Watch the Red Hydrogen One Houdini edition get unboxed

[Shawn Knight]

Why it matters: Red's Hydrogen One is one of the more intriguing smartphones of 2018 for the simple fact that it comes from a company with an excellent pedigree in the photography industry. Its $1,200 asking price will keep most mainstream buyers away but if it proves popular among enthusiasts and niche buyers, it could be the first of many phones we see from Red.

Red, the premium camera company behind the highly anticipated Red Hydrogen One, announced in August that its first smartphone would miss its intended summer launch window. Instead, the handset will debut at AT&T and Verizon on November 2.

Those who pre-ordered the device will get theirs a bit earlier on October 9 and as Red outlined last month, some were able to trade in their pre-order release model for a production sample “Houdini” edition with pre-release firmware and software.

Delivery of this extremely limited model kicked off at a special event at Red Studios Hollywood on August 31 and YouTuber Marques Brownlee was among the first to take delivery. Naturally, he posted an unboxing video for everyone to enjoy.

As you’ll see, the bundle includes a complementary 128GB microSD card, an extended warranty, a Red medallion and of course, the phone itself. Brownlee only briefly touches on the phone’s specs and features – it’s truly an unboxing video rather than a full-on review. Red is discouraging people from reviewing or even saying anything bad about the Houdini model until after the launch and will go as far as to remotely brick your device if you go against their special terms and conditions.

Brownlee said only 300 of the Houdini models are being made (his is number eight).

Unless Red seeds early samples to media outlets, it looks like we’ll have to wait until mid-October for the first reviews of the consumer version to hit the web.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/76248-watch-red-hydrogen-one-houdini-edition-get-unboxed.html

 

[p51d007]

Maybe this will be like the Essential PH-1. After 6-9 months of being priced at $1,200 dollars, it will drop to $600 bucks.
I think it is more of a gimmick myself, and I don't see the advantage of spending that amount of money for a phone. Also, you almost NEVER hears of how well it works AS A PHONE.

 

[cliffordcooley]

"As you’ll see, the bundle includes a complementary 128GB microSD card"

For $1200, it should!

 

[JaredTheDragon]

Wasn't this supposed to be the phone that has the holographic display? And the guy tilts it a bit to try to demonstrate it to us? I mean yeah, it's not supposed to be very apparent to a camera, but for cryin' out loud...

 

[yeeeeman]

Is the camera special? If not, then it is not worth more than 600 bucks.

 

[Uncle Al]

While I like the amount of time, research, and study they are putting in the product, I must admit that it also seems to be more hype than practical application, and $1,200 for a frigging phone? Won't be making an appearance in my shirt pocket anytime soon. For that price you can buy a top of the line Canon Rebel camera and have change to spare, not to mention the 24 megapixel quality. OK, OK, OK ..... so the rebel isn't a phone, but if you're focusing on a nice member of the opposite sex with all those megapixel's, who's going to bother with a phone call! sheeezzzzeeeeeee

 

[Capaill]

Wasn't this supposed to be the phone that has the holographic display? And the guy tilts it a bit to try to demonstrate it to us? I mean yeah, it's not supposed to be very apparent to a camera, but for cryin' out loud...

I was expecting that too. But it seems it's less holographic and more plain old 3D. I found this on tomsguide.com :

If you keep your expectations in check, you'll find that the Hydrogen One's display is actually pretty neat. Instead of unrealistic sci-fi holograms, the screen displays "holographic 4-View," also sometimes called "multiview," which is basically just 3D with a few more angles. This means you'll see the type of 3D you're used to seeing, in which the picture looks like it has depth ... And the illusion will still work, mostly, if you move the screen around a bit.

 

[misor]

Is there nothing in the box, Houdini style?

 

[senketsu]

Is there nothing in the box, Houdini style?

I think it's more likely the phone itself will do a Houdini and disappear (from the market). I like more offerings and quirky phones though so even though I won't be buying one I hope Red succeeds with one of their designs at least.