Designed by acclaimed designer David Turpin, Native Union’s POP retro style handset is based on his interpretation of the classic 1950s Bakelite telephone – with this limited edition version made decidedly modern with a gleaming gold finish. Compatible with all mobile phones, the Gold POP phone allows users to make and receive phone calls – either person-to-person, conference, Skype or VoIP calls, leaving your mobile device free to access on-screen features such as calendar, applications, twitter, facebook, email etc.
The first thing that strikes you about Native Union’s POP handset is the packaging. Unlike many of today’s products, the packaging is key to the look and appeal of the product, adding to the luxurious vibe that Native Unions are aiming for with this new gold edition handset. Crack open the box’s velcro seal and ribbon-handled window and you’re face to face with the bling-tastic POP handset…
Fitted with a first class speaker and microphone, the gold POP handset is billed as using “noise reduction technology for better sound quality” – and believe me it is better sound quality. To be honest I wasn’t expecting much given the lightweight, somewhat “plasticky” feel of the product, so I was pleasantly surprised when using the handset to make calls I found both the incoming and outgoing quality to be better than that of the iPhone’s native speaker/mic. It’s simple to hook the handset to your device(s) using the 3.5mm jack or via adaptors (available and sold separately) in the case of some mobiles – I connected the handset to both my iPhone 3GS and iPad using the 3.5mm jack and made both mobile and VOIP calls easily.
It’s hard to see just who Native Union’s ‘Moshi Moshi’ Gold POP handset will appeal too – the techies out there will no doubt see the product as a novelty item (as I did originally) and it’s too large to lug around with you on a day to day basis. Perhaps this is one for the fashionistas out there? Given the £60 price tag I expect so.
The ‘Moshi Moshi’ Gold POP handset is available in Harrod’s and on the Native Union website (RRP £60) for a limited time only. For more information on the Gold POP handset and all of Native Union’s products, visit: www.nativeunion.com/uk
Pingback: A retro phone for the radiation-averse - Healthy Living - The Orange County Register
Pingback: A retro phone for the radiation-averse | Make Electronics