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Commodore announces Linux-based flip phone with ‘no social media, no browser’ — the Callback 8020 will be available in five retro colorways starting at $499, runs 99% of Android apps (www.tomshardware.com)
submitted 4 months ago by to c/hardware@lemmy.world
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Linux-based phone still ‘runs 99% of Android apps’ so you can do more with it, if you wish.

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[–] 3 points 4 months ago* (1 child)

OS has hard blocks to stop the installation of browsers and social media apps. We guess it has some kind of app store blacklist, as the device FAQ confirms, “Users are still able to sideload apps outside those that are blocked, using APK installer files, but Callback is designed first and foremost as a calmer, more intentional phone.”

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  • [–] 5 points 4 months ago*

    Total nope for browsers from FAQ:

    “Advanced users may also be able to sideload compatible APK installer files, except for social media apps and browsers.”

    Very strange strategy, and extremely flimsy reasoning for it:

    “Because the browser is the back door. Most social media, feeds, video sites, news spirals, and endless searches are still available through the web. Blocking only the apps would leave the main temptation intact.”

    Screen is 3,25” with 640x480 resolution. Good luck with social media pages. Web pages like Wikipedia would work at least adequately still.

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