Smartphones are nothing new in the digital world anymore. Except for the fact that their screens are getting bigger and their speed is getting faster, the overall rectangular design has ceased to change. Until Japan network provider KDDI stirred into a new direction, “hoping to rescue people from the prison of cellphones”, have a circular shaped mobile phone been created. Named “Runcible”, it was created with American creative team Monohm and debuted at the MWC 2015 mobile communications conference.

The name “Runcible” came from a British poet’s name, and according to the production team, the reason for adopting a circular design was due to their inspirations from the antique pocket watch. Apart from the circular touch screen embedded in its unique shape, its size is also much smaller, offering easier handling just by the grip of two fingers. The phone’s outer case is made out of bamboo, wood and other materials, and in comparison to the usual metallic or plastic cases, it offers a much warmer atmosphere related to nature. Preloaded with the “Firefox OS” system, it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC as well as LTE network, and its battery can last for a total of 4 days; accomplishing just as much, if not more, than what the current range of smart phones can. There is a camera behind the phone which can be used to take circular photos, with the functions of focus and zoom controlled simply by twisting the phone’s body. With its one-in-a-million outlook, Runcible can also act as an alarm clock or a compass for your bike and your car. Interestingly, users can also match it with a cover and a long-chain produced by other third party companies to experience how it was like to tell time in your great-grandfather’s era. Offering basic necessities, be reminded to put down your phone and enjoy life again.