7 ms·

WiPhone: A professionally-packaged Arduino phone

133 points by catherd 8y ago

neltnerb 8y ago
Looks really cool, I can imagine re-purposing it as a general purpose remote for my custom hardware. Very nice looking interface, and I use the ESP32 on the other ends usually anyway! What is involved in doing something like writing an "app" that would run on the device and send wifi commands out? Am I looking at low level C++ to interface with a LCD, or is this all in a nice API? How do you connect an API for a smartphone to an Arduino? I assume the phone part is running on the second core, does it have a lot of cycles leftover?
- catherd 8y ago
  Thanks! Yes, one of the major design motivations wasn't so much to make a phone, but to make a nicely packaged device hackers can use at the hardware level for other purposes (we are practically locked out of modern phones for a variety of reasons). Apps: The end goal is to embed a Python interpreter in the firmware, and then it would be a matter of interacting with an API in Python. Right now it's C++. I'm not sure what you mean by "connect an API for a smartphone to an Arduino". Do you mean: What does the plumbing look like between the code that calls the API and some physical pin?
  - saagarjha 8y ago
    Can Arduino run Python? Seems a bit heavyweight for an embedded system like the ESP32…
    - catherd 8y ago
      The ESP32 can run something like MicroPython or CircuitPython.
  - neltnerb 8y ago
    Yeah, I think I meant the plumbing in the sense of providing simple ways to create and draw a UI and call functions when actions are carried out. It sounds like python and perhaps FreeRTOS? I've never programmed Android or iOS, only embedded systems, so even FreeRTOS is getting a little high level for me. My question might be phrased extremely poorly. I mostly ask because in my experience writing graphics drivers for LCD displays by hand is that it is very hard and slow to run, last time I had to make a touchscreen interface it was like writing in QBasic again the functionality was so primitive. Seconds of lag because of the serial interface and all.
markovbot 8y ago
So it says all over the site that it says it's open source, but I can't find a link to the source code. Why are there embedded Facebook and Google tracking scripts in your site about a supposedly privacy-focused phone? The website doesn't the website have https. I see a lot of claims of privacy focused and openness on this page, but not a lot to back those claims up. EDIT: So I guess the source code isn't available, so I'll have to ask here: how are phone calls on this oh-so-privacy-focsed phone secured? It says VoIP, does that mean it's SIP? Does the SIP use TLS? Is the TLS verified? is the media encrypted? Is it end-to-end encrypted? What encryption is used?
- iBelieve 8y ago
  In the FAQ, under the Technical section it says: > Q: Where can I download the code? > Probably Github. After we ship the rewards. So, unfortunately, it looks like it'll only be open-sourced after it ships.
  - deleted 8y ago
    [deleted]
  - emdubs 8y ago
    Don't most licenses only require the source to be available when it ships to end users? I guess we could nitpick over the word "after" but if they ship the first phones 8am and release the code at 1pm I think it still complies.
- saagarjha 8y ago
  I don't think it'll be released until the phone is.
- voltagex_ 8y ago
  https://github.com/ESP32-WiPhone https://github.com/ESP32-WiPhone only has the keypad as open source.
- tomglynch 8y ago
  Pretty sure they're buying upvotes also 34 points by catherd 34 minutes ago 38 points by catherd 38 minutes ago 45 points by catherd 45 minutes ago
ethbro 8y ago
> makes HD voice calls, for free, over WiFi What SIP gateway are they using for free, that doesn't track you or monetize your metadata somehow? I can't find any info on the page.
- voltagex_ 8y ago
  And what "HD" codec are they using?
  - dpwm 8y ago
    Came here to ask the same thing. G.722 springs to mind as the simplest to implement that could reasonably be called "HD".
    - catherd 8y ago
      Yes, right now we use G.722. Possibly others later.
- catherd 8y ago
  There are a number of SIP gateways that you can use for free. You'd have to read their individual TOS and/or trust them about tracking and monetization. One of the other guys that's working on this has a list of a few providers that offer a free account and work with the WiPhone. I'll see if I can post it once he's here.
  - ethbro 8y ago
    The last time I looked at this space was ~10 years ago for a hobby project, so definitely curious if they exist.
- sprite 8y ago
  Also interested in this
- catherd 8y ago
  These gateways will give you a free SIP account: - linphone.org - iptel.org - opensips.org - sip2sip.info
saagarjha 8y ago
> If you need an always-connected phone capable of making calls from the side of the road or wherever you happen to be, WiPhone is not that phone. However, if you're like most of us, 80% or more of your time is spent near accessable WiFi. So this looks like a VoIP phone? I can't see myself using this, since I still need my phone to work the other 20% of the time…
