02 August 2008

The Future of Mobile Phones
James Piatt Presents Plica Smartphone Concept

I'll admit, despite it's many glaring limitations, the iPhone is intriguing. It just isn't the powerhouse the Nokia E90 immediately shows itself to be.

But wouldn't you like to combine the best features from both in one device? Sadly, since Nokia and Apple represent polar opposites of the mobile development spectrum, we can never see such exciting combinations. Or maybe we can?

Award winning Los Angeles industrial designer James Piatt has changed the idea of what a mobile phone can be. His Plica concept is innovative and looks to be very versatile and functional.

Part Nokia Aeon, part N810, this concept looks beyond amazing. With dual touchscreens, a double hinge similar to that of the E90, but with 180 degrees of rotation, allowing it to assume various forms, from a touchscreen phone to an internet tablet!

USB and headphone ports are located conveniently in the double hinge

James Piatt's online design portfolio and professional profile describe the Plica concept: "Plica is a zoological term referring to the folding of a body part. This concept smartphone has double the screen capacity of the iPhone, giving the user a more ample interface. When folded with the screens out, Plica functions as a phone and internet device.

The amazing thing about this concept is it could easily be built with today's available materials and technology. I could almost taste this device with an 8 megapixel camera with autofocus, optical zoom, face detection, xenon and dual led flash, and Carl Zeiss optics, A-GPS, advanced Level III Kastor profile, a small WQVGA external screen, S60 5th Edition, and most importantly, Nokia Haptikos feedback technology!

How about quick courtesy call to James, Nokia? Mr. Piatt (and a mad mob of Symbian Freaks) needs your help.

Two screens provide all the functionality of a mini laptop