New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media
wsj.com
wsj.com
"Companies including Nokia Corp. still manufacture “feature phones,” devices that look, feel and operate like the cellphones of the ’00s.
But most feature phones still follow a design philosophy of abundance, cramming all the features they can into a limited operating system, said Petter Neby..."
Bullshit. They can't get on the Internet, that's what matters. You can call, you can text (awkwardly) and that's pretty much it. Is it really worth $250+ to strip out the shitty version of Snake or whatever the Feature phone comes with? The whole issue is distraction, and I'm pretty sure a tiny monochrome display with no Internet poses little threat in that regard.
Pure wankery, especially when you consider they could probably sell THIS phone for $80 too, if they wanted to. Buy a feature phone if this is what you want (and more power to you). Don't reward this nonsense.
Anyway, excuse me getting a bit carried away there :P Touched a nerve.
> I'm sick of machines constantly nagging for my attention.
Same. And in her case, she can manage far less attention than she used to. Tech companies don't accommodate for that.
https://shop.tracfone.com/shop/en/tracfonestore/phones/alcat...
Great for an emergency phone to keep in your car.
Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean others can't. It's design, and design is subjective. People bemoan that Jackson Pollocks go for $20 Million, why are these stupid people buying that when a two year old can make 'the same thing'?
I think most people buying this are well aware, they aren't buying it for the features or something that is exclusive to these phones. They're buying because they like how it looks and for the novel user experience.
Juicero makes me say "yes."
For example, I need Uber for the rare cases where I'm in a jam at 3 AM and need to get back home. I need maps for when I'm looking for directions. I need a web browser to access my bank and the occasional Google search.
I can live with or without Whatsapp or Signal, that depends on how much you use it I guess.
However, I don't need Facebook, Twitter or TikTok or any social app.
I feel these "minimalist" phones fail to be useful.
So... don't install those apps?
I guess that's easier said than done. I keep an `/etc/hosts` list of distracting websites (includes HN) and route them all back to my hobby trello task board. Message to myself being, "hey, distractions from work are fine, but wouldn't you rather be working on one of these things than screwing around in a comments section?" And I have a shell script that will wipe a given line of the /etc/hosts for 30 minutes in case I decide "nope, I really do want to screw around in the comments section this time."
Maybe someone should build an app that does something similar -- redirects you when you try to either visit or install fb/twitter/tiktok... not sure if possible without jailbreaking or using an alt app store, though.
1) force yourself to use the mobile web site vs the dedicated app
2) at the end of the session log out, increasing the friction of using the app mindlessly
If you’re on desktop just go to settings and search for “autocomplete” - it might be under Google sync settings or advanced -> privacy settings for “use prediction service to help complete searches and urls”
If I’m wrong, it’s only because I’m using MS Edge and this was a question it asked during setup :)
Running a local "pihole" equivalent might be possible then; really the sky is the limit if we regain control of our devices.
Did you try adguard?
Stuff I absolutely need when AFK: Maps, slack, whatsapp, windy, tides, gmail, expensify and a few others. Stuff I don't need: Facebook, twitter, news apps that "ALERT!!!" me when it's nothing important, etc.
Your phone no longer distracts you. Can’t.
The temptation is still there in your pocket, but if you’re doing stuff and mind isn’t looking for distraction, you won’t even notice your phone exists.
more importantly, FOMO, when applied to real relationships, leads to this utilitarian mindset where you view other people and your interactions with them in highly objectified ways, centering the possible opportunities your relationships with others might provide. other people don't exist for your benefit. this is a form of non-sexual fetishization, where you start to view actual people as tools and grant those tools metaphysical power over your life - not interacting with them might lead you to missing out on something /critical/.
treat people like people. spend time with people because you like them and enjoy your time with them. don't fixate on your own ends and make means of other people.
I was also considering a feature phone a long time ago, and also like the parent the reason I couldn't bring myself to make the switch was because I was worried I'd end up needing to use Lyft.
A Lyft app for feature phones doesn't sound like an attractive business target, and even if the market was such that Lyft felt like making one then in the end Facebook would probably also feel like making their own. Those incentives turn the smartphone game into an all-or-nothing affair if you want the convenience of modern apps, for better or worse.
Here is an example from my life. I enjoy cannabis. I love the creative mode I get into when I use it, I love how periodic use can allow me to reexamine things from a different perspective, and so on. Great stuff. (and yes, it is legal here and sold in about 4 stores within a ten minute walk)
What I don't like is how, if I have it sitting around my house, I am tempted to use it when I need to get work done, and it will get in the way of that and cause me to waste time. I would become an unproductive stoner if it was always around.
Enter technology. I bought a lockbox with a timer. Pull out a little bit, then lock it up for 4-5 days. Works perfectly for me.
Some people could say "why not just learn some discipline?" (easier said than done) Others will say "if you have an addiction, just don't buy the stuff."
I say, why can't I have the best of both?
Same goes for things like phone and web addiction. Technology can help. I don't like this solution (too all-or-nothing.... it's like the "just don't buy the stuff" solution), but I do like the idea of technology helping with what is otherwise a human issue.
