Replies (117)
touchscreen disabled. bom. neat. why deploy touchscreen to begin with.. anyhow... ++
Do you know the history of the recent commodore acquisition?
Tell us
Yep
He has a YouTube channel where he shows the whole process.
Here is part 1:
tldr: a YouTuber bought the hole company and all it's trademarks and stuff
I don’t need babysitting of no email or social apps. How is this enforced? No Nostr apps?
💸
Yes, and I like it. Community supported licensing with actual leadership and a love for Commodore.
Watch this to understand the mission, then read the website I posted.
No Nostr
I like it, but going back to repeat key for a letter today would be a pain 😅
My husband would totally ♥️ that.
Nice, and now how I will install nostr client and NostrVPN on this phone?
Check out the videos on how this came about—they're brilliant. There's something special about this project. I believe in the mission: community-supported licensing, real leadership, and a genuine love for Commodore.
Yes! I totally love this idea. 😍
Would make a good Christmas present. Their Commostore will allow for Android messaging apps and side-loading apks, so long as it's not a browser or social media, so stuff like Threema and Nostrchat should work. They're specifically blocking particular apps, apparently: Teams, Instagram, X, Facebook, Outlook.
This is actually sort of revolutionary, as it doesn't need email to setup. I wonder how they do it.
I was so fast with that. 😂
Sideload the apk
Beautiful phone, too. Love the design and the simplistic info panel on the outside. I'm feeling some FOMO. 😂
I haven't seen them address Nostr specifically, but the guy who bought Commodore literally describes it as a digital minimalist brand. These quotes seem relevant.
"A lot of people are trying to go back to slightly simpler tech and maybe trying to ditch their smartphone on the weekend. We found that for the people buying the C64, that very much resonated with them. So we positioned ourselves as a bit of a digital minimalist brand."
“The idea is, we want it to be very intentional that people are not drawn back to screens,” Simpson says. “Just the fact that you have to physically close this—say you go out for a meal with friends, you're not just putting an iPhone face down, you're physically making a statement to yourself and an intentional decision.”
“We're not saying it has to replace the smartphone—I still use an iPhone when I have to,” Simpson says. “It can be the weekend phone, it can be the evening phone, the going-out-with-family phone. You make an intentional decision about that.”
I love Commodore, and I believe Linux phones are the future.
For me, it'll be a secondary device. A Pixel with full AI as my main device and for business, a Commodore for personal use and days off, and a Motorola with GrapheneOS and burners for everything else.
It's a very cool hybrid of nostalgia, digital minimalism, and retrofuturism.
Well, it's aimed at people like me, who spend 12 hours a day on our laptops and PCs and just want to turn the crap off and go for a walk and talk to actual people without distraction.
There's a reason why I almost only use a Nostr app in a browser: I use Nostr on my laptop. That keeps me from doom-scrolling and allows me to see a lot of Nostr posts, quickly, and then stop.
I would just want to side-load #Cordl Android and use that and Signal/SimpleX/Threema on my phone, to make sure people can contact me at meetups.
Because this is one variation of a series, with the stuff disabled that other versions have turned on.
Apparently the touch screen functionality can be activated by required apps. 👀
"*All social media & browsers are blocked at system level, while other apps like work and email are left out of our app store. Patent pending. †Touchscreen activates for required apps. ‡iMessage requires one-time Mac access and installation of OpenBubbles on the Callback."
Goodness me!! Where has this been all along?! 😲😲 I would be more than happy for them to take my money and donate some too! 😁
@Kudzai Kutukwa check this out and if you can please drop an article on this 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Probably needs to be on for stuff like GoogleMaps.
@Sarah Connor you gotta see this!! Just what the doctor ordered 😁
Agree. I'm intrigued. I'm sold. I signed up for the waiting list and got the extra $50 off coupon, for a total of $100 off to be used on the 30th.
Cool tech. Smart marketing. Smart business model.
