Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

wsj.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

131–140 of 144 posts

Re: New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

#131

Post by milliondollar »

dgudkov wrote: post #128

I don't like how all modern phones are designed for content consumption. If you try googling "android phone with a small screen", you will get articles about phones with a 5-6" screen, because this is what is considered a "small screen" nowadays. 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 sma…

Double yes. I am praying Palm phone upgrades. Exactly what I want but needs more battery life.

Re: New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

#132

Post by nonbirithm »

new_guy wrote: post #37
Raed667 wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You have better self-control than me.

This is the ultimate problem. It's a human issue, not a technology issue.

Maybe it's a fundamental property of increased globalization and communication increasing the amount and kinds of information we're capable of sending? The addictive information shares bandwidth with the practical information by its very nature.

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.

Re: New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

#133

Post by istinetz »

Raed667 wrote: post #20

I need a connected phone that isn't built for addiction. 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 o…

You can castrate your phone to remove all the pointless crap. I am really happy with the StayFocusd app. In strict mode, it can block all distracting websites and apps, block settings and changing permissions, block installing and uninstalling apps - it's basically perfect for internet addicts. You still have Google maps, but no Facebook or Instagram.

Re: New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

#134

Post by acomar »

acomar wrote: post #92
invictus_78 wrote: post #91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What about FOMO?

what would I miss out on?

I spent some time thinking about this last night and want to re-emphasize this question. I'm serious. I genuinely can't think of something I might miss out on. when my friends are doing something, they text me. when something is happening in the world, the people around me are talking about it. and if they're not, who cares? how is it relevant to my life?

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.

Re: New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

#135

Post by andix »

Or you just take any random smartphone and just set up what you need. Maybe even use a second phone solely for that purpose. Then it can sync your contacts and also run Uber or a Maps app.

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.

Re: New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

#137

Post by mvanbaak »

srswtf123 wrote: post #61
throwawaygh wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> However, I don't need Facebook, Twitter or TikTok or any social app. 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 s…

This reason is why I personally would like separate app stores. I'd _really_ like to see an iOS app store, curated by the FOSS community, focused on privacy and productivity -- actual productivity, not mind-numbing dopamine fix loops! Running a local "pihole" equivalent might be possible then; really the sky is the limit if we regain control of our devices.

> Running a local "pihole" equivalent might be possible then;

Did you try adguard?

Re: New phone can make calls and send texts, but it cannot access social media

#138

Post by 8jef »

tedunangst wrote: post #114
8jef wrote: post #66

The perfect phone, to me: * 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 abou…

Why would you need LTE on a wifi only phone?

Because that's the actual standard for cellphone communications. 4g and 5g are LTE, for which my phone needs to be compatible with if I want to use for years to come. The fact that I chose not to use cell data is only a question of choice. The choice of connecting only when I do need a connection.
Post reply on HN