Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

#1

Post by Andrenid » Mon, May 14, 2018, 4:55 PM UTC

Cell/mobile phones are being used less and less as phones, and more as portable mini always-connected computers. There have been dozens of names thrown around in sci fi and similar, from Pads to Tabs and Decks to Slates.

What's you're favourite/preferred idea for a new for these devices that have taken over our lives?

No goals or motives. Just a thought I had as I realised I barely make/receive more than a few calls a week these days.

Re: Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

#2

Post by mtmail » Mon, May 14, 2018, 5:10 PM UTC

How about "Handy"? That's what Germans call mobile phones (Wikipedia says usage started 1992)

Re: Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

#3

Post by FroshKiller » Mon, May 14, 2018, 5:18 PM UTC

Personally, I wouldn't bother introducing a word besides "phone," because we shortly won't be carrying one single device like this anymore. May as well just keep saying "phone" for the few years left.

Gizmodo tried to suggest "com" instead of "smartphone" about 10 years ago: https://gizmodo.com/5061705/smartphone-is-a-dumb-word-we-nee...

Re: Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

#4

Post by drdeca » Mon, May 14, 2018, 6:15 PM UTC

Mobiles?

(As in, "mobile phones")

Re: Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

#5

Post by kup0 » Mon, May 14, 2018, 7:34 PM UTC

Repurpose "PDA"?

Re: Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

#6

Post by Andrenid » Tue, May 15, 2018, 10:57 AM UTC

FroshKiller wrote: post #3

Personally, I wouldn't bother introducing a word besides "phone," because we shortly won't be carrying one single device like this anymore. May as well just keep saying "phone" for the few years left. Gizmodo tried to suggest "com" instead of "smartphone" about 10 years ago: https://gizmodo.com/5061705/smartphone-is-a-dumb-word-we-nee...

What will replace phones that soon? Are you referring to smart watches and wearable tech? Wont we still use a phone as a primary device to tie it all together?

Re: Ask HN: What should we call phones as they stop being used as phones?

#7

Post by FroshKiller » Tue, May 15, 2018, 1:06 PM UTC

Andrenid wrote: post #6

FroshKiller wrote: post #3

Personally, I wouldn't bother introducing a word besides "phone," because we shortly won't be carrying one single device like this anymore. May as well just keep saying "phone" for the few years left. Gizmodo tried to suggest "com" instead of "smartphone" about 10 years ago: https://gizmodo.com/5061705/smartphone-is-a-dumb-word-we-nee...

What will replace phones that soon? Are you referring to smart watches and wearable tech? Wont we still use a phone as a primary device to tie it all together?

Smart spaces (public and private) and much simpler devices. People are likely to carry basic phones or devices that can serve that purpose, but we probably won't all have what we consider a smartphone today.