The Genie: A Compact and Simple Feature Phone from Philips
The Genie, released in 1999, is a feature phone by Philips that quickly gained popularity for its compact design and simple features. Let’s take a closer look at this device and see why it was a favorite among users.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The Genie measures just 20mm in thickness and weighs only 99g, making it one of the slimmest and lightest phones of its time. Its dimensions are 110 x 54 x 20 mm, with a total volume of 99 cc. This made it easy to carry around and fit into any pocket or bag.
Basic Features and Specifications
The Genie is a feature phone and was not equipped with many advanced features. It operates on a simple operating system and had no card slot for external storage. However, it supported GSM technology and 2G bands, specifically GSM 900. It also did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, which were essential for internet access.
Monochrome Display and Limited Memory
The phone's display was a basic monochrome graphic screen with a resolution of 100 x 64 pixels and only 6 lines. It had no card slot for external memory storage, and its phonebook could only store a limited number of contacts. The call record log could save up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, making it useful for tracking recent activity.
No Camera, Loudspeaker, or Advanced Connectivity
The Genie did not have a camera, making it limited for those wanting to take photos or videos. It also did not come with a loudspeaker, meaning users had to rely on monophonic ringtones for incoming calls. Additionally, it did not have advanced connectivity features like WLAN, Bluetooth, or radio, making it a simple device that could only make and receive calls and messages.
Basic Features for Everyday Use
Despite its limitations, the Genie did come with some useful features for daily use. It included a clock and alarm function, making it suitable for timekeeping. It also had a voice dial feature, allowing users to make calls without having to physically dial numbers. The phone also had a to-do list option, making it handy for keeping track of tasks and appointments.
Extended Battery Option
The Genie came with a removable Li-Ion 550 mAh battery, which provided a standby time of 80 hours and talk time of 2 hours. However, users also had the option of an extended battery, with a capacity of 4000 mAh, significantly increasing the standby time to 525 hours and talk time to 8 hours. This was a convenient feature for those who needed their phone to last longer without charging.
A Variety of Colors to Choose From
The Genie was available in multiple colors, giving users the option to choose the one that suited their style. This made it a popular choice among younger users who wanted a fashionable phone.
Discontinued but Still Remembered Fondly
Although the Genie was discontinued, it is still remembered fondly by users for its compact design, durability, and simple functionality. It was a great device for those looking for a basic phone without any complicated features. And even though it may seem outdated now, it was an innovative and popular device during its time.
Overall, the Genie was an impressive feature phone from Philips that provided essential features in a compact and lightweight package. Its simple design and basic features may not be enough for today's smartphone users but for its time, it was a game-changer.
