Android is just so Mickey Mouse

The Gadget Show  Friday 28 January 2011

Yes, it's the Disney smartphone

We all know Android is taking over the world, and that smartphones are the future. But we can’t help being a little bit shocked to see news that Disney is about to launch an own-brand smartphone running on Google’s mobile OS.

Disney’s Japanese site has just put up a promo page for the branded handset, which appears to be based on the Japan-only Sharp Galapagos 003SH. However, the Disney touches are there for all to see. Aside from the unmissable branding below the screen and Disney-themed messaging emoticons, there appears to be a Disney homescreen widget with the usual Android clock and date info arranged in a Mickey Mouse-like trio of circles.

If the Disney phone is indeed a rebadged Galapagos 003SH, we can look forward to a 3.8in touchscreen complete with glasses-free 3D capability, plus the usual connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

Other Disney touches include a photo editor that lets you mess around with Disney characters and images as well as a calendar featuring a new Disney illustration for each month.

We’re not aware of any plans for the Disney smartphone to be available outside Japan as yet – and we’re not sure whether that’s a good or a bad thing either.