People are looking for phones with no extra features in an era of technology overload.
Self-defined neo-Luddites and tech-stressed people are looking for phones with minimal features. Experts point to unstable profits and a shaky market for this niche segment.
Many people realize that accessing the world through a smartphone comes at a price. These devices can reduce concentration, affect sleep, and impair mental health.
Parents buy these phones to protect their children from the distractions of smartphones. But these devices are also popular among the elderly, heavy industry workers, and those who can't afford expensive smartphones. The purchase of such devices has become a trend among teenagers seeking to get away from social networks.
Also, the Swiss company Punkt has released a simplified smartphone for $750. These devices are aimed at the premium segment and are intended for users who want to reduce digital addiction.
Ghost Mode offers a different approach, reprogramming Google Pixel 6a smartphones to meet the needs of customers and blocking unnecessary applications. This service costs $600 and can attract users who want to reduce digital addiction without giving up smartphones.
Self-defined neo-Luddites and tech-stressed people are looking for phones with minimal features. Experts point to unstable profits and a shaky market for this niche segment.
The impact of smartphones on your life
This year, the iPhone turns 17 years old. The advent of a touch-enabled device has changed our expectations for smartphones. Almost an entire generation grew up not knowing life without smartphones. During this time, people learned about both the positive and negative aspects of these devices, based on numerous scientific studies or their own experience.Many people realize that accessing the world through a smartphone comes at a price. These devices can reduce concentration, affect sleep, and impair mental health.
Switching to "stupid" phones
There are simple ways to minimize these issues, such as installing apps to limit screen time. However, some people go further and go back to phones with basic features. Such devices are called "stupid" phones. Some of them resemble clamshell phones from the 90s, others are niche high-end products with limited features.Parents buy these phones to protect their children from the distractions of smartphones. But these devices are also popular among the elderly, heavy industry workers, and those who can't afford expensive smartphones. The purchase of such devices has become a trend among teenagers seeking to get away from social networks.
Problems and prospects of the market
Despite the demand, manufacturers are not interested in releasing such devices. Smartphones make up the vast majority of sales, and it's not economically viable to produce and upgrade "stupid" phones.Alternative solutions
Some companies are still trying to find success in this segment. For example, Light offers a" Light Phone", a minimalized phone that costs $299. The device has basic functions and is designed for those who want to reduce the use of technology.Also, the Swiss company Punkt has released a simplified smartphone for $750. These devices are aimed at the premium segment and are intended for users who want to reduce digital addiction.
Ghost Mode offers a different approach, reprogramming Google Pixel 6a smartphones to meet the needs of customers and blocking unnecessary applications. This service costs $600 and can attract users who want to reduce digital addiction without giving up smartphones.
