San Francisco, Oct 25 (IANS): Digital cinematography camera maker Red Digital Cinema is giving up on its ambitious Hydrogen phone project as the companys founder Jim Jannard has announced his retirement in the wake of a few health issues.

"Just now turning 70 and having a few health issues, it is now time for me to retire. I will be shutting down the Hydrogen project, ending a career that has included Oakley, Red Digital Cinema and Hydrogen. I am very proud to have worked with many great people over the years who have signed on to the vision," Jannard, Founder of Red Digital Cinema, said in a statement.

The $1,295 Red Hydrogen One was the first smartphone from the high-end camera company with bold new technologies like a "holographic display", a top-notch camera system, and modular attachments.

In 2017, Red announced its intention to enter the mobile phone market. Its Red Hydrogen One phone was officially announced with a release date in August 2018.

It was released in the US via AT&T and Verizon Wireless in November 2018 after multiple delays.