Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

2 8 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The Performance Vertu for Bentley is a high-performance smartphone using best-in-class technology with superior handcrafted materials, including grade 5 titanium, solid sapphire crystal which creates a virtually scratch-proof screen, and hand-finished calf leather. Mirroring the performance of the Vertu Signature Touch, the Vertu for Bentley handset incorporates the full breadth of the company’s expertise. The acoustics, tuned in collaboration with Bang &Olufsen, feature Dolby Digital Plus virtual surround-sound processing and stereo speakers. As for imaging, which is such an integral part of the smartphone experience, Vertu has continued to work with Hasselblad, the world’s most renowned professional photography brand, to perfect the image-tuning of the camera. Alongside the sterling performance of the audio and imaging, Vertu for Bentley features wireless charging, NFC and Android™ 4.4 (KitKat) software. At Bentley headquarters, Kevin Rose, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing of Bentley Motors, said: “The partnership between Bentley and Vertu allows customers to experience the Bentley brand while out of the driving seat. The handset’s design and materials, when coupled with its exclusive services, integrated Bentley content and high- performance technology, embody what both Bentley and Vertu stand for, and deliver what our customers are looking for.” Vertu’s Chief Executive Officer Massimiliano Pogliani commented further on this exclusive collaboration: “Vertu for Bentley captures the essence of both our brands. It combines English handcraftsmanship, contemporary elegance, outstanding performance and cutting-edge technology. Our collaboration unites both companies’ proud British heritage, as well as unrivalled expertise, to create a handset that exceeds expectations. The result not only reflects sophistication and discerning taste, but also performs to an undeniably high technical standard to deliver an effortless, intuitive luxury mobile experience.” This inaugural Vertu for Bentley model is expected to be followed by a further four distinctive, luxury smartphones, each of which will encompass authentic and iconic Bentley design elements and exclusive lifestyle services. Limited to 2,000 pieces, the new Vertu for Bentley smartphone is available in stores from October 2014.