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"We Listened" - Commodore Reduces The Price Of Its Forthcoming Callback 8020 'Dumbphone' (www.timeextension.com)
submitted 4 months ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Announced a short time ago, the Callback 8020 is seen as a means of combating the addictive lure of the modern-day smartphone. While it supports Android apps via its SailfishOS, it disables features like web browsing and social media by default.

However, despite the noble quest for a 'digital detox', the phone met with a somewhat frosty reception online (no pun intended), with many comparing it to an elderly relative's flip phone. In our poll, 70 percent of you said you wouldn't be buying one.

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[–] 5 points 4 months ago (5 children)

Except for the "A browser on rare occasions", which sadly is likely the only thing stopping me from buying this at the new far more palatable price. I don't need to be treated like a baby, but apparently this is considered a core feature of the phone and they won't back down from it.

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  • [–] 4 points 4 months ago (2 children)

    I 100% agree with this. This is SO CLOSE to getting it and offering a phone I actually want. But I want to own my devices and decide what I do on them. The thing hard locking me out of a browser (and discord) is unfortunately a deal breaker. I don't want the hardware mfr to have a say in how I use the device and treat me like a literal child in the process. It's disappointing.

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    I was also thinking about buying it, but I want my phone to be my phone.

    I actually use my browser from time to time. What is the use of a phone if you need a "backup phone" just to look something up?

    Also, their reasoning for blocking the browser is absurd: "you could use the browser to access social media." I don't use TikTok, Instagram, X, or the like, so why do I need to be nannied?

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago

    Exactly. I can understand them not installing a browser by default as part of their "principled stance against social media", but blocking the install entirely is WILD. I also do wonder how they actually do that though... Just a list of "known browsers" and blocking their install? It's Linux - what if we fork a browser and rename it "totally not firefox", would it even catch it?

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