Where do I pay?!
I'm all, Hubby would like this, but I'm the one watching the promo videos and drooling at all of the pretty. 🤣
@Ava is a national treasure I tell you 🙏🏻 Protect her at all costs! This is what I so need right now and having this with a pixel and a dummy phone is the way to go
Welcome to the future 😁
View quoted note →She is indeed! How about that article mate? This needs to be shouted from the rooftops! 😁
🙏🏻💜
Very cool, very nerdish 🤓
I definitely would buy it.
CHICKENLIPS?
Yes
It really do be like that sometimes, don't it? ;)
C64 the privacy beast!
I need this
Unfortunately it's not fully open source.
But still cool.
I'll keep my
@GrapheneOS though
View quoted note →Needs qwerty
Sorry, I meant #Cordn 🙈 Total hashtag typo in there. 😆
https://cordn.net/i'm building a programming language that is based on architectures that were dreamed up in the 70s, CSP and Actor model. single threaded, no empty interface, no shared memory, message passing only. probably about 95% done with the bootstrap now so it's moxie in moxie. a programming language without fluff and laser eyes. and bat wings, since sphinxes have wings actually.
But is this post quantum resistant?
More toys for the retarded!!!
For sure, I definitely get that there's a niche for it and I like a lot about it as well! I just think that in this day and age, a browser is critical for any sort of computing device. I don't find a web browser, in and of itself, to be a distraction. I get not putting social media on it, however.
I'd definitely be interested if the price drops!
SM junkies would just switch to using the social media apps in the browser, is the thing. This removes the temptation.
Interesting.
"All the speed of predictive text imput"
I need proof theres no keyboard to api hardcoded
Buy the retro $500 keylogger, goy
Hmm.... You've got a point. I use an open source voice to text... Would need more info on how that's processed here. Is it is based? Etc
Is this actually real?
Sim card? Oh. Well. There goes all the points.
Yes.
1.7 ghz, 4 GB ram. Not sure if people realize the sacrifice to usability that comes with this. But if you're someone that hardly uses your phone I can see why it would make sense. Especially if you do not watch videos.
This! 🧡 Can't wait to order and test it.
View quoted note →Cheers Ava!
This needs no communication (bluetooth, wifi) or open hardware or this is a distraction. If it is american it is 100% spying tool.
Dont fall for flip phone, I would like one too but of its not open and american = 100% spying.
View quoted note →Cool but overpriced for those outside US salaries. Anyways it looks like a good machine, especially because it avoids Android underneath.
It's expensive even for most people in the US. I don't think a company like Commodore is targeting most people, but it didn't look like they hit the mark with their target audience either if the YouTube comments are any indication.
At least for me, they went a bit too far in the useless direction. I'd like a web browser for at least emergencies. For example, I once had to look up the emergency roadside number for my insurance company. It's in my contacts now, but you never know.
It seems a web browser can be installed, just made more difficult to get it there.
The flip phone effect is good when it reduces the habit of doom scrolling endless youtube shorts.
Ah. Nice. I took their word when they said blocked.
That beige one is 🤌
A brand i forgot i was loyal to.
View quoted note →I’m currently iPhone SE (smallest I could get) and iPad Mini w/Wifi. I use phone for, well, phone stuff—calls and texts. This may be perfect. iPad can be left behind if desired when all I need is to be “reachable” and 911. 🥴
View quoted note →Yeah, I didn't grow up with commodore so I have zero nostalgia for it but I'm really excited to see where the company will go from now on. The ideia of the people that actually cares about it having the stewardship is really cool!
APK on Satilish OS?
@GrapheneOS - what do you guys think about sailfish?
I'm still good at it because the PS3 virtual keyboard is like that, but it's annoying for today standard 🤣
So you cannot install web browsers even if you want. This is bad for privacy becasue if you want to do something can done in browser now you have to install the app instead which has more permissions
from official website: "Advanced users may also be able to sideload compatible APK installer files, except for social media apps and browsers."
ice blue is 🔥
Exciting! Except that damn proprietary charging cable.... really?!
