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Comment by anarchimedes | Hacker News Reader

Will you be able to remove or add different widgets (FB/Uber/Maps) on the phone or are you locked with what is pre-loaded?

This is getting very close to what I want in a phone - a pared down smartphone that has the basic utilities for when I am away from a desktop/laptop without the social + internet distractions.

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I was initially very excited about this device until I read that any app can be downloaded from the Play Store. I doubt my willpower is strong enough to stop me from eventually downloading a browser, Reddit, Instagram, etc... Therefore, to me, this phone is really no different than the iPhone that I already own.

What I'd prefer is a device with no ability to download social apps, a browser, games or even news apps (when did 24/7 access to the news become a necessity?). A device like this is bold but, if it caught on, could change society in a positive way. No more endless checking of social media, the news etc. while on the go or in the company of friends/family. It could strengthen the connections that we have with others.

What. Why should a device be responsible for your own self control?

Also, you can just install a parental control application and block any app store downloads.

mmm. that was more or less our initial concept in 2016 : https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ5hmZqhkNU/?taken-by=bllocphone. But the main feedback and learning was: you can't do without apps. Theres an app for everything and little things and you need it. (like the metro app for a tiny village somewhere) However overall UI design & flow matters, and currently everything is designed to make u more addicted. Try switching from an iphone to an older Android, install a minimalistic Launcher and you'll see how less you check facebook and the news. However its slow af and some apps won't work.

removing is easy, adding takes time and it depends on the app. shoot us an email which widgets you think are urgent

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