New markets, minimalist design and the favorite of hackers: the secrets of the best-selling cell phone

2024-03-25 11:22:21

Neither the PlayStation, nor the Nintendo, nor the iPod: the most popular electronic device of all time is the Nokia 1100 cell phone. With minimalist design, simple functions and an excellent price, the device, which appeared on the market in August 2003, has conquered new markets after it was discontinued in 2009.

The secrets of the best-selling cell phone in history, which reached the hands of 250 million users around the world, include a manufacturing defect that made it the favorite of hackers, who currently pay up to 25 thousand euros for it. .

Read also: The 5 best tips to prevent your phone from being hacked

The 1100 had the credit of reaching the top at a time when more technologically advanced phones were already available. It was aimed at developing countries and users who only needed essential functions. It was Nokia’s cheapest product (less than $100), which added another seduction factor.

Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the device was in its simplicity. He made a cult of the famous phrase that postulates that “less is more”, leaving aside secondary accessories and placing emphasis on enhancing what is truly important for a cell phone from 20 years ago. Its ease of manipulation and understanding of functions were essential attributes of the 1100.

Known as “a tough one,” the 1100 was designed to withstand harsh conditions and, in addition to allowing calls and text messages, it had a built-in flashlight, which was activated by pressing a key. Although the company is of Finnish origin, the phone was designed in California and patented in the United States by Bulgarian Dimitre Mehandjiysky, who in 2019 founded Mikidesign, a modern art and design production company.

“I am a practitioner of disruptive innovation, the indispensable engine for growth and success in today’s dynamic business environment,” says in his presentation the naturalized American engineer, who has won numerous awards and shows on the page his iconic design: the Nokia 1100.

Small and comfortable, the Nokia 1100 caused a sensation around the world.

The battery life of the cell phone was another of the keys to the success of the 1100. It had a long standby and talk time, which could give it an autonomy of 400 hours. It must be taken into account that due to the benefits it offered in that era, prior to smart cell phones that allowed access to the Internet and social networks, its use was noticeably inferior to that given to mobile phones today.

Hackers’ favorite

A software issue in development made this phone very vulnerable and hackers use them to access online bank accounts and commit fraud. For this reason, very high prices are paid to acquire one of these phones, with the particularity that the most sought after are those that were manufactured in Bochum, Germany, which have software from 2002.

Read also: All-terrain cell phones are arriving: they are highly resistant, withstand strong impacts and have greater coverage

Apparently this series of devices can be used to intercept one-time passwords, essential to complete a bank transfer or payment. Gangs of Russian, Moroccan and Romanian cybercriminals using this modus operandi were detected in Europe.

After its leadership period, thanks to the “eternal” 1100, Nokia abandoned the cell phone market for a time. The company, which was originally dedicated to the production of paper, resumed the production of mobile phones and currently has a varied range of smartphones in its offer. In any case, it will be difficult for her to ever repeat the success of the model that brought her to stardom and with whom she is still associated today as soon as her name is said.

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