The Evolution of Genie 2000: A Feature Phone from Philips
In the year 2000, the world was introduced to Genie 2000, a feature phone created by Philips. As one of the first feature phones in the market, it quickly became popular among people who needed a simple yet functional device for communication.
The Release of Genie 2000
Philips released the Genie 2000 in the year 2000, making it available to the public for the first time. This device, weighing 99 grams and being only 20mm thick, was slim and lightweight compared to other phones at that time. It was an instant hit, especially due to its convenient and easily portable size.
Operating System and Network Technology
The Genie 2000 used a feature phone operating system, which meant it was not a smartphone but a more basic type of mobile device. It worked on the GSM network and supported 2G bands, namely GSM 900 / 1800. However, it did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, making it more suitable for simple communication rather than data-heavy tasks.
Design Features
The Genie 2000 had a sleek and compact design, with dimensions of 110 x 54 x 20 mm (4.33 x 2.13 x 0.79 in) and a weight of 99 grams (3.49 oz). It came with a mini-SIM card slot and a monochrome graphic display, with a resolution of 100 x 64 pixels and 6 lines. The phone did not have a memory card slot, but it did have space for a phonebook and call records.
No Camera or Loudspeaker
Unlike most feature phones today, the Genie 2000 did not have a camera or a loudspeaker. This meant that it couldn't take photos or play music out loud. However, it did have the option for vibration and monophonic ringtones as alert types.
Connectivity Options
The Genie 2000 did not have any connectivity options such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS. It was primarily used for calling and texting only. However, it did have an option for voice dialing and basic messaging features such as SMS.
Battery Life and Miscellaneous Features
The battery life of the Genie 2000 was decent for its time. It came with a removable Li-Ion 550 mAh battery that could last for around 110-130 hours on standby and 90-120 minutes of talk time. Later on, Philips also released a business battery version of 1100 mAh Li-Ion, which had a longer standby time of 220-260 hours and a talk time of 3-4 hours.
The Genie 2000 was available in three different colors, and it also had some other useful features like a clock, alarm, and one pre-installed game. However, it did not support Java or have any sensors for added functionality.
The Discontinuation of Genie 2000
While the Genie 2000 was a successful mobile device during its time, it eventually got discontinued, making way for more advanced feature phones and smartphones. However, it still holds a nostalgic value for many people who remember using it as their first mobile device.
In conclusion, the Genie 2000 was a simple yet efficient feature phone released by Philips in 2000. It paved the way for more advanced mobile devices, and its influence is still seen in feature phones today.