Sony Ericsson to launch phone for girls who like to rock (don't boys like to rock too?)

Before I'd even had as much as a glance at the Sony Ericsson phone 'for girls', I had a think of all the things the limited edition W380i could encompass, you know, it being a phone for girls and all. I had a firm think and came up with the following:

- It turns red when you're experiencing a bit of PMT.
- Holds compact make-up in clever little hidden compartments.
- Lets you know if you're pregnant via some kind of touch sensor.
- Sends you daily complimentary pictures of sexy men throughout the day.
- It's pink with pink accessories.
- It has body weight index and basal metabolic rate measurement.

Find out what it's really all about after the jump...

When the press release landed in my inbox, the predictable female orientated strap-line read - 'W380i Girls Rock handset the ultimate in Rock chic'. I had a quick skim read, and rather disappointingly, the phone features none of the above, except a tiny pink Walkman logo emblazoned on the front of the phone and that tiny area of pink on the edges (I guess that's what makes it for girls?). Following a more thorough perusal, I can honestly say there's absolutely nothing that means this phone is a no boys zone.

The specs aren't anything to shout about, which could explain why it's aimed at girls, who are often considered clueless and affiliated with wanting simple functioning devices. So now for the stuff Sony Ericsson thinks applies only to the girls:

- Preloaded with seven "of the year's hottest tracks" from the Sugababes, the
Pussycat Dolls, Girls Aloud and other girl groups.
- Two exclusive wallpapers featuring Annie and Gabriela Cilmi (who?)
- Gesture control to mute incoming calls with a simple gesture - "for girls who are too busy to talk".
- It's pink and brushed silver

I don't know about you, but I know a handful of guys (gay and straight) who wouldn't mind a bit of Sugababes or Pussycat Dolls preloaded onto their phone (music not images). The rest of the list just doesn't have any female exclusivity about it. Other specs include a measly 1.3 megapixel camera (devoid of video capabilities), Bluetooth and web browser, and that's about as much info as the press release gives out.

There's nothing about the W380i that justifies it being for girls only. Boys shouldn't be put off by this prejudiced and chauvinistic bit of marketing. You go and get one if this looks like your kind of phone - I promise no one will question your sexuality. It'll be exclusive to the Carphone Warehouse from 1st October for £69.99

Sony Ericsson

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