPhone? Mobiles Made of Wood and Stormtroopers.

Tom Samiljan — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, Green Tech, Switched Video, Mobile Phones

The iPhone may be a failure in Japan, but the country sure loves its clamshell-style, flip phones, among other non-smartphone-styles, which is why the annual CEATEC show in Tokyo is often a treasure trove of innovative, stylish, and sometimes just plain way-out mobiles. Some are finished products that have just come to market, while others remain concepts that will eventually turn into a finished product.

Unfortunately, most of these distinctive handsets will never get to the U.S. -- they're just too quirky for the mass production needed in the world's largest domestic market -- but take a look at some of our favorites from this year's show anyway. From the Star-Wars-meets-Space-1999 'Prismoid' by renowned designer Naoto Fukasawa (whose donut-like plusminuszero humidifier is in the Museum of Modern Art), or the 'Touch Wood' concept made of surplus cypress wood (a joint project between NTT Docomo, Olympus, and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto's 'more trees' reforestation initiative), phones like these will make you long for the days before touchscreen iPhones became the norm (and maybe hope for a dumb-but-sexy-phone future). Take a look at the above video for a closer look.

Continue reading What Comes After iPhone? Mobiles Made of Wood and Stormtroopers.

What Comes After iPhone? Mobiles Made of Wood and Stormtroopers. originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone

Evan Shamoon — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, Top Lists, BlackBerry, iPhone, Reviews, Mobile Phones, BlackBerry 101

A few years ago, Bluetooth headsets were rarely seen in public, and early adopters were accused of making both fashion and etiquette faux pas.

But the proliferating bans on driving while holding a phone, coupled with people's discovery of hands-free convenience, has rendered the devices standard-issue these days.

And headsets continue to improve in both sound quality and features. Most new devices utilize one or more noise-canceling technologies, such as dual microphones and voice optimization (which suppresses ambient noise for less distortion). Some headsets use a boom (which extends the microphone closer to the mouth), and better in-ear designs either eliminate the dorky ear loop altogether or relegate it to an optional add-on.

Some of these Bluetooth devices boast A2DP technology in order to wirelessly stream music from a phone. And designers are finally paying attention to fashion, not just functionality.

To help you find the best match for your ear, we've taken some of the newer Bluetooth headsets out for a test drive, using them on calls everywhere from noisy city streets to wireless-saturated offices and homes (where there's a lot of potential interference). We evaluated them on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent) for sound quality, ease of use (especially for tasks like pairing and answering calls on the fly), comfort, and aesthetics (you know, so you don't look like a 'Bluetool' while you're wearing it). Take a look at our favorites.

Continue reading Best New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone

Best New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia's New 'Vibe' Braille Helps the Blind Read Text Messages

Amar Toor — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Mobile Software, Mobile Phones

As part of an ongoing effort to refine and improve mobile communication options for the blind, Nokia Labs has introduced a new SMS application (video after the break) that allows blind users to receive Braille text messages via the company's touch phones. The program receives the tactile texts, and, with a series of coded vibrations, relays the message to the user.

To date, most blind-accessible phones have featured devices that process text messages and then read them aloud to the user, rather than using vibrations. There are several more new developments in mobile software oriented towards the visually impaired, too. An iPhone app currently in development at iVisit is reported to be able to recognize everyday objects with the phone's camera, and identify them aurally for blind users. (The iPhone features several apps for the hearing impaired as well, including soundAMP and iHearClear.) CodeFactory, too, offers a variety of mobile downloads and applications for the visually impaired, including software that magnifies a phone's screen for better visibility.

Continue reading Nokia's New 'Vibe' Braille Helps the Blind Read Text Messages

Nokia's New 'Vibe' Braille Helps the Blind Read Text Messages originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MoGo Talk Headset Fits Into the Back of Your iPhone, BlackBerry

Tom Samiljan — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:38:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerry, Mobile Phones

Wireless Bluetooth headsets are such a dilemma -- they're so handy to have in order to keep from Texting While Driving (TWD), yet so difficult to keep in a handy place while you're on the go (they're just so dang small). Until now, at least, thanks to Newton Peripherals, the folks who brought us the wafer-thin MoGo Mouse that stores neatly in your laptop's PC card.

