Vertu, known for high-priced luxury smartphones with outdated technology, is releasing its first book-like folding phone, the AlphaFold, aimed at business executives. The phone includes the Hermes Agent, which can handle schedules and tasks on a user’s behalf and connect to enterprise systems. The move aligns with growing interest in AI agents on smartphones, similar to features offered by major Android ecosystems. Vertu previously produced handcrafted luxury Nokia phones with live concierge service in the early 2000s, but it struggled during the smartphone shift and later changed ownership. The company now makes luxury Android devices again, including a folding model starting at $4,300 and an “Agent Q” for entrepreneurs, with assembly occurring in China despite claims of British heritage.
"The company announced the AlphaFold smartphone on Thursday-targeting business executives-which comes outfitted with the Hermes Agent. This agent can purportedly handle schedules and tasks on a user's behalf and "connect to enterprise systems." Agents are big in the smartphone world right now, with companies like Google and Samsung offering ways for Gemini on Android smartphones to perform tasks such as booking an Uber or ordering DoorDash. Vertu is cashing in on that trend."
"Vertu is a company known for making extraordinarily gaudy smartphones with outdated technology, luxe materials, and eye-watering prices. Now the brand is here to meet the AI moment with its first-ever book-like folding phone, complete with an AI agent on board. The company announced the AlphaFold smartphone on Thursday-targeting business executives-which comes outfitted with the Hermes Agent."
"Originally, Vertu was a Nokia subsidiary that made handcrafted luxury Nokia phones (in the UK!) in the early 2000s. Each phone came with access to a live concierge service. The company faced headwinds with the smartphone revolution and fell behind the times. Vertu then changed hands over several years, with various acquisitions, eventually shuttering its UK factory and laying off staff."
"While the company still claims a British heritage, its phones are no longer made in the UK, and according to its website, its head office is in Hong Kong. Vertu spokesperson Viki You tells WIRED that the phones are "still handcrafted," but they're assembled in China. "We have different factories," You says, no"
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