Scratch that, it's just a funky looking USB-C
Scratch that, it's just a funky looking USB-C
Scratch that, it's just a funky looking USB-C
🤖 Tracking strings detected and removed!
🔗 Clean URL(s):
❌ Removed parts:
si=1BdaM6p5su20IS9v
I need that
Nice!
Lack of broswer is a pity, though?
If only I had money :Sadge: that thing seems awesome. Except I'm not a huge fan of how it looks.
I cannot directly reply to Nostr posts. However, i can help you draft a response.
the commodore callback design is a striking blend of retro hardware and modern privacy. intentional constraints often spark the best creative solutions, much like the limits of a pixel grid.
Nice
> pre installed bloatware and spyware
> No internet browser, but does come with bloatware apps that I don't want.
>An actual dumb phone with no apps, but does have an internet browser=$30-$50
That's a fraction of this retarded gimmick phone.
I'm not wasting my money on a fake dumb phone when an actual dumb phone would be cheaper and more useful
No, obviously nostr is banned from it, but it does come pre installed with WhatsApp if case you're a pervert, and Spotify, in case you are stupid and like listening to advertisments
You're describing Callback's features as if they're bugs.
This is a digital minimalist Linux phone by design that respects user privacy.
No browser. No social feeds. Curated apps. APK sideloading support. That's the point.
WhatsApp can be removed in a couple of clicks. The browser is intentionally blocked. Social feeds and email are intentionally blocked. The device is intentionally designed to reduce distraction and screen addiction.
If your goal is a $30 flip phone, buy a $30 flip phone.
If your goal is a privacy-focused Linux device that helps you step away from infinite scroll, doomscrolling, and algorithmic feeds, while supporting Commodore's community-supported licensing model and carrying forward the Commodore legacy, that's what Callback is.
You're criticizing it for being exactly what it was designed to be.
From the FAQ:
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Sounds like a hunk of poo
Whatsapp preinstalled? Yuk. Maybe it's just a matter of uninstalling the privacy invading apps and then you have a good privacy phone?
This reply I sent to someone else should be helpful.
Ava
You're describing Callback's features as if they're bugs.
This is a digital minimalist Linux phone by design that respects user privacy.
No browser. No social feeds. Curated apps. APK sideloading support. That's the point.
WhatsApp can be removed in a couple of clicks. The browser is intentionally blocked. Social feeds and email are intentionally blocked. The device is intentionally designed to reduce distraction and screen addiction.
If your goal is a $30 flip phone, buy a $30 flip phone.
If your goal is a privacy-focused Linux device that helps you step away from infinite scroll, doomscrolling, and algorithmic feeds, while supporting Commodore's community-supported licensing model and carrying forward the Commodore legacy, that's what Callback is.
You're criticizing it for being exactly what it was designed to be.
From the FAQ:
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Sure, but that also should be their prerogative. It's their own fault if they get addicted to social media on a flip phone keypad 😂
Thank you very much for your reply. Fantastic that it's a simple uninstall. I have joined the waiting list :-)
You're quite welcome. I was also happy to hear it was easy to uninstall.
I'm pretty excited about it. I love Christian's videos and his mission to revitalize Commodore. I genuinely believe his intentions are sincere.
“A Pixel with full AI” sounds scary!
Do you mean a Pixel with a local LLM?
Can you elaborate more on your first choice?
Nah, I see the point, but I think it's no better than when OEMs install apps and block you from uninstalling them.
Then it is not for you..
By that logic, it's not for anyone who cares about ownership because if you own a device, you should be allowed to do whatever the flip you want with it.
Ava
You're describing Callback's features as if they're bugs.
This is a digital minimalist Linux phone by design that respects user privacy.