Announced back in June, but finally available starting today, the Mogo Talk for iPhone ($129) is a nifty little Bluetooth headset that snaps into a storage compartment on the back of a black plastic iPhone case. That's right, you won't have to worry about where you stuffed your headset because this one will be attached to the back of your iPhone (3G or 3GS models only). The case includes a built-in USB charger that plugs into your laptop, and the headset itself is a tiny little (5mm, or just under 2-inches) one-piece that fits snugly in your ear thanks to an included earbud fit kit, without any of those annoying hooks typical of many headsets that are such a pain to get around your ear.

Continue reading MoGo Talk Headset Fits Into the Back of Your iPhone, BlackBerry

MoGo Talk Headset Fits Into the Back of Your iPhone, BlackBerry originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iPhone App Spreads News of Disease Outbreaks

Evan Shamoon — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:14:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, iPhone, Mobile Software, Mobile Phones

For a culture that feeds ground-up, dead cows to living cows in the name of economics, we sure do get paranoid when it comes to disease. And there's no better sign of that paranoia than the Outbreaks Near Me iPhone app, which allows users to access disease outbreak information.

The app is based on the free HealthMap Web site, but improves upon it by letting users add to the knowledge base. When there's public-health trouble in the area, users can share the information with the rest of the community.

"Say you're in a clinical setting as a patient or clinician and seeing lots of unusual cases of something," Clark Freifeld, a founder of HealthMap and Ph.D. student in MIT Media Lab's New Media Medicine Group, told Wired.com. "You'd be able to note that down and submit it into the system." Mere hours after the app's release, HealthMap had already been informed of an illness at a school.

The service won't rely solely on man-on-the-street input, however; it takes information from various accredited news sources, as well. The idea, though, is that user submissions will start to relay preliminary warnings before official services are able to react. "It's about empowering citizens in the cause of public health to both provide them with information and allow them to contribute information to share with others," Freifeld explained to Wired.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled meal of chicken raised on chicken, cow raised on cow, etc. [From: Wired]

New iPhone App Spreads News of Disease Outbreaks originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rockstar Bringing Grand Theft Auto to iPhone

Evan Shamoon — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:16:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Video Games, iPod, iPhone, Mobile Software, Mobile Phones

The seemingly inevitable has finally become reality: Rockstar is bringing the 'Grand Theft Auto' franchise to the iPhone. It's happening sooner than you would think (this fall), but it's unclear whether it will be a top-down style game -- much like the recently released 'GTA: Chinatown Wars,' and hearkening back to the series' roots on PC and PlayStation -- or a third-person situation, like the forthcoming PSP game of the same name.

When released earlier this year, the DS version of 'Chinatown Wars' scored high marks. The graphics were a major issue, but players can expect a significant upgrade in this capacity, thanks to the iPhone's drastically higher resolution and sheer computing horsepower.

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Rockstar Bringing Grand Theft Auto to iPhone originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texting While Driving in Utah Could Get You 15 Years in Jail

Evan Shamoon — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:51:00 EST

Filed under: Car Tech, Cell Phones, Mobile Phones

Texting while driving is a really bad idea, no matter where you are. But texting while driving through Utah is an even worse idea, and can actually result in up to 15 years in prison if you hit someone while doing so.

The state's new law, which took effect at the beginning of the summer, enforces the same penalities on those texting behind the wheel and causing a fatality as those who drink and drive, causing the same result. It means that the act is no longer relegated to "accident" status, and instead places it firmly in the "reckless driving" category. The move comes after a texting-related crash that killed two scientists.

The law mirrors recent studies, which have shown that driving while chatting away on a cell phone poses the same risks as driving with a .08 blood alcohol level -- and that driving while texting doubles the risk.
While strong measures against texting drivers are being taken in many states, it's often difficult to prove guilt, largely because a driver can claim to be dialing, changing the music on their iPhone, or one of a several other alternatives.

And what's the deal with texting while stopped at traffic lights? We vote that that should be legal. [From: NY Times]

Texting While Driving in Utah Could Get You 15 Years in Jail originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the T-Mobile myTouch 3G the Google Phone to Beat?

Thomas Houston — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, Google, Reviews, Mobile Phones

What it is:

The myTouch 3G, the second Android smartphone (aka "Googlephone") to be introduced by T-Mobile, after the G1, is essentially a re-branded HTC Magic.

