Bang and Olufsen unveil the unusual Serene mobile First mobile phone from the luxury-goods maker

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19 October 2006 14:01 GMT / By Amber Maitland

Bang and Olufsen has launched its first mobile phone in the US in conjunction with Samsung. The Serene features a clamshell formfactor, but not one we've ever seen before.

Almost square in shape, navigation is by a circular array of numbers and a central d-pad controller. The microphone and display are at the bottom half of the phone, while you listen to the speakers through airholes between the number keys.

The display measures 2.1-inches, and displays 320 x 420 resolution; the mobile also has a very low-resolution camera. Bang and Olufsen says that it has the best sound quality in the market, with excellent speech recognition.

The effect is one of elegance, although it doesn't look like the most robust of mobiles. Even the charger looks like a piece of art, propping up the open mobile and synchronising it with other B&O telephones in the house.

Louis Vuitton has already designed a case to protect it while you're out and about.



Comments

  • I'm in Australia and just bought the Serene amongst all the iPhone 3G hype. I own an iPod and a MacBook Pro so even though the iPhone is cool I don't need it. The Serene is definitely a designer phone. It's not intentioned to compete with the current range of cheap plastic phones on the market so while some people may question it's price tag compared to it's features the best I can say is it is like choosing to buy your jeans from K-Mart or D&G, they're still jeans but quality, craftsmanship and style is the difference between the two. The round dial is a breeze to use for both navigating the menu and sending text messages. It takes a little getting use to, but within a day I had it down pat. Sound quality is amazing! I have never used a mobile phone that is so crystal clear and with great reception (but then it is Bang & Olufsen). Bluetooth set up was no issue with my Mac pairing within seconds and setting up SMS and MMS was a breeze because the Serene already has it within it's software for each mobile network, all I had to do was select which one I am using in the settings menu and click activate. The Serene is light weight and compact so carrying it around in my pocket or in my hand is a pleasure. The casing has a velvety smooth finish that is truly unique and is scratch proof as is the tempered glass screen. The Serene is a phone that states "I am successful and refuse to blend in with the crowd". Owning one is a pleasure. You get what you pay for and I certainly did with my Serene. Posted by Dave, Australia

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