- radicaldreamer 8y ago
  Yeah it’s pretty disappointing since an LTE module is cheaper than ever.
  - snazz 8y ago
    Not requiring a service subscription is one of the selling points. Additionally, there are no open-source cell basebands and they all allow your carrier to track you.
    - saagarjha 8y ago
      I see that, but I'm trying to find a use case for this that doesn't require people to carry a regular cell phone around anyways :/
  - programmarchy 8y ago
    They have a pretty good answer for this [1]. Basically, it's a black box component that introduces privacy risks and requires service plans. [1] http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte
  - catherd 8y ago
    There's a big section on the page devoted to these points, but the main reason is this: We aren't designing a phone, we're designing a device that allows hardware and low-level firmware hackers to do the things we want to do with phones, but can't due to being effectively locked out of modern smartphones. That said, it should work perfectly fine as a home or office phone, or as a light-duty mobile one. Longer reply here: http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte
jopsen 8y ago
Does it have snake?
- benmcnelly 8y ago
  Asking the real questions here.
- djsumdog 8y ago
  or tetris.
tomglynch 8y ago
Vote purchasing?
- tomglynch 8y ago
  34 points by catherd 34 minutes ago 38 points by catherd 38 minutes ago 45 points by catherd 45 minutes ago
- grzm 8y ago
  If you suspect something like this, email the mods using the Contact link in the footer.
  - tomglynch 8y ago
    Thanks, done
benmcnelly 8y ago
Love the idea (ish) and the form factor, I am a firm believer that a small and thinner (width not depth) form factor will be the future of phones until the next big leap, so a lot like this form factor, but with the ability to throw some LTE hardware in here and make a phone you can slap any pay as you go SIM in, I just wonder why not? Btw this is not the future: https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ezgif-4-fb57024668af.gif https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ezgif-4-fb...
Aeolun 8y ago
I just don’t see the point to this. If I’m on Wifi I already have my computer. Why would I need an extra phone...?
liamcardenas 8y ago
This is so cool. I will always try to support any project that takes mobile computing/communications in a more libre, hackable, privacy-respecting direction. However, I don't buy the argument for WiFi only. Sure, you are often on WiFi... But if I wanted to make a private VoIP call in such locations, I would just use my Linux laptop (or, realistically, any computer). The reason for having a phone like this is for essential communication on the go -- not just to be an application specific piece of hardware. That said, they have to start somewhere and I'm sure LTE integration is a lot of work. It's cool just to have something like this being developed. Keep it up!
- catherd 8y ago
  If you give me a team that's already delivered a modern smartphone design from scratch I'll have a tilt at that windmill. :) For now this is a realistic goal. We'll see what happens after.
  - djsumdog 8y ago
    I don't think that's what's being asked for. What would be valuable here is simply having a GSM/LTE radio with sim slot. I realize it would most likely be properitery/closed source (are there open source cell antennas/firmware?) but at least having that option would be way more useful than Wi-Fi.
  - liamcardenas 8y ago
    I totally get it. This is a good start. I'm a big fan of achievable goals. The website seems to be trying to suggest that WiFi only is a feature -- which I disagree with. No harm in just saying you will get to it eventually, imo (maybe you do say that further down the page)
- 1024core 8y ago
  Why not use one of those mobile hotspots? Sure, it's one extra thing to carry around; but now your phone always works.
  - 8y ago
cwyers 8y ago
> If you need an always-connected phone capable of making calls from the side of the road or wherever you happen to be, WiPhone is not that phone. However, if you're like most of us, 80% or more of your time is spent near accessable WiFi. Except the 20% of the time where I'm not near wifi is when it's often the most useful to be able to use a phone -- when I'm on the side of the road with a car problem, for instance.
blaze33 8y ago
But isn't it illegal to sell phones having no secret backdoors? Edit: /s obviously ;) but open source phones for improved privacy and control are always welcome!
shezi 8y ago
Lots of comments here focus on the fact that this device is WiFi-only and not a "real" cell phone. I find this sad. Are LTE calls really the only use case you can think of for a device that has its source code open, has WiFi and Bluetooth, carries an LCD, a microphone, and a keypad? How boring! I am really excited about the wiphone, here are some of the ideas I have for it: * 2FA token generator * IoT remote * retro game console * modern game platform (think pokedex etc) * educational hacking And those are just off the top of my head. Essentially, it's a wonderful package for an ESP32 that makes creating useful devices out of that wonderful little processor even simpler.
