Device is a modern reinterpretation of StarTAC, the
classic epitome of innovative mobile design 
SEOUL, 27 February, 2007 – Motorola (NYSE:MOT), a global leader in mobile communications,
today gave a modern-day twist to an old classic, announcing the launch of
StarTACIII in Seoul. A state-of-the-art handset in its own right, StarTACIII is
the modern reincarnation of StarTAC, widely recognized as a revolution in
mobile technology and design.
In recognition of StarTAC’s classic heritage, Motorola is organizing a range of
marketing activities around the launch of StarTACIII themed to reflect the
‘Retro Style’ that was popular during the 1960s.
“Retro is the cultural movement of the 1960s, embodied by such celebrities as
The Beatles and Twiggy – it has been reinterpreted in a trendy and cutting-edge
manner to enhance its originality and value,” stated Lim Joung Ah, Marketing
Director of Motorola Korea. “In the similar manner, Motorola’s StarTAC is being
revived to become the timeless accessory in Korea.”
Motorola’s StarTACIII naturally retains many of the original aesthetic features
that made StarTAC so classic. The new handset will be instantly recognizable by
its chic black colouring, specially-developed scratch-resistant façade,
shoulders that curve gracefully around the hinge, a smoothly contoured front,
and of course the distinctive StarTAC opening chime.
At the same time, as with all its iconic devices, Motorola has reinterpreted
many of the design elements in a more modern style. StarTACIII’s powerful
antenna, its simple and sleek figure, and stylishly luxurious silver trim along
the sides are a perfect complement to StarTAC’s original classic design,
forming a unique meld of the old and the very new.
Reflecting both the change in times and technology, StarTACIII can alert people
to any missed or received calls and text messages by means of three signal
lights on the outside – you can stay notified without even having to open up
the handset! In addition, StarTACIII features a full range of Motorola’s most
popular features, including a high definition 2.0 inch TFT QVGA LCD screen,
clearly displaying all pictures, as well as such useful functions as
international roaming, GPS, “Moneta M-Bank,” an electronic dictionary with over
three hundred thousand words, and high quality MP3 playback.
“Motorola developed StarTACIII exclusively for the Korean market in gratitude
for all our customers’ great passion for the original StarTAC,” Gill
Hyun-Chang, General Manager, Motorola Korea Mobile Devices, concluded.
“StarTACIII combines perfectly the dignified aesthetics and functionality of
the classic StarTAC with Motorola’s modern design, functions, and cutting-edge
technology. This is a handset that will be an absolute delight to Korea’s
sophisticated mobile users.”
The Motorola StarTACIII will be released in early March, and priced at 297,000
KRW. For more information on StarTACIII, please visit Motorola mobile’s
official website – www.mymotorola.co.kr.
Reference: StarTAC Original
The original StarTAC was the most innovative mobile model in terms of design
and functionality at the time that it was released. StarTAC was known as “the
only ‘wearable’ mobile device”, “the smallest and lightest mobile phone”, and
“a fantastic mobile,” weighing in at a mere 88g and not much larger than a name
card. The United States’ Business Week nominated StarTAC as the best hit
product of 1996 in recognition of its superior functions, including an
extremely long-lasting battery, high sound quality, and the very first
incorporation of a vibrating function on a handset. StarTAC drew a sensational
response in Korea as well. This premium mobile, which cost over 1.3 million
won, was regarded as “a necessity for successful business people,” and 1.3
million StarTAC units were sold in the 4 years following its release in the
Korean market – a sales record at a time when the mobile market was in its
early stages of growth.
Source: Motorola press release
