Siemens launches big-screen multimedia phone

Mass-market clamshell model, too

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

Posted in Mobile, 11th February 2004 14:04 GMT

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Siemens today unveiled its first "next-generation" multimedia phone, the CX65, alongside a new 'mass market' clamshell handset the CF62.

Geared toward picture and video messaging, the handset features not only a 640 x 480 video camera, but an "extra large" 16-bit colour display. The phone contains 11MB of user-accessible memory for content storage, and Siemens said it will offer a plug-on flash with integrated red-eye reduction.

And with an eye on the commercial possibilities of add-on services, the handset features "an animated download assistant", to encourage owners to acquire new ringtones, logos and Java games.

Aimed at GSM/GPRS networks, the CX65 is a tri-band handset. Its battery offers five hours' talk time and 250 hours' standby time, Siemens said.

Siemens also launched its latest clamshell, the CF62. A tri-band GSM device, the phone features dual 16-bit displays and polyphonic ringtone support. Like the CX65, the CF62 supports multimedia messaging, but to take pictures you'll need the optional plug-on QuickPic camera.

The 85g handset features a loop-like antenna that doubles up as a carry handle.

The handset provides five hours' talk time and 220 hours of standby time, Siemens said. Pricing was not disclosed - network operators will set their own, in any case - but the CF62 will ship in Europe next April, and in North America and Asia Pacific later in Q2. The CX65 will ship in all three regions sometime in Q2, too. ®

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