In what is being described as a "revolutionary" mobile event for Telstra (well, that's what Telstra are calling it), the introduction of a new mobile interface known as TelstraOne makes for a supposedly easier and quicker to use menu system on your mobile. However, whether it will enough to wean customers off shiny iPhones and Android mobiles may be paramount to this strategy.
TelstraOne: Simplicity in a nutshell
TelstraOne, the official name for this re-energized (and rather snazzy) mobile interface, marks a large effort by Telstra to increase the simplicity of their phones. It takes one part throwing out all the confusing junk that doesn't work and re-organising it into a clear space. In other words, simple sells.
The TelstraOne experience is cited as a "transforming" moment for Telstra mobile (which is exactly what they're calling it) and will be unique to the phones that carry their network; so even if you change mobile phones, the menu should stay the same, making configuration and menu standardisation an attractive part of the Telstra mobile range.
Redesigned, so that the most useful phone apps/icons (e.g. Foxtel) have been placed in one simple touch menu area, Telstra's formula is for a 'one-click vision'. In other words - everything is just a finger click away - although, it's worth mentioning that the iPhone has had this kind of functionality for a whole now.
However, this is a monumental change for Telstra. For an easy-to-use phone, that works on the excellent NextG network - it's an attractive proposition. Few phone manufacturers (in addition to networks) actually understand that a phone menu needs to be clear and concise. Finally, somebody that isn't Apple really gets this.
Ironically, the Telstra branded launch of two new phones - the Sony Ericsson W705 and the Motorsurf A3100 offer much more than your traditional call/camera/txt mix. Either handset is probably not the easiest phone in the world to use, but the presence of the new TelstraOne simplicity does tend to make navigating the menus are little clearer and more user-friendly.
We tested each phone and found what worked and what didn't.
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| Motorola Motosurf A3100 |
Motorola Motorsurf A3100:
Costs: $829 (or $60/month over 24 months from Telstra shops)
Why you should consider it:
- Attractive touchscreen; nice use of omni-directional trackball; good multi-tasking functionality
- Simple to use 3G connectivity; all the handy apps are one or two finger clicks away
- The interface is bright, clear and easy to navigate.
- Embedded stylus that hides away on the side of the phone - always a nice touch.
- Video capture at 30fps VGA, Foxtel.
- GPS, MP3, 2.8", Next G, (full HSDPA 7.2Mpbs enabled) WiFi
- 3.5mm headphone jack (good work Telstra!)
- Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro; with customisable icons for apps such as Facebook, weather, RSS feeds, etc.
What's not so hot:
- Slightly bulky, thick body 110 x 59.7 x 13.7mm).
- Touchscreen could be bigger; much of the valuable screen real estate is wasted by the call keys and trackball.
- Only carries a 3MP camera. This seems a little underdone for a phone release in 2009.
When? 11th May, 2009
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| Sony Ericsson W705 Walkman |
Sony Ericsson W705 Walkman
Costs: $619 (or $40/month over 24 months)
Why you should consider it:
- Sony's Mp3 Walkman is easy to use and takes expandable memory, giving it iPod status.
- Clear audio, decent phone speaker on board; easy to jump to tracks.
- Next G network coverage
- Classic styling; if you've used a Sony Ericsson before, you'll have no problem using this model.
- Music recognition software (TrackID) and SensMe are ideal for music matching and music lovers.
- Interface provided by Aussie outfit SurfKitchen, menu is easy to use with TelstraOne experience.
- 4GB M2 Memory card
- Great for gamers; Motion controlled 3D gaming
What's not so hot:
- Small screen size (2.4") is not everybody, especially in the age of large iPhone style touch screens.
- Lack of touchscreen may annoy some.
When? 19th May, 2009