The Barbie Telephone is right here to simplify your life and add some sparkle all on the identical time.The results of a partnership between HMD and Mattel (first teased at Cellular World Congress earlier this 12 months), the Barbie Telephone is pitched because the antidote to our overly related life. It eschews social community apps for absolutely the fundamentals: calls and texts. Standout options embody swappable rear covers, a pink battery, a built-in mirror, and Barbie branding. HMD and Mattel cite current research suggesting that youthful generations “have embraced the digital detox motion” and are in search of methods to cut back display time. With simply a few video games on board and no app retailer to talk of, the Barbie Telephone dials it again a technology, to make certain—however it’s not aimed toward youngsters. There are not any particular apps or controls particularly for youthful customers.The businesses needed to ensure the cellphone embodied Barbie’s classic Malibu fashion, which suggests it is available in a Pink Energy colorway, contains two interchangeable battery covers, and packs a variety of equipment into the equipment, akin to retro stickers and a beaded cellphone strap. There is a Barbie-themed model of the Snake app, and also you additionally get an FM radio and built-in MP3 participant.
Equipment contents (Credit score: HMD)
With many of the identical specs, the cellphone itself seems to be a repackaged Nokia 2780 Flip (additionally made by HMD). It contains two screens, a 1.77-inch outer display for fundamental notifications and a 2.8-inch internal show. It’s powered by a Qualcomm 215 Cellular Platform chip and comes with 512MB of reminiscence and 4GB of storage, with help for microSD playing cards as much as 32GB.
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Connectivity contains Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, GPS, and 4G LTE. You can apply it to AT&T, T-Cellular, and Verizon as soon as it goes on sale. Different {hardware} specs embody a 1,450mAh battery, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 5MP digital camera with flash for selfies. Taken with ditching your smartphone for this throwback Barbie handset? It’s going to set you again $129. Preorders begin Sept. 23 and the cellphone will go on sale Oct. 1 through HMD.com.
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About Eric Zeman
Managing Editor, Shopper Electronics
I’m PCMag’s managing editor for client electronics content material, overseeing an skilled crew of reviewers and product testers. I’ve been masking tech for greater than 22 years. Previous to PCMag, I labored at shops akin to Android Authority, Fortune, InformationWeek, and Phonescoop.
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