Known for its headphone and speakers, UK-based Marshall has branched out into the smartphone market with the announcement of the “Marshall London,” an Android Lollipop 5.0.2-based device with audio features and applications designed to deliver “the best music ever in a smartphone. ”
“Marshall London is the one and only smartphone that focuses on music. It brings everything you expect from a normal smartphone but what we have focused on is something that a lot of people needs today and that is music. We want to give the best music experience,” said Jens Henriksen, Global Director of Sales at Zound Industries.
Sound is a key component of this Marshall device. The smartphone boasts of Wolfson WM8281 audio hub sound card installed so it can play sound at a higher resolution. It also comes with two front-facing speakers where users can enjoy the music without using headphones, and equipped with two stereo jacks that have independent volume control, allowing users to plug in and share music or watch a video with someone.
The device also features the gold-plated M-button, which is situated at the top portion of the phone, designed to have a one-click access to the music app, and a scroll wheel which gives users a quick access to volume control. Through this button, a global equalizer can also be accessed quickly to adjust and save the sound based on users’ preference.
London also offers an application that integrates all music sources into one interface. It has a pre-installed LoopStack, a four-channel recorder that allows to record four tracks independently; and a pre-installed DJ app.
Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad core processor, London has a 16GB of mass storage, expandable to 128GB through microSD card slot.
London has a Gorilla Glass 3-protected 4.7-inch LCD IPS screen with high definition resolution; has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity; and an eight-megapixel auto focus camera (with flash). It is energized by a 2500 mAh removable battery and comes with a USB charger.
“The touch and feel for design is something we really did very good. A mobile phone is hard to design but I think we managed to design it very well,” says Henriksen.
Henriksen added that the device has a black matte surface where users can lay it comfortably in their hands without feeling slippery. This fabric makes it durable. “If you drop the phone, nothing will happen,” he said.
To be sold at $500, the device also comes with the Marshall Mode in-ear headphone.
Henriksen, who showed the phone to the Philippine media during a briefing, said they are planning to launch the London smartphone in the country next year.
“The reason for us not to launch it early is because it is very different from country to country to launch a mobile device. It’s not that simple. You need to have an agreement. You need to have a network certification and support all services. These take time,” he said.
“But we’ll be here as soon as possible. I see that the Philippines is a very music-interested country,” he adds.
