The Sendo Z100: A Feature Phone That Never Made It
In the world of smartphones, it's easy to forget about the humble feature phone. But back in the early 2000s, these basic mobile devices were all the rage. One such feature phone was the Sendo Z100, manufactured by British company Sendo. It was supposed to be a rival to popular phones like the Nokia 3310 and the Sony Ericsson T610. However, despite being announced, the Sendo Z100 never actually made it to the market and was eventually cancelled.
The Release That Never Happened
The Sendo Z100 was announced in 2005 but was ultimately cancelled before ever hitting the shelves. This came as a surprise to many, especially since the phone had generated some buzz and was anticipated to be a competitor in the feature phone market.
Basic Features and Design
The Sendo Z100 was designed to be a simple and affordable phone for everyday use. It had a slim and lightweight body, weighing only 99g with a thickness of 17mm. The phone also had a 2.2-inch TFT display with 65K colors, making it capable of displaying decent graphics for its time.
One unique feature of the Sendo Z100 was its MMC slot, allowing users to expand its storage capacity by inserting an MMC card. The phone also had a Mini-SIM card slot and was compatible with GSM 2G bands for basic communication needs.
No Frills Camera and Sound
As a feature phone, the Sendo Z100 didn't have many built-in features. One notable absence was a camera, so users couldn't take photos or videos with the phone. In terms of sound, the Z100 had a loudspeaker and could only produce monophonic ringtones. It also did not have a 3.5mm jack for headphones.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Sendo Z100 did not have modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It also didn't have any advanced sensors or features like GPS. However, it did have an infrared port, allowing users to transfer data between the phone and other devices. Other features included SMS messaging, a basic clock and alarm, and pre-installed games for entertainment.
The Z100 also had an Advanced Mobile Internet feature, which was meant to provide a more user-friendly experience when browsing the internet on a feature phone. It also had an organizer for managing tasks and appointments and could function as an MP3 and WMA player with the use of an MMC card. Additionally, the phone had voice dial and memo functions, as well as RS-232 connectivity.
Battery Life and Final Thoughts
The Sendo Z100 was powered by a removable Li-Ion battery that promised 4 hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby time. This was considered decent for a feature phone at the time.
Despite its potential, the Sendo Z100 never saw the light of day. With the rise of smartphones, the demand for feature phones declined, and the Z100 was ultimately cancelled. However, it remains a reminder of a simpler time in mobile technology and serves as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of the industry.
