Bird S799 Unveiled Features Prices and More

Network and Connectivity

The Bird S799 is a feature phone that operates on GSM technology, with compatibility across the GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands. This ensures basic voice communications in various regions, even though it lacks advanced connectivity features like 3G, 4G, or 5G. This model does not support GPRS or EDGE, which means it doesn't provide any mobile data capabilities beyond calling and SMS. It is quite minimalistic, focusing on essential functionalities rather than data connectivity.

Launch and Availability

Announced in the third quarter of 2005, the Bird S799 unfortunately never made it to the market as it was cancelled before official release. Despite its announcement, it remains a concept of what a mid-2000s feature phone might include. Many enthusiasts and collectors are curious about such devices for insights into the evolution of mobile technology.

Design and Build

The device's dimensions are quite compact at 83.5 x 45.5 x 21.5 mm, accompanying a weight of 85 grams. This compact size and lightweight build make it highly portable and suitable for one-handed use. The Bird S799 employs a classic bar-phone design typical of feature phones, which ensures durability and ease of use. The phone uses a Mini-SIM and comes exclusively in a black color variant.

Display

The Bird S799 features a CSTN display capable of showing up to 65K colors. The screen resolution is 120 x 128 pixels, which is quite limited by today's standards but was relatively common for feature phones at the time. This kind of display is sufficient for showcasing simple graphics and basic phone functions, yet it lacks the sharpness and clarity of modern screens.

Memory and Storage

This feature phone does not support expandable storage through a card slot. The internal memory is typical of basic phones of its era, supporting a phonebook that accommodates up to 200 entries, and call records for up to 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls. The focus is primarily on managing contacts and call logs without additional storage for media or applications, emphasizing its function as a communication tool.

Camera

The Bird S799 does not feature a camera, consistent with its design as a basic feature phone. At the time of its announcement, camera phones were becoming more common, but this device seems to focus strictly on core functionalities like calls and texts, which might have appealed to users looking for simplicity and reliability.

Sound and Alerts

Despite its basic design, the Bird S799 includes a loudspeaker for hands-free talking and listening. Alert types vary from vibrations to polyphonic ringtones (up to 16 tones). However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack means users cannot use standard headphones, which might limit the ability to privately listen to media.

Communication Features

The phone lacks advanced communication features typical of modern devices. It doesn't offer WLAN, Bluetooth, or GPS, which limits it to basic functionalities. However, it does have an FM radio feature, allowing users to listen to FM radio broadcasts. While it lacks a USB port, minimizing connectivity with other devices, it serves basic telephony needs.

Additional Features

For those who enjoy basic gaming, the Bird S799 comes pre-installed with two games. It supports SMS messaging and comes with a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser for minimal web browsing capabilities. There are no sensors or Java support, further echoing its focus on essential phone operations.

Battery Performance

Powered by a removable Li-Ion battery, the Bird S799 promises a standby time of up to 100 hours and a talk time of 3 hours. Such performance is typical for a feature phone, ensuring that basic communication needs can be met throughout the day without frequent recharging.

Conclusion

The Bird S799 represents a snapshot of early feature phone technology, emphasizing core functionalities without the modern bells and whistles. Despite its cancellation, the phone embodies the characteristics of simplicity and utility from the early 2000s mobile phone design, serving as an example for those interested in the evolution of mobile communications.