iLounge

Native Union POP Phone MM01H

By Jeremy Horwitz

Editor-in-Chief, iLounge
Published: Thursday, May 12, 2011
Category: Headphone Expanders

Thanks to dramatic advances in technology, it's now possible for iOS device owners to enjoy the pretension of a huge, old-fashioned gold telephone handset -- the kind previously reserved for James Bond villains and tacky real estate tycoons. Thank Native Union for the latest version of the POP Phone (aka MM01H, $30 and up), which was previously released in seven matte colors before debuting in this new metallic (but plastic) gold version. Each of the POP Phones includes a color-matched, coiled cable with an iPhone/iPod/iPad-compatible headphone plug, and uses a single button to accept or end calls. You can hold the button down to activate Voice Control on certain iOS devices, including recent iPhones and iPod touches, using POP Phone's integrated speaker and microphone for purposes other than VoIP calling. That said, it's obvious that the major draw of this accessory is for voice calling purposes, with this color possibly better suited than most to inspiring chuckles in FaceTime video calls. Native Union's original MM01 includes a stability base for desk mounting and sells for $60; the basic version of POP Phone sells for only $30 without the base, and the gold edition shown here is limited to 1,000 units and will sell for $60.