Posted on Thursday, April 07 2005 @ 22:32 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
The phones feature an exclusive ringtone, composed by the award-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.
With a Zen-like goal to balance form and functionality, the guiding principle of Nokia's designers and engineers was to create a truly modern mobile phone, the epitome of style and elegance, which would be a pleasure to use and a delight to behold. The organic flowing lines and dynamic surfaces perfectly complement the stainless steel and resin materials -- steel for its tensile strength and durability, and resin for its organic properties. The result is an elegant, 'human' design, comprised of materials destined to age with grace.
Finding inspiration in non-traditional sources, Nokia designers employed modern watch-making techniques, such as the use of metal injection molding on the function keys. A specially reinforced glass used in luxury timepieces provides added toughness and scratch-resistance to the front display, and even the Nokia marque has been chemically etched on the back plate using a process typically used by watchmakers.
The 'pop-up' mechanism of the Nokia 8800 is another study in functional design. Using a bi-stable spring mechanism and stainless steel ball bearings, like those used in high-performance automobiles, the keypad of the Nokia 8800 gracefully glides from its protective casing, revealing a hidden camera on the back.
The aural accompaniment of the Nokia 8800 is equally inspired. Award-winning composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto was commissioned to compose the ringtones and alerts. Throughout his distinguished career, Sakamoto has crossed musical and technological boundaries, experimenting with different musical styles and making a name for himself in popular, orchestral and film music.
Inspired by its modern lines and organic curves, Sakamoto has produced a musical accompaniment for the Nokia 8800 that captures an essence and emotion that touches both heart and mind. His creation draws on his vision of the Nokia 8800 user -- a world citizen constantly on the move, making an impression in a grayscale world and through great cities such as New York, Paris, Sydney and Shanghai.
The 8800 will have an estimated retail price of 750EUR, without taxes. The price of the 8801 is unknown.
