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The Ogo’s particular target market is teenagers,
who are fans of chat sessions using instant messaging systems.
Swisscom Innovations has launched an enhanced version of the Ogo, specializing in instant messaging.
Anouch Seydtaghia
The figures are far from trivial. Four million instant messages and over 55,000 emails sent every day, and all from the Ogo, the hybrid device launched by Swisscom in November 2005. Manufactured by the American company Ixi Mobile, this compact handset had only one semi-unique function until now – chat. The ability to send and receive instant messages has already seduced 40,000 Swiss users, teenagers in the main. Already hooked on MSN on their computers, they can now continue their conversations using the Ogo, which hooks up to the Internet via the mobile phone network. For the past month, Swisscom has been offering an improved version of the Ogo, with better design and increased functionality. We tested the device feature by feature.
The new version allows users to surf the Internet and make phone calls at the same time
Appearance
The cheap plastic impression of the older model is a thing of the past now. The finish of the new Ogo is good, there is no play between the component parts and the device closes with a heavy “click”, which is a good sign. The keypad is easy to use with two thumbs as the keys are fairly large. The small control wheel on the left of the keypad allows you to switch from one function to another. This is a practical feature but is too sensitive and takes some getting used to if errors are to be avoided! On the right of the keypad, a type of miniature joystick facilitates navigation between the menus. This is a little too stiff for our liking, however, and also takes some practice. Finally, the color screen (320x240 pixel) is of reasonably satisfactory quality.
Instant messaging
The device offers Windows Live Messenger from Microsoft only (formerly MSN), which is no disadvantage, given that this continues to be the most widely used instant messaging service. For several months now it has also been compatible with Yahoo! Messenger contacts. Setting up the account is easy as is sending and receiving messages. It is also possible to use the well-known emoticons that are popular with instant messaging.
Email
Configuring an account takes a little more time. It is possible to access email from POP3 type services, for example Bluewin, Gmail or Yahoo and of course Hotmail. As the Ogo can be connected on a permanent basis, it thus becomes a mini Blackberry, the professional telephone that allows you to receive email directly to the device. Several email accounts can even be accessed simultaneously, the only issue being that it is not possible to open attachments.
Internet
The Ogo is now equipped with a miniature web browser. But don’t expect any miracles, firstly, because even if this device connects to the GPRS network, as well as EDGE, data transfer is a slow process. The screen is fairly small to display a web page. Finally, navigation using the control wheel is relatively awkward. For all these reasons, web browsing is really an extra-added bonus of the device.
Making phone calls
Another novelty, the ability to make phone calls. It’s easy to dial a number, however, the rest is a little bit tricky. The microphone and loudspeaker aren’t easy to find, nor is it any easier to hear the person on the line clearly. Even if the contacts list is well laid out, we wouldn’t advise Ogo users to throw away their usual mobile phones just yet…
Calendar function
A miniature diary is provided and is rather well thought out. But even here, the unpredictable control wheel can be clumsy to use, so you’d better know what you’re doing!
Cost
The device retails at 99 Francs with a subscription of 25 Francs a month, running either Natel Messenger Plus or Natel Xtra Messenger. Natel Messenger Plus includes, for example, unlimited chat, as well as sending and receiving email at any time. It also includes web browsing with a monthly download limit of 10 Mb. Each SMS costs 20 centimes and calls to the Swisscom network (wireline or mobile) are charged at 80 centimes an hour. Calls to other mobile networks are charged at 70 centimes a minute.
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