tech

Puma, yes, the shoe company, is releasing it’s very own mobile phone. No, it’s not a shoe phone. [Gosh, it would be rather difficult to text of something like that.] Instead, it’s a multi-touch multimedia device. Now, see, I can understand what you may [or may not] be thinking right now; “Kolin, why do you care about this phone? You LOVE the iPhone, and accept no others!” I do, I know, but this may be a phone with more innovation in it than any of the other wannabe iPhone “killers” out there. So let’s look at what’s inside.
The Puma Phone is a GSM phone [for now, at least] so, naturally, it does have access to all 3G [HSDPA/HSUPA] networks. Like most touch screens, it has an accelerometer so you are able to change the orientation to fit your liking. Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, MicroSD slot, 3.5mm audio jack, and syncs over USB, the standard stuff.
The new/different stuff that it’s got drew me in. Other than the front facing camera [as well as a back one, which is 3.2MP with a flash], media player, FM radio, AGPS [or assisted GPS...used for geotagging videos and photos]. It also contains a digi-pet [if you will] to help entertain you while you’re bored. Also, there are two more sides to it, as Puma points out; a sporty side and a playful side.
The sporty side of it all gives you a analog stop watch, GPS run tracker, GPS bike speedometer, a pedometer, and a compass. All of which the iPhone has, but they’re ALL built in, whereas, on the iPhone, you’d need an app for some of them. All of this put together makes it great for those outdoorsy types.
The playful side has the messaging features, probably all phones have. Also, it’s got a punchy calculator which will give you a snarky comeback if you put in something simple, like 2+2. You can be your own DJ Hero with the scratching turntable. Also [drumroll please] VIDEO CALLS which Puma says is “easy peasy” to use. However, I’ve honestly yet to see someone use their cell to make video calls, but it would be nice to see it happen.
Finally, the major feature everyone’s talking about: the solar cell. Yes, yes, set your phone out in the sun, on the dash of your car, near the window in your 30th floor corner office, and it will CHARGE. It’s rather awesome to see something like this. With about 1 hour of solar charging, you’re looking at about 2 hours of music listening, or give it enough of a boost so you can make a decent phone call over 3G. Also, I would imagine, if you’re making a phone call out in the sun, you’d be able to talk for hours upon end before the battery would get close to dying. I’d like to note, though, the solar cell is not a home-charge replacement. It’s meant to give you a little extra boost while you’re out, away from your charger, home, or any major civilization for that matter.
Like I said, the Puma Phone is a GSM phone, so even though it’s only in Europe right now, we’ll see folks in the States using the Puma on AT&T or T-Mobile. Due to this, I’m going to attempt to get my hands on one, very soon.

For more info, check out The Puma Phone site.