The Story of the Siemens CC75: A Forgotten Device in the Mobile World
In 2005, Siemens announced the release of a new device that would join the ranks of feature phones – the CC75. With its slim design and simple features, it was supposed to be a game changer in the market. However, as time passed, it became clear that this device would never see the light of day. It was cancelled, leaving behind only a handful of prototypes and a forgotten story.
The Rise and Fall of the Siemens CC75
The Siemens CC75 had all the potential to become a popular choice for mobile phone users. It boasted a compact design, weighing only 80g with a thickness of 12.6mm. In terms of storage, it offered a modest 3MB, with no option for a memory card slot. This may seem minuscule compared to today's smartphones, but at the time, it was considered a decent amount for a feature phone.
Network and Launch Date
The device was set to operate on the GSM technology, supporting 2G bands of GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. It also had GPRS capabilities, making it possible for users to access basic mobile internet services. The CC75 was announced in August 2005 but unfortunately, it never made it to the market. Its official status is listed as cancelled.
Sleek Design and Functional Display
One of the standout features of the Siemens CC75 was its sleek design and functional display. With a size of 111 x 44 x 12.6 mm and 65 cc, it fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. The device boasted a TFT display with 65K colors and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. It also had a 5-way navigation key, providing an easy and intuitive way to navigate through menus and options.
Storage and Camera Capabilities
The CC75 may not have had the most impressive storage capacity, but it did offer a phonebook, call records, and 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. However, one feature that stood out was its lack of camera capabilities. The device did not come equipped with a camera, which was a significant disadvantage at the time, as camera phones were becoming increasingly popular.
Sound and Connectivity
In terms of sound, the CC75 was not the best option. It did not have a loudspeaker, and the only alert types available were vibration and downloadable polyphonic ringtones. It also lacked a 3.5mm jack for headphones, and there was no option for Bluetooth or WLAN connectivity. The only form of connection available was through an infrared port or USB via a proprietary cable.
Additional Features and Battery Life
The Siemens CC75 did come with some extra features beyond the standard calling and texting capabilities. It had messaging options for SMS and MMS, a browser for WAP 2.0/xHTML, and games that could be downloaded. However, it did not support Java applications, which were becoming increasingly popular at the time. It did offer predictive text input, a birthday reminder, and a voice memo feature. In terms of battery life, the device came with a removable Li-Ion 800 mAh battery (EBA-720), offering up to 270 hours of standby time and 3 and a half hours of talk time.
The Forgotten Device
In conclusion, what made the Siemens CC75 a forgotten device? Its cancellation can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as its lack of camera and limited features compared to its competitors at the time. The rise of smartphones may have also played a role, capturing the interest of consumers with more advanced capabilities. Regardless, the Siemens CC75 will always hold a place in history as a humble attempt by a reputable brand to break into the feature phone market.
If you ever stumble upon a Siemens CC75 prototype, take a moment to appreciate its simple design and the story it carries – a forgotten device in the fast-paced world of mobile technology.