- catherd 8y ago
  Thank you. Talking to people about this project often feels like 80% explaining why they don't actually need LTE for this use case, and 15% listening to whining that we haven't released the source code yet :)
  - iBelieve 8y ago
    I can understand the 15% complaining that you haven't released the source yet - your website very clearly calls this an "open source mobile phone". Something can't be open source if the code hasn't been released yet under an open source license. It might be open source in the future, but it isn't yet, in direct contrast to multiple claims on your website.
    - catherd 8y ago
      You're 100% technically correct, but "WiPhone: A Phone That Will Almost Certainly Release The Code Later As Open Source" doesn't flow quite so well. It's also not a phone you can buy today, should we put a disclaimer about it not being a real device either?
      - jonnydubowsky 8y ago
        I think this project looks awesome. I get why you aren't releasing the source code until launch, as I've heard of many interesting Kickstarter projects finding a knockoff on sale before they even ship! So long as you ship it with the source code, you are in good shape. Good luck with the launch!
steve19 8y ago
Depending on the cost I would definitely buy one as a hackable remote. For now the esp32 based M5stack fills this role. If someone builds a backplate with 4G I would definitely consider this to replace my smartphone.
jimmies 8y ago
As a person who likes Arduino very much, I have to ask: Why Arduino? It seems like you have to design a quite complex system here with many parts and gears to communicate and synchronize together. You'll need an OS for that kind of work. Arduino is not the language/paradigm for that kind of sophistication: even multi-threading will require some kind of hack. It seems like an Arduino-phone is a development nightmare just waiting to come out.
- catherd 8y ago
  It's not ideal for a few reasons, but it's what most of the people who play with hardware know, and there are lots of libraries out there for interacting with sensors, displays, etc. If the project gets big enough we may split it into 2 versions, one Arduino and one with a proper RTOS. That said, at this level using interrupts and a state machine is pretty workable, so I wouldn't say multiple threads are a must. Would probably make it easier for regular programmers to pick up and start developing with, though.
dang 8y ago
Please don't put "Show HN" on posts about projects that aren't out yet. It's against the rules: https://news.ycombinator.com/showhn.html https://news.ycombinator.com/showhn.html.
catherd 8y ago
Dang suggested I post these links, as support that the project is far enough along to merit being considered "real": Build logs here: https://hackaday.io/project/159811-esp32-wiphone https://hackaday.io/project/159811-esp32-wiphone YouTube videos showing the phone working: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUi0AFZymOmszc-LLFISStQ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUi0AFZymOmszc-LLFISStQ
- em-bee 8y ago
  looks interesting, but what is the price? even an estimate would be helpful.
  - catherd 8y ago
    under $100
- tinus_hn 8y ago
  Did you consider adding a DECT antenna?
  - catherd 8y ago
    It could potentially be done as a daughterboard. It's not on the immediate priority list, but especially if businesses start buying these and using them on corporate networks it might become important. I feel like most hobbyists aren't that interested in DECT. Too old. LoRa is apparently the hot thing if you are a hobbyist. :)
kaiwen1 8y ago
My family of four decided to go Wifi only on our iPhones five months ago. We've encountered a few inconvenient moments but nothing that has caused us to reconsider and go back to cellular service. We live in an area with wifi in practically every retail space. It's easy. Just requires a tiny bit more overhead for planning. The payback is having no internet temptation away from wifi spaces.
- dwild 8y ago
  Don't you need cellular service some time when you are away? A small car issue become a much bigger issue without a simple phone call to CAA. I can understand avoiding data service (even more so if you have enough wifi around you), but cellular, I think that's an actual big loss.
__MatrixMan__ 8y ago
> "Micropython for user applications" If I'm not at work, the only app I use regularly is Signal. Can anyone comment on the feasibility of making a Signal client for this device? I'd love to ditch my phone on the weekends and carry this instead.
- jki275 8y ago
  Highly unlikely you'll get Signal to run on an Arduino.
deleted 8y ago
[deleted]
deleted 8y ago
[deleted]

