Dumbphone apps instead of a real dumbphone -2
Thanks for the discussion on post 1. I understand that most of you can find workarounds for necessary apps, like using a laptop, or just carrying a separate MP3 player, a real map, and a physical wallet.
However, I'm still wondering if we can combine the simplicity of a dumbphone with the convenience of basic smartphone features.
The idea is a bit more concrete now:
- Block all apps by default, but keep the essentials unlocked (phone, payments, clock/alarm, calendar, navigation, smart home, etc.). You can still manually deactivate these if you want to.
- Whitelist a specific number of apps (e.g., 3, 5, or 8) so you can still use them normally.
- Strict configuration windows: To change your whitelist or uninstall the master app, you only get a 1-hour window each day. Outside of that hour, you're locked in. The assumption is that you'd schedule this for a time when your willpower is strong, rather than in the evening when you're prone to scrolling.
- A usage allowance for all other apps: For example, you can only open them x times per hour/day, and only for 2-5 minutes at a time.
What do you guys think of this idea? Would you use this app instead of buying a real dumbphone?
I haven't started developing it yet; I just want to gauge interest and see if a setup like this would actually help you.