In the ever-evolving world of technology, there are certain devices that have made a significant impact and paved the way for future advancements. One such device is the V100, released by Samsung in 2002. Let's take a deep dive into this revolutionary device and discover what made it stand out in an era dominated by feature phones.
The Beginning: Specifications and Design
The V100 was a feature phone that weighed just 97g and had a thickness of 23mm. It came with a mini-SIM slot and a TFT display that supported 65K colors. The phone also featured a second external display with a resolution of 96 x 64 pixels, making it ahead of its time. The device had a simple yet functional design, with four-way navigation keys and dynamic font sizing.
Network and Launch
The V100 operated on GSM technology, with GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands. While it did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, it was still able to fulfill the basic needs of users at the time. The device was announced in 2002 and quickly gained popularity, but unfortunately, it was discontinued soon after due to the rapid advancement of technology.
Features and Functions
Despite being a feature phone, the V100 had several groundbreaking features that set it apart from its contemporaries. It had a phonebook with space for 500 contacts and the ability to create contact groups. The call records also had space for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. Moreover, the V100 offered message templates, making it easier to send texts without having to type them out.
Camera and Sound
At a time when cameras on phones were still a novelty, the V100 did not have one. However, it did offer polyphonic ringtones with 16 different tones and a composer for users to create their own melodies. It also had a vibration feature to alert users about incoming calls.
Connectivity and Other Features
The V100 may not have had WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning capabilities, but it did have an infrared port, making it possible to transfer files from one device to another. The phone also had a built-in radio, ideal for users looking to listen to their favorite tunes on the go. It had a WAP browser for basic internet usage, a clock, alarm, and pre-installed games for entertainment.
Battery and Additional Features
The V100 ran on a removable Li-Ion battery, which allowed for easy replacement when needed. It also had various additional features such as voice memo, organizer, World clock, speed dial, menu shortcuts, and even support for Nokia-compatible melodies and RS232.
The Legacy of the V100
The V100 may have been discontinued after just a year, but its impact on the mobile phone industry is still felt today. It was the first of its kind, offering advanced features in a compact and user-friendly device. It also paved the way for future advancements in technology and set a high standard for future feature phones.
In conclusion, the V100, released by Samsung in 2002, broke barriers and introduced a new era of feature phones. Its legacy will always be remembered in the world of technology as a pioneering device that set the wheels in motion for future advancements.
Samsung V100 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 8
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2002
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
88 x 48 x 23 mm (3.46 x 1.89 x 0.91 in)
Weight
97 g (3.42 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels
Other
Second external display 96 x 64 pixels
Four way navigation keys
Dynamic font size
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
500 entries, contact groups
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Other
Message templates
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Polyphonic(16) ringtones, composer
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, EMS
Browser
WAP 1.2.1
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
Yes
Java
No
Other
Video On Demand (VOD)
MP4 and MP3 decoders
Predictive text input
Voice commands and dial
Voice memo
Organizer
Speed dial
Menu shortcuts
World clock
Nokia compatible melodies
RS232