133 points by catherd 8y ago

Looks really cool, I can imagine re-purposing it as a general purpose remote for my custom hardware. Very nice looking interface, and I use the ESP32 on the other ends usually anyway! What is involved in doing something like writing an "app" that would run on the device and send wifi commands out? Am I looking at low level C++ to interface with a LCD, or is this all in a nice API? How do you connect an API for a smartphone to an Arduino? I assume the phone part is running on the second core, does it have a lot of cycles leftover?

catherd 8y ago
Thanks! Yes, one of the major design motivations wasn't so much to make a phone, but to make a nicely packaged device hackers can use at the hardware level for other purposes (we are practically locked out of modern phones for a variety of reasons). Apps: The end goal is to embed a Python interpreter in the firmware, and then it would be a matter of interacting with an API in Python. Right now it's C++. I'm not sure what you mean by "connect an API for a smartphone to an Arduino". Do you mean: What does the plumbing look like between the code that calls the API and some physical pin?
- saagarjha 8y ago
  Can Arduino run Python? Seems a bit heavyweight for an embedded system like the ESP32…
  - catherd 8y ago
    The ESP32 can run something like MicroPython or CircuitPython.
- neltnerb 8y ago
  Yeah, I think I meant the plumbing in the sense of providing simple ways to create and draw a UI and call functions when actions are carried out. It sounds like python and perhaps FreeRTOS? I've never programmed Android or iOS, only embedded systems, so even FreeRTOS is getting a little high level for me. My question might be phrased extremely poorly. I mostly ask because in my experience writing graphics drivers for LCD displays by hand is that it is very hard and slow to run, last time I had to make a touchscreen interface it was like writing in QBasic again the functionality was so primitive. Seconds of lag because of the serial interface and all.

markovbot 8y ago

So it says all over the site that it says it's open source, but I can't find a link to the source code. Why are there embedded Facebook and Google tracking scripts in your site about a supposedly privacy-focused phone? The website doesn't the website have https. I see a lot of claims of privacy focused and openness on this page, but not a lot to back those claims up. EDIT: So I guess the source code isn't available, so I'll have to ask here: how are phone calls on this oh-so-privacy-focsed phone secured? It says VoIP, does that mean it's SIP? Does the SIP use TLS? Is the TLS verified? is the media encrypted? Is it end-to-end encrypted? What encryption is used?

iBelieve 8y ago
In the FAQ, under the Technical section it says: > Q: Where can I download the code? > Probably Github. After we ship the rewards. So, unfortunately, it looks like it'll only be open-sourced after it ships.
- deleted 8y ago
  [deleted]
- emdubs 8y ago
  Don't most licenses only require the source to be available when it ships to end users? I guess we could nitpick over the word "after" but if they ship the first phones 8am and release the code at 1pm I think it still complies.
saagarjha 8y ago
I don't think it'll be released until the phone is.
voltagex_ 8y ago
https://github.com/ESP32-WiPhone https://github.com/ESP32-WiPhone only has the keypad as open source.
tomglynch 8y ago
Pretty sure they're buying upvotes also 34 points by catherd 34 minutes ago 38 points by catherd 38 minutes ago 45 points by catherd 45 minutes ago

ethbro 8y ago

> makes HD voice calls, for free, over WiFi What SIP gateway are they using for free, that doesn't track you or monetize your metadata somehow? I can't find any info on the page.

voltagex_ 8y ago
And what "HD" codec are they using?
- dpwm 8y ago
  Came here to ask the same thing. G.722 springs to mind as the simplest to implement that could reasonably be called "HD".
  - catherd 8y ago
    Yes, right now we use G.722. Possibly others later.
catherd 8y ago
There are a number of SIP gateways that you can use for free. You'd have to read their individual TOS and/or trust them about tracking and monetization. One of the other guys that's working on this has a list of a few providers that offer a free account and work with the WiPhone. I'll see if I can post it once he's here.
- ethbro 8y ago
  The last time I looked at this space was ~10 years ago for a hobby project, so definitely curious if they exist.
sprite 8y ago
Also interested in this
catherd 8y ago
These gateways will give you a free SIP account: - linphone.org - iptel.org - opensips.org - sip2sip.info

