Sharp, Q-Pot Phone to Delight Chocolate Lovers

Japanese company Q-Pot made its name in faux chocolate-covered accessories, and the upcoming Sharp smartphone is no exception. Designed by Tadaaki Wakamatsu, the phone features a rear panel that looks like a "three-dimensional melting chocolate block" and an Android 2.3 skin that makes the screen appear as if chocolate is oozing over it.

The smartphone doesn't offer any out-of-the-ordinary features besides its novel look, but it could appeal to Japanese consumers as a unique Valentine's gift, especially considering Sharp will produce it in a limited run of 50,000.

Smartphones are ubiquitous in Japan, and distinctive models that stand out from the crowd are in high demand among consumers there.

Last year, luxury crystal maker Baccarat launched a smartphone with Sharp in Japan, which featured an image of a crystal chandelier on its case and showed images of crystal tumblers and wineglasses to signal outgoing and incoming calls, highlighting the Japanese market's desire for stylish, high-end smartphone models, along with cute, novelty ones like the upcoming chocolate phone.

Despite new handsets hitting the market every few weeks, most smartphones follow a fairly standard, expected form. But, a few designers get inspired to break out of the mold and create unusual designs.

For example, last year's Origami handset created by Chengyuan Wei was made of paper and arrived flat, then transformed into a 3D handset when it was folded. Other specialty phones target elite customers, such as the solid gold Aesir phone available in Russia, while some focus on fun, such as the Nexus S robot phone from toymaker Hasbro.

Whether consumers view it as a silly diversion or a grand, romantic gesture, Sharp's chocolate phone just might replace the traditional box of chocolates as a way to say "be mine" in Japan next month.