The Rise and Fall of the Ericsson GO 118: A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
In 1995, the Ericsson GO 118 was released into the world with a promise to revolutionize the way we communicate. As one of the first feature phones on the market, it boasted advanced technology and features that were ahead of its time. However, despite its initial success, the GO 118 eventually met its demise and became a discontinued device.
The Device
The Ericsson GO 118 was a sleek and stylish device, weighing 215g and only 18mm thick. Its compact size made it easy to carry around, making it a favored choice among mobile phone users in the 90s. It had a simple alphanumeric display with fixed icons, making navigation and usage a breeze.
Network
The GO 118 operated on the GSM network, one of the first digital cellular networks introduced to the market. It had access to 2G bands on the GSM 900 frequency, allowing for clear and reliable calls. However, it did not support GPRS or EDGE technology, limiting its data capabilities.
Memory and Storage
One of the greatest drawbacks of the GO 118 was its lack of storage options. The device did not have a card slot, meaning users could not expand their storage capacity. It also had a limited phonebook capacity of only 100 contacts, making it difficult for users who needed to store a large number of contacts.
Features
The GO 118 was equipped with some basic features such as SMS messaging and language support for up to 12 languages. However, it lacked more advanced features such as a browser, clock, and games. This was a huge contrast to other phones on the market at the time, which were starting to incorporate these features into their devices.
Battery Life
The GO 118 had a removable NiMH 1200 mAh battery that could last for up to 36 hours on standby and 180 minutes of talk time. This was considered decent battery life for a feature phone during that time period.
Discontinuation
Despite its initial success and popularity, the GO 118 was eventually discontinued. The device faced tough competition from other feature phones that offered more advanced features and better storage options. Additionally, with the advent of smartphones in the late 2000s, feature phones became obsolete and the GO 118 was left behind.
The Ericsson GO 118 may not have had a long lifespan, but it paved the way for the technology we have today. It may not have been able to keep up with the ever-evolving market, but it will always be remembered as a pioneer in the world of mobile phones.
