Display:240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density)
Camera:2 MP
Battery:
Released:Cancelled
The Failed Legacy of the XDA Star Smartphone
Back in 2007, the smartphone market was dominated by brands such as Nokia, Motorola, and Blackberry. But that year, O2, a British telecommunications company, teamed up with HTC to release their own contender - the XDA Star.
The Specs
The XDA Star was announced in October of 2007 but never made it to market due to issues with production and software. The device was set to be powered by Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional operating system, but its cancellation meant that users never got the chance to experience its convenience.
In terms of dimensions, the XDA Star had a thickness of 15.8mm and weighed 120g. It had a storage capacity of 96MB RAM, which could be expanded through the use of a microSD slot. With its slim design, it was the perfect size for users who wanted a compact yet functional phone.
For connectivity, the XDA Star featured GSM / HSPA technology, providing users with fast and reliable mobile data speeds. It supported 2G bands including GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G bands such as HSDPA 2100. With a speed of HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps, the XDA Star promised seamless internet browsing and downloading.
The Design
The XDA Star was designed to be ergonomic and user-friendly. It had a half-QWERTY keyboard, which was perfect for people who preferred typing on a physical keyboard rather than a touch screen. The device also featured a resistive touchscreen with 65K colors and a size of 2.6 inches. Its resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and aspect ratio of 4:3 offered users a decent viewing experience. One of its unique features was the TouchFLO finger swipe navigation, which allowed users to easily navigate through the phone's interface with just a swipe of their finger.
The XDA Star also came with handwriting recognition capabilities, making it easier for users to jot down notes or send quick messages on the go. These features set the XDA Star apart from its competitors at the time. It was a phone designed for productivity and efficiency.
The Hardware
The XDA Star was powered by a Qualcomm MSM7200 chipset and had a 400 MHz ARM 11 CPU. It also had an Adreno 130 GPU, offering decent overall performance. In terms of memory, it had 96MB RAM and 128MB ROM, along with a microSD slot for expandable storage.
It featured a 2MP rear camera and a CIF videocall camera for selfies. While this may seem outdated by today's standards, it was impressive for its time. Users could also record videos with the main camera. As for sound, the XDA Star had a loudspeaker and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones.
The Missing Features
With its release being cancelled, there were definitely some features lacking from the XDA Star. For instance, it did not have WiFi capabilities, which were becoming increasingly popular at the time. It also did not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it difficult for users to listen to music without a miniUSB adapter. Additionally, it lacked positioning technology, which was starting to become a common feature in smartphones at the time.
The Legacy
Despite its cancellation, the XDA Star left a lasting impression in the smartphone industry. Its unique features and impressive specifications made it a desirable device. Unfortunately, its failed production affected the overall timeline for Windows Mobile devices, leading to a decline in popularity. But it showed that even smaller companies like O2 could compete with the giants in the industry.
In Conclusion
The XDA Star may have been a cancelled device, but it still holds a special place in history. Its legacy reminds us of the technological innovations that paved the way for the smartphones we use today. While it may not have had the opportunity to make it big in the market, it will always be remembered as a promising smartphone ahead of its time.