I also turned off notifications for emails and other things that can wait. At around 11PM the phone goes silent and most apps are on a timer.
This is ridiculously effective. I had to make an exception for Hacker News because I was running out of offline reading material.
I don't have Facebook, Twitter, etc on my phone.
There's no easy way to tell an Android that you do want data going to maps and chat apps, but not to your web browser or social media app. You have to jiggle dozens of permissions sliders every time you switch 'modes'.
Dumbphones are that toggle. Is it going to find a $200-$300 enthusiast market? Not sure... I could see myself buying a Light Phone, but I also wonder if it's only a software problem, and subtracting features from Android will get you to the sweet spot quicker than building them up from feature phones.
If you want those apps to never be on your phone, you don't have to mess with a bunch of sliders to switch modes.
I don't think there's a market at all for people who only want a dumbphone as their primary phone. Then you're just building a bougie feature phone as many other commenters have said.
And if you want a pretty fast toggle, lots of phones can support multiple user accounts.
I'm gonna try a second profile on Android for a few weeks. Could give more insight on whether dumbphones need to be hardware, or if their final form is software. One difference already, you can change your mind while out and about by swapping back to the full profile. So willpower is still needed.
> One difference already, you can change your mind while out and about by swapping back to the full profile.
Not if you have a moderate password you leave at home.
Just because we don’t struggle with or need the product being described doesn’t mean there’s no need for it.
The device has an e-ink display and claims to have a very good speaker. The operating system has a meditation app and an "inspirational quotes" app.
I'm still curious about which kind of person would purchase a device like this instead of a feature phone, given that they are way cheaper.
> I'm still curious about which kind of person would purchase a device like this instead of a feature phone
At uni we had a teacher that used to brag telling the story about how he bought his phone. Allegedly he went into the store and asked about the most basic phone.
No, not the cheapest phone, but the basic. Because he didn't needed cameras and apps and stuff.
I'm fairly positive that's the kind of people this phone is targeted at.
"Although we would have liked to only use 2G, the least harmful radio frequency, it is currently being phased out around the world. We spent a good amount of time trying to find a flexible, modern and global GSM module, which could be used for travelling anywhere in the world. With the user’s health in mind, Pure always chooses the lowest spectrum available to limit radiation."
My theory is this is because they know their core market now is old people and other "basic users" who will never bother looking for these features.
I don't get this new trend of stupidly expensive, badly designed, health-conscious phones. Modern feature phones already exist. I've bought a couple clamshells with big display and big buttons to my elderly parents, less than 20eur each.
Browsing mudita website I see they are developing a minimal app launcher for Android, a more sensible way to embrace digital minimalism. Ready to pivot.
edit grammar
I guess that most of the battery savings come from disabling all other apps' background activity and always on sensors.
* Wifi only * GPS * Square e-ink touchscreen, 3 inches across * QWERTY hardware keyboard * Thin foldable a la razor * Latest LTE tech worldwide bands for future proof network compatibility * Micro SDXC slot * USB-C with host and audio capabilities * Removable battery * De-googlized AOSP with F-Droid * Some good hardware hi-def DAC * 3.5mm audio out * Decent camera for photos, don't care about videos on a phone
Like in calls, text, music, Tutanota and Organic Maps apps, some offline games, and occasional pic taking.
That's it. Ready to pay about US$500 for it. I've used old BB's for a long time, it worked, until I needed newer network capabilities...
Getting an AOSP os on a newish LG or Samsung does it, but I do prefer the square screen with physical keyboard form factor, and I'm a big fan of e-ink for eye strain and battery life.
Is it too niche for your taste ?
I would easily pay $300-400 for a de-Googled Android phone with 3-3.5" screen and no bloatware. It should be just right to use apps like Uber, Telegram, or maps, but the small screen would discourage mindless media consumption.
And it would fit in pocket much better.
Full disclosure: I am one of them, while managing to be CTO of a company with around 100 employees. If people need me, they have my phone number.
The phones tend to be recent model feature phones with custom firmware that only allow phone calls. I have to say, I very much see the benefits for concentration, focus, and general well-being. Sure, occasionally it's a pain, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
The phones generally cost less than $100, and last way longer than smartphones do (I've had mine around 6 years, the battery lasts a week on a single charge, and upgrading won't get me any new features!)
[1] https://www.idi.org.il/media/15001/the-kosher-cellphone-mark... (Hebrew)
Which reality are they living in? Moreover the title is confusing, such phones have existed and continue to exist for the past 30 years.
Personally I've taken a few steps to minimize time on my phone 1) use a long text password to unlock my phone (I also change the password every few weeks) 2) don't use any apps with endless scrolling 3) turn off notifications and open apps with purpose
These three things have worked out well for me.
I don't agree with this current wave of demonisation of smartphones. If you want you can flash a Pixel with LineageOS and install a bunch of FOSS apps from F-Droid if you're concerned about privacy.
People take themselves too seriously.
I'd wager it is an extreme case, however. Most people don't seem to be consumed by consuming social media days or weeks on end without remit.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Protestant_Ethic_and_the_S...
