It seems like a long time ago since Gemini PDA was crowdfunded into reality back in 2018. Since then, Planet Computers have released Cosmo Communicator, a smartphone-PDA crossover we felt addressed Gemini’s shortcomings and pushed the concept forward considerably. With a larger market in mind, Planet Computers CEO and founder Dr. Janko Mrsic-Flogel showed me around Planet’s next step forward, Astro Slide 5G.
Taking it Mainstream
The core philosophy behind Astro Slide 5G is to bring the keyboard to a more traditional smartphone form. One that is not just familiar to the billions of Android users but catered for by app makers. Navigating a vertical candy bar orientation is second-nature. The rarely-spoken importance of ‘familiarity’ is something that Planet were acutely aware of. A wider audience would require that comfortable portrait android and the many apps native to this orientation.
Planet wanted that familiar experience for the little things everyday and suitably, it was inspired by one such little thing.
According to Dr. Janko, the concept emerged from the niggles of using Uber one-handed on Cosmo Communicator while travelling. The need for easy one-handed app use bred the novel folding mechanism of Astro Slide 5G.
The responsibility of combining a keyboard that light-travelling content creators and business professionals crave with no-compromise everyday functionality fell to Martin Riddiford. Riddiford claims he took cues from furniture. The clever miniature hinges, slides and folds needed to make Astro Slide 5G work were hidden in plain sight.
A Mobile Muse
If furniture enabled the form, it was the popular Sidekick that informed it. Originally sold as Danger Hiptop, the T-Mobile Sidekick combined a keyboard with a front facing display. This slide-out form factor led to a singular 6.39″ AMOLED display that allowed Planet to create a smaller, lighter device than their current line-up. So when closed, it’s a chunky smartphone with zero loss of functionality.
Though the need for keys has evolved since then, going from Bebo and SMS-loving teens to those who have need to process or create substantial text on the move.
Dr. Janko explained the 0-1-2 concept as using the device hands-free, or with one or both hands. However, he maintained that Gemini and Cosmo Communicator will remain available alongside Astro Slide 5G. Comfort for many, myself included, who like the peace of mind of the folding design.
An Extra G and Some FLOPs
The innards of Astro Slide 5G are changing as much as its case and form. The recent nigh-on explosive advancement in mid-range chipsets has granted Planet (and others) the power to deliver seamless everyday experiences. Punishing multitasking and running complex apps are no longer the preserve of premium phones. Integrated 5G modules reduce power requirements and increase throughout.
MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G is a 7nm chip that is comparable to the Snapdragon 765G that led the mid-range chipset revolution. As outlined in a handy comparison piece by NanoReview, it’s less efficient but uses a superior CPU to the veritable 765G.
Alongside the improved chipset, Astro Slide 5G will launch with Android 11 and sports 8GB of RAM. Cosmo Communicator currently runs Android 9 (Android 10 on the way) and 6GB of RAM. As noted in our recent review, Android 9 still does the job but it is a little stale in 2021.
As also noted in the Cosmo review, the 24MP main camera is functional but barebones. Slide will use a 48MP Sony sensor in an effort to offer the camera quality and versatility that the smartphone masses expect.
Astro Slide 5G is expected to be available around June 2021 with a price of €819. Astro Slide’s IndieGoGo campaign is still ongoing with ‘early bird’ funding options (30% off) still available.
