Samsung and Bang & Olufsen Serene Phone

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Oct 6th 2005 at 3:45PM

We first mentioned this a few weeks ago but now the details are clearer. Samsung and Bang & Olufsen have created a new mobile phone that is designed to be the antithesis of gadget-heavy, feature-ridden, phones hence the name, Serene. It goes so far back in time it even has a even has a rotary dial. Okay, not quite but it does have a circular keypad and a wide screen for easy viewing. And it's not completely back in the time machine, it comes with a triangular charger/docking station with a cut-out for the phone and if the phone is placed in the docking station or the phone is used in a table mode it can be used as a mini-laptop. For existing Bang & Olufsen customers a special DECT docking station is available which enables Serene to synchronize its phonebook with cordless landline phones from Bang & Olufsen. It will be launched in Europe, Russia and Ukraine during the 4th quarter of this year and cost 1000 Euros (just under $1200) without the DECT accessory. More pics after the jump. I'm definitely liking the flared shape.

Filed under: Gadgets

Source

Subscribe to these comments

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Pete Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

When looking at the www.serenemobile.com I must say this product has some interesting qualities.

Looks like it could have the best sound quality, best ringer, the best user interface (wheel navigation like iPOD) and best design/material quality of any mobile phone...wow...

Seriously, aren�t these the qualities that really matters in a phone of today?

Perhaps this is the iPOD of phones...I can't wait to try it!

Yes, I'm over the stage of being excited about camera phones with useless cameras, MP3 phones with useless MP3 etc. Those features does not matter to me before they can replace my discrete devices. Until then...this "Bangsum" phone might be the best phone out there...

Eran Dec 18th 2005 6:02PM

Nothing new here, but the entire phone is haphazard.

I displayed an upside-down phone solution to Samsung 2 years ago - so there is nothing new here, except the implementation is flawed - observe how the base of your thumb will obscure the screen in up-sidedown mode. My designs made way for this and counteracted this anticipated problem with good design. Furthermore the entire idea that MP3 is not supported from a company that specialises in sound reproduction completely eludes me.

Nevertheless I reserve final judgement for when I play with the device itself - who knows? I for one would love to be wrong... but my initial feelings are punctuated by misgivings concerning the marriage of design and funtionality.... Also - 640x480 cam is rediculous. Come on guys!