saagarjha 8y ago

> If you need an always-connected phone capable of making calls from the side of the road or wherever you happen to be, WiPhone is not that phone. However, if you're like most of us, 80% or more of your time is spent near accessable WiFi. So this looks like a VoIP phone? I can't see myself using this, since I still need my phone to work the other 20% of the time…

radicaldreamer 8y ago
Yeah it’s pretty disappointing since an LTE module is cheaper than ever.
- snazz 8y ago
  Not requiring a service subscription is one of the selling points. Additionally, there are no open-source cell basebands and they all allow your carrier to track you.
  - saagarjha 8y ago
    I see that, but I'm trying to find a use case for this that doesn't require people to carry a regular cell phone around anyways :/
- programmarchy 8y ago
  They have a pretty good answer for this [1]. Basically, it's a black box component that introduces privacy risks and requires service plans. [1] http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte
- catherd 8y ago
  There's a big section on the page devoted to these points, but the main reason is this: We aren't designing a phone, we're designing a device that allows hardware and low-level firmware hackers to do the things we want to do with phones, but can't due to being effectively locked out of modern smartphones. That said, it should work perfectly fine as a home or office phone, or as a light-duty mobile one. Longer reply here: http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte http://a.wiphone.io/#but-i-need-my-gsmcdmalte

jopsen 8y ago

Does it have snake?

benmcnelly 8y ago
Asking the real questions here.
djsumdog 8y ago
or tetris.

tomglynch 8y ago

Vote purchasing?

tomglynch 8y ago
34 points by catherd 34 minutes ago 38 points by catherd 38 minutes ago 45 points by catherd 45 minutes ago
grzm 8y ago
If you suspect something like this, email the mods using the Contact link in the footer.
- tomglynch 8y ago
  Thanks, done

benmcnelly 8y ago

Love the idea (ish) and the form factor, I am a firm believer that a small and thinner (width not depth) form factor will be the future of phones until the next big leap, so a lot like this form factor, but with the ability to throw some LTE hardware in here and make a phone you can slap any pay as you go SIM in, I just wonder why not? Btw this is not the future: https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ezgif-4-fb57024668af.gif https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ezgif-4-fb...

Aeolun 8y ago

I just don’t see the point to this. If I’m on Wifi I already have my computer. Why would I need an extra phone...?

liamcardenas 8y ago

This is so cool. I will always try to support any project that takes mobile computing/communications in a more libre, hackable, privacy-respecting direction. However, I don't buy the argument for WiFi only. Sure, you are often on WiFi... But if I wanted to make a private VoIP call in such locations, I would just use my Linux laptop (or, realistically, any computer). The reason for having a phone like this is for essential communication on the go -- not just to be an application specific piece of hardware. That said, they have to start somewhere and I'm sure LTE integration is a lot of work. It's cool just to have something like this being developed. Keep it up!

catherd 8y ago
If you give me a team that's already delivered a modern smartphone design from scratch I'll have a tilt at that windmill. :) For now this is a realistic goal. We'll see what happens after.
- djsumdog 8y ago
  I don't think that's what's being asked for. What would be valuable here is simply having a GSM/LTE radio with sim slot. I realize it would most likely be properitery/closed source (are there open source cell antennas/firmware?) but at least having that option would be way more useful than Wi-Fi.
- liamcardenas 8y ago
  I totally get it. This is a good start. I'm a big fan of achievable goals. The website seems to be trying to suggest that WiFi only is a feature -- which I disagree with. No harm in just saying you will get to it eventually, imo (maybe you do say that further down the page)
1024core 8y ago
Why not use one of those mobile hotspots? Sure, it's one extra thing to carry around; but now your phone always works.
- 8y ago

cwyers 8y ago

> If you need an always-connected phone capable of making calls from the side of the road or wherever you happen to be, WiPhone is not that phone. However, if you're like most of us, 80% or more of your time is spent near accessable WiFi. Except the 20% of the time where I'm not near wifi is when it's often the most useful to be able to use a phone -- when I'm on the side of the road with a car problem, for instance.

blaze33 8y ago

But isn't it illegal to sell phones having no secret backdoors? Edit: /s obviously ;) but open source phones for improved privacy and control are always welcome!

