The Philips 588: A Feature Phone for Navigating Life in 2006
In 2006, the tech world was evolving at a rapid pace. Smartphones were becoming increasingly popular, but not everyone needed or could afford all the fancy features they offered. That's where feature phones like the Philips 588 came in. Released in May of that year, the 588 offered a simple and reliable device for those looking to stay connected on the go.
Sleek Design and Compact Dimensions
The Philips 588 may have been small, but it definitely made a statement. Weighing only 78g and measuring 18.6mm in thickness, it was easy to slip into a pocket or bag. The phone came in three distinct colors: Elegant Purple, Reflective White, and Mystery Black. Its compact design made it perfect for people with busy lifestyles who needed a phone that could keep up.
Network and Technology
Since the Philips 588 was a feature phone, it did not offer the advanced technology of smartphones. It operated on GSM technology and supported 2G bands, including GSM 900/1800/1900. This allowed for basic call and text functions, as well as some limited internet access through WAP 2.0/xHTML.
Simple Display and Memory
The Philips 588 featured a 128 x 160 pixel TFT display with 65K colors. While this may seem small in comparison to today's smartphone displays, it was more than sufficient for displaying texts and phone calls. The phone also came with 128MB of internal storage, enough to store contact information and some essential files.
Basic Features for Everyday Use
The phonebook of the Philips 588 could hold up to 500 entries, with added space for photos. It also kept track of the last 30 calls made, received, and missed. The phone also came with messaging capabilities, including SMS, MMS, and Instant Messaging. Its Java MIDP 2.0 technology enabled users to download two simple games for entertainment.
Battery Life and Other Features
The Philips 588 was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 580 mAh battery that offered up to 300 hours of standby time and 5 hours of talk time. While it may not seem like much compared to today's smartphones, this was impressive for a feature phone back in 2006. Other features included an MP3 player, organizer, female calendar, weight management, and voice memo.
A Device Ahead of its Time
Although the Philips 588 was discontinued after its initial release, it was certainly a device ahead of its time. It offered basic features that are now commonplace in today's smartphones. But in 2006, this feature phone was a perfect device for navigating everyday life. It was simple, reliable, and stylish, making it a popular choice among those looking for a no-fuss mobile device.
In conclusion, the Philips 588 may have been a feature phone, but it certainly left a lasting impact on the tech industry. With its sleek design, compact dimensions, and basic yet practical features, it catered to the needs of many individuals at the time. It may have been released over a decade ago, but it will always hold a special place in the hearts of its users as a reminder of simpler times.
Philips 588 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2006, May
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
80 x 42 x 18.6 mm, 60 cc (3.15 x 1.65 x 0.73 in)
Weight
78 g (2.75 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
500 entries, Photocall
Call records
30 received, dialed and missed calls
Internal
128MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
SQCIF
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, MMS, Instant Messaging
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
2
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
Predictive text input
MP3 player
Organizer
Female calendar
Weight management
Voice memo