The world is a much smaller place these days. We are more connected than ever with instant access to a seemingly endless supply of communication and social platforms and apps. Even though we have this power to connect to anyone anywhere anytime, are we more connected?
One of the downsides of the development of the smart phone is that it has created "addicts", people who are constantly staring at their phone and letting experiences in the real world pass them by. In some cases people have even thought they felt their phone vibrate when it wasn't on them, suffering from a similar effect that is sometimes seen in amputees who have "phantom pains" in extremities that are no longer there.
For many people totally unplugging from the world isn't easy or an option at all. Personally there have multiple times I wanted to ditch my smart phone, but still wanted to have the ability to do basic communication in case of an emergency.
Introducing Light Phone...
Light Phone
Light Phone is a new device that is meant to work with and compliment your existing smart phone.
The company is looking the same problems I addressed in the beginning of this article, being overly connected and addicted to our smart phones.
"Our time & attention are the two most important things that we take for granted the hundred of times a day we reach for our screens."
"So many products are claiming to "make our lives better". They are engineered to keep us hooked. They are being built & funded because we will become addicted to them, not because we ever needed them. You see, we are human, and we are vulnerable. Being more "connected" couldn't possibly make us any happier. "
"Our phone have become our nervous habit, our invisible crutch. We find ourselves reaching for them without thinking. We love their illusion of productivity & stimulation that is socially acceptable to abuse. Multitasking is a myth, it is addictive and exhausting. It is glorified procrastination. When we consume so fast, there is no way for us to appreciate anything, and appreciation gives our lives meaning & purpose. "
What is The Light Phone?
The Light Phone is a discreet credit card sized mobile phone designed to be used as little as possible. It is the only phone designed to be used as your second phone as a seamless extension of you smartphone. It is an unlocked 2G GSM phone that works independent of your current plan, but using our unique software platform it can keep your same phone number. The Light Phone is easily set up and controlled via an app on your computer. Other features are limited to nine speed dials and a time display.
An active SIM is required because the phone is not tethered, it will work regardless of where your smartphone is. The cost of using our service is approximately $5/month in the United States. Source
What are the specifications?
Color Matte White / Matte Black
Weight 38.5 grams
Processor Qualcomm 8208
Display OLED
Battery 3 Days Standby
SIM Nano SIM
Connector Micro USB
Language English
Connection GSM 850/900 1800/1900 MHz
How does it work?
The Light Phone is your second phone, like how we have different shoes for different occasions, this is your phone for going light. Out of the box, plug the phone into your computer and download our app. The phone will update, an account will be created, and you will set up your 9 speed dials. To go light, you will need to turn on call forwarding on your smartphone using a contact that the app creates for you. (Note: your carrier must support call forwarding for this to be possible) The Light Phone will use your existing phone number for outbound calls. The Light Phone is a new product, and the experience will be evolving and improving over time.
The Light Phone is currently availible in black and white, retailing for $150 USD
I really like the idea of this product, as I said before I think having the ability to limit my connectivity to a basic level could have real value. That being said there are other products similar to this that could achieve the same result.
The other thing that annoys me is that the website promotes the company as a feel good, trendy, lifestyle kind of a deal and the phones are made by Foxconn, you know the company that had to install suicide nets, because employees were jumping off the roof. On the company's blog there are pictures of the factories and workers. I don't know, glamorizing mass Chinese labor seems kind of strange.
I don't think I would personally buy a Light Phone, but I think the mere fact it exists, says a lot about where we are as a society as it relates to technology.
https://www.thelightphone.com/#phonetile
What do you guys think?
Would you like to use one of these devices to ditch your smart phone on occasion?
What about the concept/ design?
Any other thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!