4 ms·

False dichotomy between smart phones and "dumb" phones is what leads the article. I'd start with recasting the comparison as small, portable, radio-enabled, op

by m3047 3y ago

False dichotomy between smart phones and "dumb" phones is what leads the article. I'd start with recasting the comparison as small, portable, radio-enabled, opaque computers which can be used poorly as phones (most people don't spend most of their time using them as phones) and devices engineered to serve as phones, which poorly do other things. For me, the comparison is between a smart phone and every other computer and computing environment I can engineer and use. I also have "found" access opportunities. I have lots of options. I don't own or carry a smartphone; my wife owns a smartphone but oftentimes doesn't carry it. We've got tablets, desktops, and private servers. I carry a flip phone with tactile keys, which I seldom use for calls. I use it for SMS-based 2FA; I have TOTP on a laptop and a desktop. My phone cost me $10 to purchase, $20 a month for service. It goes three for four days without charging, and I can turn it off (handy for my secret life as a spy). I'm a certified UI / application consultant for an IC SCADA platform. If I was speccing mobile / portable platforms for an IC / field use application, I would consider smartphones but there are better options allowing for numerous nonfunctional requirements, interfacing with e.g. bar codes and RFID, usability in adverse conditions, ruggedness, etc. Biggest downside is that tiny screen, and the lack of any alleged "mobile" interface which supports it. To the point where I have rolled a couple of (server based) applications myself to access a contacts database and a todo list, although that's pretty much an "emergency use only" situation.

m3047 3y ago
Furthermore, at home we have a VOIP service which lets us plug in a 900 MHz traditional base station and we have real "phone type" wireless phones around the house. The VOIP service costs $20/month for the deluxe service which includes call history, NoMoRobo, two numbers, selective ringing, forwarding to mobile, and the list goes on.
eesmith 3y ago
The paper, appendix A, describes the terminology: > Our use of dumb is in accordance with the preferred terminology of our participants, to signify the benefits of the devices, as being dumb is a prized state, that strips away the – in participants’ perspectives – negative features of smartphones. They are often characterized by a tactile T-9 keyboard (or, nine-button) and lack of touchscreen. In most cases, their form and contents have been minimally updated since the advent of smartphones; while some models may offer more contemporary features, such as integration of modern messengers, they are ultimately designed for individuals who either cannot afford a smartphone, or use the device as a kind of pre-smartphone. Engaging with these smartphone-staple features, such as modern messengers or a Web browser, are cumbersome and the form factor of the device hinders easy engagement. They also define "Feature phones", "Designer dumbphone", and "Smartphone", so it is not a simple dichotomy ("A division into two contrasting things or parts"). They also comment "we choose to report in the language of our participants for whom dumb is a compliment, while recognizing that it is not a unanimously accepted term".

by m3047 3y ago

m3047 3y ago

Furthermore, at home we have a VOIP service which lets us plug in a 900 MHz traditional base station and we have real "phone type" wireless phones around the house. The VOIP service costs $20/month for the deluxe service which includes call history, NoMoRobo, two numbers, selective ringing, forwarding to mobile, and the list goes on.

eesmith 3y ago

The paper, appendix A, describes the terminology: > Our use of dumb is in accordance with the preferred terminology of our participants, to signify the benefits of the devices, as being dumb is a prized state, that strips away the – in participants’ perspectives – negative features of smartphones. They are often characterized by a tactile T-9 keyboard (or, nine-button) and lack of touchscreen. In most cases, their form and contents have been minimally updated since the advent of smartphones; while some models may offer more contemporary features, such as integration of modern messengers, they are ultimately designed for individuals who either cannot afford a smartphone, or use the device as a kind of pre-smartphone. Engaging with these smartphone-staple features, such as modern messengers or a Web browser, are cumbersome and the form factor of the device hinders easy engagement. They also define "Feature phones", "Designer dumbphone", and "Smartphone", so it is not a simple dichotomy ("A division into two contrasting things or parts"). They also comment "we choose to report in the language of our participants for whom dumb is a compliment, while recognizing that it is not a unanimously accepted term".