shezi 8y ago

Lots of comments here focus on the fact that this device is WiFi-only and not a "real" cell phone. I find this sad. Are LTE calls really the only use case you can think of for a device that has its source code open, has WiFi and Bluetooth, carries an LCD, a microphone, and a keypad? How boring! I am really excited about the wiphone, here are some of the ideas I have for it: * 2FA token generator * IoT remote * retro game console * modern game platform (think pokedex etc) * educational hacking And those are just off the top of my head. Essentially, it's a wonderful package for an ESP32 that makes creating useful devices out of that wonderful little processor even simpler.

catherd 8y ago
Thank you. Talking to people about this project often feels like 80% explaining why they don't actually need LTE for this use case, and 15% listening to whining that we haven't released the source code yet :)
- iBelieve 8y ago
  I can understand the 15% complaining that you haven't released the source yet - your website very clearly calls this an "open source mobile phone". Something can't be open source if the code hasn't been released yet under an open source license. It might be open source in the future, but it isn't yet, in direct contrast to multiple claims on your website.
  - catherd 8y ago
    You're 100% technically correct, but "WiPhone: A Phone That Will Almost Certainly Release The Code Later As Open Source" doesn't flow quite so well. It's also not a phone you can buy today, should we put a disclaimer about it not being a real device either?
    - jonnydubowsky 8y ago
      I think this project looks awesome. I get why you aren't releasing the source code until launch, as I've heard of many interesting Kickstarter projects finding a knockoff on sale before they even ship! So long as you ship it with the source code, you are in good shape. Good luck with the launch!

steve19 8y ago

Depending on the cost I would definitely buy one as a hackable remote. For now the esp32 based M5stack fills this role. If someone builds a backplate with 4G I would definitely consider this to replace my smartphone.

jimmies 8y ago

As a person who likes Arduino very much, I have to ask: Why Arduino? It seems like you have to design a quite complex system here with many parts and gears to communicate and synchronize together. You'll need an OS for that kind of work. Arduino is not the language/paradigm for that kind of sophistication: even multi-threading will require some kind of hack. It seems like an Arduino-phone is a development nightmare just waiting to come out.

catherd 8y ago
It's not ideal for a few reasons, but it's what most of the people who play with hardware know, and there are lots of libraries out there for interacting with sensors, displays, etc. If the project gets big enough we may split it into 2 versions, one Arduino and one with a proper RTOS. That said, at this level using interrupts and a state machine is pretty workable, so I wouldn't say multiple threads are a must. Would probably make it easier for regular programmers to pick up and start developing with, though.

dang 8y ago

Please don't put "Show HN" on posts about projects that aren't out yet. It's against the rules: https://news.ycombinator.com/showhn.html https://news.ycombinator.com/showhn.html.

catherd 8y ago

Dang suggested I post these links, as support that the project is far enough along to merit being considered "real": Build logs here: https://hackaday.io/project/159811-esp32-wiphone https://hackaday.io/project/159811-esp32-wiphone YouTube videos showing the phone working: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUi0AFZymOmszc-LLFISStQ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUi0AFZymOmszc-LLFISStQ

em-bee 8y ago
looks interesting, but what is the price? even an estimate would be helpful.
- catherd 8y ago
  under $100
tinus_hn 8y ago
Did you consider adding a DECT antenna?
- catherd 8y ago
  It could potentially be done as a daughterboard. It's not on the immediate priority list, but especially if businesses start buying these and using them on corporate networks it might become important. I feel like most hobbyists aren't that interested in DECT. Too old. LoRa is apparently the hot thing if you are a hobbyist. :)

kaiwen1 8y ago

My family of four decided to go Wifi only on our iPhones five months ago. We've encountered a few inconvenient moments but nothing that has caused us to reconsider and go back to cellular service. We live in an area with wifi in practically every retail space. It's easy. Just requires a tiny bit more overhead for planning. The payback is having no internet temptation away from wifi spaces.

dwild 8y ago
Don't you need cellular service some time when you are away? A small car issue become a much bigger issue without a simple phone call to CAA. I can understand avoiding data service (even more so if you have enough wifi around you), but cellular, I think that's an actual big loss.

__MatrixMan__ 8y ago

> "Micropython for user applications" If I'm not at work, the only app I use regularly is Signal. Can anyone comment on the feasibility of making a Signal client for this device? I'd love to ditch my phone on the weekends and carry this instead.

jki275 8y ago
Highly unlikely you'll get Signal to run on an Arduino.

deleted 8y ago

[deleted]

deleted 8y ago

[deleted]