Concept mobile phones

Concept mobile phones in depth

In the strictest sense of the term, concept mobile phones are prototype handsets that typically feature eye-catching futuristic designs, radical form factors and next-generation functionality. However, the term also encompasses fun mobiles themed around movies, TV shows and even popular cartoon characters.

Although many of these models never get beyond the concept stage, the designs of concept phones often point the way that mobile phones will go in future when technology catches up with our capacity to dream up ideas.

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What are some of the latest concept mobile phones?

With every passing week it seems that a new concept mobile phone surfaces that seems to reinvent the look and functionality of handsets forever. And if the response from the public is anything to go by it seems that the more iconoclastic and extreme they are, the better.

Some of the most eye-popping have included a wooden eco handset which is made from cypress trees from the Shimanto forest and which is completely biodegradable. And also worth a mention is the O2 Oxygen that took its style cues from chemistry models.

Who designs concept mobile phones?

Concept mobile phones frequently run competitions for design students that challenge them to come with up ideas for mobile phones. However, they are just as likely to be designed by a manufacturer’s in-house team.

Producing and being associated with concept mobiles are a brilliant way for mobile phone companies to secure coverage in magazines and to ensure that they are perceived as forward-thinking and creative.

Can I buy concept mobile phones?

Unfortunately, many of the most radical-looking concept phones never actually come to market. And in many cases this is probably a good thing because although they look great they are impractical for day to day use.

However, just as catwalk design ideas filter down to the high street, the same is true of concept phones. Take for example Sony Ericsson’s brilliant Pureness phone, featuring a translucent screen which was so eye-catching that it was thought to be concept mobile before it was revealed that it was going into production.

Other examples of this phenomenon include watch mobile phones, which have arrived from LG, Samsung and sWaP. Not too long ago these would have been considered niche products of interest only to a small minority of people. Now, they’re available everywhere.

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Film & TV tie-ins and themed phones

Mobile phone companies have been quick to realise the commercial potential of hugely popular film and TV franchises with specially themed phones. Perhaps the best of these is the brilliant Star Trek phone which was styled after the communicator from the original TV series. But almost as impressive is the Transformers and James Bond mobiles from LG, both of which came with a raft of exclusive content.

Also notable was the Fender themed version of the T-Mobile G2 Touch. This featured a wood grain finish that recalls Telecaster guitars and came pre-installed with sound clips and videos of legendary guitarists.

Designer mobile phones

Commercially available designer mobile phones which feature creative input from fashion luminaries such as Dolce & Gabbana and Armani, are also often as stunning as concept phones. Like film tie-ins, these also often boast exclusive content, including exclusive ringtones and wallpapers.

Meanwhile, Nokia added a brilliant touch to one of its high-end designer mobiles by commissioning acclaimed chill-out act Kruder & Dorfmeister to compose a special piece of music especially for the handset.

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