Also:
"No person, householder or other, shall spend his time idly or unprofitably, under pain of such punishment as the court shall think meet to inflict"
-- Bay Colony General Court, 1633.
This sort of solution, though, takes it way too far. I mean, I might need to call an Uber. I am not addicted to the Uber app. But I want it when I want it. I want to have maps/driving directions available when I want them. There are so many things I use occasionally on my phone that I'd like to decide whether or not they are positive or problematic, rather than the manufacturer to decide that for me. In other words, they throw out the baby with the bathwater.
However, I need the phone-smartness of Maps, Calendar, Health monitoring, and mostly photo/videography. It is impressive with the camera capabilities of phones these days.
A phone with just phone calls and text messaging will be highly irritating.
Here is a glimpse into how my phone home-screen has evolved - https://oinam.fyi/brajeshwar/phone-home-screen/
A maps app can be quite a life safer, also in the literal sense if you get lost in the wilderness or in a dangerous area.
If you feel like you can't resist the urge to install other apps, just turn on child protection mode, and let somebody you trust set the pin.
Or, as stated in the article, an alarm clock for a similar order of magnitude less.
This might belay a greater stagnation, and not a bad one. The laptop I'm typing this comment on, a ThinkPad manufactured in 2012, works just fine. It has an upgrade to a SSD and a new battery. It cost around $100 three years ago.
The watch on my arm, if choosing to put it on, was manufactured in the 1990s. It just needs a new battery every 3-4 years.
I have no idea how old my alarm clock is. It's mainly unused because body clock works well enough. I do not need a step counter as when going for a morning stroll or jog I know roughly how far I'm going and how many steps that equates to. Nor do I need a meal planner app because the amount of calories in various food stuffs fortunately stays quite constant.
While mobile payments have been all the rage where I live for some time, I get by well enough with a technology that doesn't aggregate personal information for 3rd parties called cash, with two high-tech devices in my wallet being a bank card and a public transport card. When taking the bus or subway I do crazy things like bring a book with me; there's a local bar/cafe/restaurant where people bring books they're done with and pick up others new.
> Such a design philosophy may be good for consumers, but not for financial projections. Encouraging customers to upgrade helps smartphone makers keep cash flow consistent, whereas minimalist phones comparatively are selling few units to begin with, despite some models now being in the market for more than five years, said Ken Hyers, director of emerging technology devices at Strategy Analytics Inc.
That just means I have more money for things other than keeping up with the Jones'. Like good food, or taking part in activities or hobbies. And more time. Without Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok or whatever pushing notifications and 'important' updates, notifications that bring more baggage than utility, the world becomes a pull world. If it's urgent, call me or at least text. If needing more detail send an email, not an attachment on WhatsApp in the hope I actually care to check that, or Signal, or Telegram, or WeChat, or Messenger, or Discord, or iMessage, or whatever.
Not a rant. If someone likes to blow $3000 on a laptop, or $1000 on a new phone per year, or $349 on a dumb phone, great, anyone's choice. It's nice the choice not to is also there.
In the United States all networks are switching to VoLTE. They will no longer activate devices that do not have 4g. So no, the old Nokias will no longer work.
Unfortunately all new "Dumb Phones" will have to have a 4g modem and be compatible with the VoLTE networks.
``` After realizing how much anxiety having a phone nearby that is on all day long has caused, I have a feature request for a future version of iOS: Dumb & Dumber.
Dumb: Voice and text mode. Dumber: Voice only mode. ```
Dumb Phone - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28246636 - Aug 2021 (150 comments)
The Light Phone: Minimal Smartphone - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28184006 - Aug 2021 (157 comments)
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18255904 [2018] ("Business card-sized Japanese phone bucks the giant-phone trend")
It's not in the title but that one was also a no-apps/e-ink minimal phone.
To be used with older devices. Privacy focused with an intentional black and white display. Plenty of devices laying around. The stripped features should also improve the battery life as well.
For IM I really loved BitlBee, maybe the mandatory IM could be within terminal. Notifications could be highly customized and the ux would be non-candy one.
It'd be nice if there were more 4G/5G dumb phones with mechanical buttons, a minimal screen and physical size, no firmware or software update need or capability, and voice+text support.
I’ve been rewriting some logic for a writing prep app right now based on this idea. It’s delaying the launch by about a week but it’s really important. There is no such thing as the average person
(Obviously, great defaults are critical too)
I've thought about using Parental Controls on iOS to do something similar. Set a very long password that can't be memorized easily, write it down somewhere accessible if needed, and you get a minimal phone that can be reconfigured if needed. Just with high friction (typing in a long password from a paper in your home).
Of course, this assumes your goal is "avoiding a distracting environment" rather than "avoiding a bloated environment". Everyone has different goals with minimalism.
(This is the Animal Crossing approach to friction. Move your house? Sure, but it won’t happen for 24 hours.)
What I do not need is a fad phone.
I guess there is such a thing as a minimalist aesthetic (think japanese/danish uncluttered styles) which has very little to do with the minimalist philosophy. Minimalist philosophy is much closer to resourcefulness/ingenuity than it is to consumerism.
For example I find it much easier to avoid drinking when I don’t have alcohol in the house.