What's different about it?

Unlike the G1 (the first "Googlephone"), the myTouch opts for a touchscreen-based interface, dropping the physical keyboard. The Android 1.5 ("Cupcake") operating system and marketplace have come a long way (improved speed, more apps, better onscreen keyboard) since the G1 launched last year on T-Mobile.

What we like:

On the hardware front, HTC has built a sexier and sturdier phone, a marked improvement over the lackluster design and plastic feel of the G1 (perhaps a side-effect of removing the keyboard). The phone's molded shell doesn't pick up dirt like many next-gen smartphones, which is nice.

Continue reading Is the T-Mobile myTouch 3G the Google Phone to Beat?

Is the T-Mobile myTouch 3G the Google Phone to Beat? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Accessorize Your Cell With Popular Movie Characters

Caleb Johnson — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:22:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Mobile Phones

If you're a movie nut and love cutesy accessories, the Netsuke cell-phone strap is incredibly fitting. Now, everyone will know about your obsession with 'Rocky' or 'Edward Scissorhands.' (Because your phone certainly won't fit in a pocket once one of these miniature dolls is attached.)

The charms (which come from Japan, of course) stand about 3.3-centimeters tall and cost less than $9, according to walyou. Characters from a wide range of movies are represented, too. For those who love comedies, there's Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) from 'Beverly Hills Cop.' Frighten your coworkers by picking up the Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) charm from 'The Silence of the Lambs.' The best part (aside from how creepy a Kewpie-doll of Hannibal Lecter looks) is that they come with bonus material: special packaging with a picture of the character in the film and a trivia booklet filled with fun facts about the movie.

Collectors will be foaming at the mouth to get their hands on these movie miniatures. That being said, please leave these dolls on the shelf, folks. Carrying around a phone with a mini Eddie Murphy attached would look just plain ridiculous. Cell phone holsters are bad enough. [From: Walyou]

Accessorize Your Cell With Popular Movie Characters originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's Eco-Friendly 'Reclaim' Phone Is Made of Corn

Leila Brillson — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Green Tech, Mobile Phones

Made from 40-percent corn-derived bio-plastic and 80-percent biodegradable material in general, Samsung, along with service partner Sprint, just announced the 'Reclaim,' touted as the world's first green phone (an iffy claim, considering that earlier this year Motorola came out with its W233 Renew phone, made out of recycled plastic water bottles). The two corporations jointly debuted the QWERTY-capable sliding phone this morning at Cooper Hewitt, where Sprint's CEO Dan Hesse promised that $2 of every Reclaim's sale will go to the Nature Conservancy's Adopt an Acre program.

The Reclaim, which is a fairly high-design gadget, aims to do everything a typical messaging phone can do, but with less environmental impact. According to Omar Kahn, senior vice president of Strategy and Product Management for Samsung Mobile, this entails 12 times less power than the Energy Star standard, direct access to "green content" (like guides and glossaries), and recycled, biodegradable packaging and product manuals. Of course, the device comes in hug-the-world colors Earth Green and Ocean Blue. (To us, Earth Green is immeasurably cooler, in a deep jade.) The kicker: the phone beeps when it's charged, reminding users to unplug it to save energy.

With the convenience that Internet-equipped phones give to Americans, it's important to remember that every Blackberry and iPhone is made from plastic, comes with an absurd amount of packaging and material, and is often left on the charging cradle, draining power endlessly. While this is an excellent initiative (Sprint needs to do this, as it admits it's currently #17 on the EPA's Green Power list.), the Reclaim is unfortunately a pretty simple cell. Retailing for a meager $50 (with a two-year Sprint contract, obviously), the price is a great step towards making eco-products available to everyone. Yet, the phone lacks Wi-Fi, one-touch navigation is frustrating, and with just 2.0 megapixels, the camera is pretty scrappy (not to mention video-playback is grainy and unimpressive). What the Reclaim does do well is take all of the small hints and tips we've known about staying green (unplug your phone post-charge, recycle old batteries, avoid PVC and BFRs, etc.) and puts them in an attractive little device that looks part Greenpeace Rally, part Fifth Avenue.

Samsung's Eco-Friendly 'Reclaim' Phone Is Made of Corn originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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