Jolla: Slight Changes To Handset Design
Here is some exciting design related news picked up by sharp readers/commentators Olivier and Thoke.
From the images below it is evident for all to see that Jolla have indeed been busy beavering away to tweak the prototype design that we originally got a chance to see earlier this year.
Below is a photo of the new handset render:
New Jolla Handset Design Render
For comparison, here is a photo of the original prototype:
Original Jolla Prototype Render
The major changes that are immediately noticeable are that volume/power buttons have been moved to the RHS making it easier to find with your thumb (if you are right handed). This is the same layout as the Nokia N9 which will have that familiar feel to many upgrading from the MeeGo Harmattan device.
Another big change is also that the camera lens/led have been moved to a central position which will mean less chance of taking that dreaded “my-finger-got-in-my-lens-and-ruined-it” photo.
The rear ‘other half’ Jolla signature has also been relocated to a central position to match the new camera lens position.
There also appears to be a small hole now on the top side where a hole was originally located near the lens section which we are assuming is a microphone?
The bezel (especially top side) appears to be reduced and the look of the screen now has much more balance to it considering the overall design.
The front facing camera and what we are assuming is the proximity sensor have both been moved out a little so there is less crowding around the ear piece.
Finally is it me or does the overall design appear thinner ? It could be that the ‘pillow’ effect is just less pronounced – either way, it looks cleaner which can only be a good thing.
What do you think of this latest render ?
EDIT: I’ve just realised what it is about the appearance that looks different. If you look at the original prototype (2nd image), you will notice a slight gap at the join especially down the sides between the 2 halves like they don’t quite seamlessly fit together. Now look at the new render (1st image) and that gap is barely visible down the sides. This explains the fact the new render also looks thinner because the gap has been lost. 
I think it’s a way better design!
Especially the camera in the middle is a big improvement. This prevents one from accidentally touching the camera with dirty fingers.
P.S.
I did a quick calculation to compare the pre-orders of Jolla with Ubuntu Edge.
I don’t know if this is a fair comparison so I’ll post my calculation with it:
$12,500,000.00 / $695 = 17,985.611510791366906474820143885
which is significantly less than the pre-orders of Jolla.
What will happen to Ubuntu Edge if they don’t succeed?
They still have raised about $12,500,000.00
It’s better but differences are not very significant. That would be nice if people that attended the Jolla Love Day, could compare to what they tested (the real prototype was slightly bigger) and evaluate the “gain”…
@Determinist: for the Ubuntu Edge, they will refund us, that’s all. That was about 15 / 17 000 units yes (because there was also perks for t-shits, consideration…)
Latest on Ubuntu Edge is:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23793457
So that’s one of my options down the pan, for now. I’ve got an Android but I’m still using my N900 as my main phone, simply because I hate Google’s “What’s yours is ours” attitude and all the bloat they’ve packed Android out with. Couple that with the network provider’s bloatware and you can see why Android’s requirements are exceeding that of a desktop PC.
Can’t wait for Jolla to get their devices on the shelves.
Looks like the buttons have moved from the left side to the right.?
Richard
“The major changes that are immediately noticeable are that volume/power buttons have been moved to the RHS making it easier to find with your thumb (if you are right handed).”
RHS = Right-Hand Side.
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This might upset a few people – hardware keyboard fans might want to sit down and breath…
Surely, putting the camera in the middle of the otherhalf makes a slide out keyboard trickier?
Before, when the camera was on an edge, the keyboard and mechanism could avoid most of the camera and you could have quite a tall keyboard or even 5 rows of keys.
I noticed that as well but thought maybe they could just put a hole in the section of the keyboard where it closes…. or even better an additional camera lens module integrated into the keyboard for better quality snaps!
And it wouldn’t affect a folding style keyboard that folds into the screen to protect it. But I agree it would definitely require some extra thought.
I wonder from which source these images do derive as on the official jolla website there are still the same renders as of may 20th.
good design Jolla
sub.
I know Jolla is not into spec race but How much ram Will it Have ?
We don’t know for sure yet…
But if it’s anything like the N9/950, RAM is one thing they won’t compromise too much on.
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