Micro mobile: Wrist phone is launched

The world’s smallest 3G-enabled phone – a mobile phone worn on the wrist – has just been launched at CES in Las Vegas.

The device is meant to demonstrate that people may no longer need both a wristwatch and a mobile phone in their pocket, but could instead opt for a hybrid solution that combines the functionality of a mobile phone with the aesthetic and functional possibilities of the wristwatch.

It’s a design solution many manufacturers are now working on, as consumers in their 20s forsake wristwatches for the digital display on their mobiles.

The GD910 wrist phone by LG goes a good way towards this solution, with a product that features a tiny touchscreen that also allows for video telephony.

Aside for budding spies and James Bond types, the highly functional watch is yet another design likely to appeal to a growing mass of cross-culture workers dubbed the Bleisure (the blurring of the lines between business and leisure) generation.

Could this be the perfect mobile phone?

We’re all still waiting for the perfect mobile phone right? And although there are plenty of great handsets out there, no-one has yet designed one that covers every single feature impeccably.

Well gadget magazine T3 in collaboration with design company The Alloy reckon they might have cracked it with the '01' - a phone that seamlessly integrates a camera, games machine, GPS unit, and full web browser in a sleek slice of black metal.

The 01 Phone comes with a large touchscreen display which can be operated using either your fingers or a multi-touch stylus, whilst tucked away inside is a full, multi-function QWERTY keyboard.

Although the original design had a suitably futuristic virtual laser keyboard which projected a keyboard-shape onto your lap or desk, in practical terms it wasn't smart enough to be included as was a bit uncomfortable to use.

Instead the slide-out QWERTY keyboard makes it easier to write messages, and even changes interface depending on the function being used on the phone at that time.

For example when using the camera, the keypad brings up camera-related buttons leaving the whole of the screen free to display the image. Likewise, when browsing the internet the keypad displays only internet-related buttons, and switching into the gaming mode means the keypad displays a full game controller set-up.

The back of the 01 Phone looks just as smart as the front with a 5-megapixel camera, and even contains a slide out 'mini-phone'. This mini-phone gives you basic functions, allowing you to make quick calls without the need to get the phone out of your bag or pocket. It's made of flexible material, so you can even wrap the mini-phone around your wrist!

Underneath the slide-out keypad are two pop out wireless earphones which can be molded into a comfortable shape to fit in your ear.

The project is still at the "wouldn't it be cool if…?" concept stage, but those behind it are serious about taking it further, as all the technology featured in the 01 Phone is possible, so there is no reason why manufacturers can't build something similar. In fact, The Alloy is currently creating a working prototype, so we may soon be able to get hold of our own 01 soon!

You can find out more and join the campaign to get the 01 made at: www.the01phone.com