Siemens launches ‘rugged’ multimedia mobile

Cased in rubber and metal

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

Posted in Mobile, 17th March 2004 13:59 GMT

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Siemens today unveiled a pair of media-oriented handsets, the ruggedised M65 and the more traditionally cased C65.

The splash, dirt and shock resistant M65 sports a 2.1in 132 x 176, 16-bit colour display, backed by a 640 x 480 digicam for video and still photography. Stills can be edited using on-board software, with special effects filters built in too.

The handset supports 40-voice polyphonic ringtones, a customisable user interface, Java games - four titles are bundled with the phone - and instant messaging. The tri-band GSM/GPRS handset comes with a 750mAh lithium ion battery - enough, said Siemens, for five-and-a-half hours' talk time and 300 hours' standby time.

The C65 is a more mainstream handset. It integrates a CIF digicam and 16-bit colour display, but it's only 130 x 130. Again, Java and GPRS are supported, as are polyphonic ringtones. The UI is likewise customisable. The C65 features removable, clip-on covers.

The handset's only stand-out feature is the bundled Tamagochi-style Photopet software. The digital beastie is fed with photos. Kiddies will love it - grown ups will perhaps prefer the on-board PIM software suite.

Siemens claims up to 410 hours of standby time and 300 minutes' talk time. The C65 will be available in Europe and Asia Pacific from June, and in North America and Latin America from August. The M65 will be available across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Brazil in Q2. Prices for both handsets were not disclosed. ®