The year was 2005, and mobile phones were already becoming a necessity in our daily lives. It was then that Innostream, a lesser-known brand in the world of cellphones, announced their newest device - the INNO 36. With its unique features and sleek design, the INNO 36 was set to make a mark in the highly competitive market.
Design and Dimensions
Weighing only 76g and measuring 23.8mm in thickness, the INNO 36 was considered one of the lightest and most compact phones at the time. Its body was made of durable materials, giving it a solid and premium feel. Additionally, the phone came in two color options - Silver and Red.
Display and Features
The INNO 36 boasted a TFT display with 256K colors, making it stand out among other feature phones that usually had a limited color range. It also featured a second external STN display with 65K colors, perfect for viewing notifications and incoming calls without having to open the phone.
The device also offered screensavers and downloadable wallpapers, giving users the option to personalize their phone's appearance. Other features included a phonebook with photo call, call records for up to 20 received, dialed, and missed calls, and predictive text input for easier messaging.
Camera and Sound
The main camera of the INNO 36 was a VGA, perfect for capturing memorable moments. It also had the capability to record videos, a feature not commonly found in feature phones during that time. However, the phone did not have a selfie camera, which can be considered a downside for some users.
When it came to sound, the INNO 36 lacked a loudspeaker but had vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm jack was noted, but it came with an infrared port for easy data transfer between devices.
Connectivity and Battery
One key downside of the INNO 36 was its lack of connectivity options. It did not have WLAN, Bluetooth, or GPS, limiting its usage for basic tasks. It did, however, have GPRS for internet access and WAP 1.2.1 for browsing.
The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, which could last for a decent amount of time on standby mode. However, frequent use of internet and other features may require more frequent charging.
The Rise and Fall of the INNO 36
The INNO 36 was announced in Q2 of 2005 but unfortunately did not make it to the market. It was cancelled before its release, and the reason behind this decision remains unknown.
Some speculate that the cancellation was due to the growing popularity of smartphones, which were starting to dominate the market. Others believe it was due to the lack of essential features for a feature phone, such as Bluetooth and a memory card slot.
Conclusion
Although the INNO 36 was cancelled and never made it to the hands of consumers, it can be considered a feature phone ahead of its time. With its sleek design, unique features, and decent specifications, the INNO 36 had the potential to make a name for itself in the industry. However, fate had a different plan for this device, making it a rare gem for cellphone collectors and enthusiasts.
Innostream INNO 36 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2005, Q2
Status
Cancelled
Body
Dimensions
80 x 43 x 23.8 mm (3.15 x 1.69 x 0.94 in)
Weight
76 g (2.68 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 256K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 143 pixels
Other
Second external STN display, 65K colors (96 x 64 pixels)
Screensavers and wallpapers
Downloadable pictures