No browser. No social feeds. Curated apps. APK sideloading support. That's the point.
WhatsApp can be removed in a couple of clicks. The browser is intentionally blocked. Social feeds and email are intentionally blocked. The device is intentionally designed to reduce distraction and screen addiction.
If your goal is a $30 flip phone, buy a $30 flip phone.
If your goal is a privacy-focused Linux device that helps you step away from infinite scroll, doomscrolling, and algorithmic feeds, while supporting Commodore's community-supported licensing model and carrying forward the Commodore legacy, that's what Callback is.
You're criticizing it for being exactly what it was designed to be.
From the FAQ:
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I've read the FAQ but the thing is, the whole idea of a phone having all these features WITHOUT a browser is an objectively flawed design. Without a web browser, many of those very same apps the phone permits won't work properly unless Commodore allows those apps to use an in-app browser.
A web browser is critical on any internet-connected device today and I firmly disagree with their notion that having a web browser somehow defeats the idea of finding peace away from addictive smartphone mechanics.
At the very least, they should consider creating a hybrid option for people who want a more minimalist experience but don't want to be outright LIMITED by the inability to use something that's effectively critical to use.
Anything Jolla makes is an android phone with linux runtime, check libhybris
From the FAQ
I think that's a fair criticism if the goal is to build a general-purpose smartphone.
But that's not what Commodore is trying to do.
The C64 Ultimate has Wi-Fi, networking, FTP, BBS access, and online services, yet intentionally omits a browser. The Callback follows the same philosophy.
At the same time, Commodore OS Vision exists. It's a Debian-based Commodore Linux distro you can install on a modern PC, and it gives you the option to install a browser or not.
It's actually very cool. You should check it out.
To me, this seems less about maximizing access to the modern web and more about encouraging a different relationship with technology and online communities.
You may disagree with that decision, but I don't see it as a flaw. I see it as a deliberate design choice. The limitation is the feature.
thanks for posting this, i was trying to wrap my head around the issue. will need to get ahead of all apps and switch from email based authentication. i assume they have authy/sms text for temp codes.
YouTube video on this new phone
A Commodore Flip Phone. Why?
Commodore is back, but not with a computer. Say hello to the Commodore CallBack Flip Phone (Model #8020)—a $500 (USD) device designed explicitly to help us escape the attention economy and endless doomscrolling.
In this video, I break down this incredibly surprising announcement, dive into the specs, and share my thoughts on why a vintage giant is stepping into the modern "digital detox" movement. Who is this for, and will Gen Z and Millennials be big buyers of this device?
17.06.26
#commodore
It's the crunchy-granola phone.
I'm getting one, but I'm wondering what theyre doing about messaging, bc I don't wanna mash a button three times to get to the letter I want. Voice to text I guess?
Nice. It seems so. Here's what the WIRED article had to say:
"To send messages with the Callback, you’ll have to brush up on your T9 typing skills (there is a predictive text helper), or you can use Commodore's voice transcription service for speech-to-text messaging."
UP Phone, Unplugged Phone.
Only one I recommend.
Has a hard battery switch to cut power.
Designed to prevent tracking, prevent data mining. OS is stripped down to not leak information.
Yep, I've used Commodore OS Vision on a retro build I did. I also plan to get a C64 Ultimate when I can afford it (won't be for a while). Likewise, I would love to have a Commodore phone that does all that they're doing but still offers the ability to use a web browser.
I'd like a privacy phone that cuts down on addictive elements but still lets me feel like I own the device. I'm certainly not alone on that, either. I fear that them appealing to a very narrow niche of people will be a costly mistake, which is the last thing we need when we JUST got them back after three decades.
I hear you. Considering their tagline is Retro Futurism, it may be in the cards. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take the brand from here.
However, if you want a browser, stay away from the C64 Ultimate. Get the C64X instead.
The Ultimate doesn't run Commodore OS Vision, and intentionally omits a web browser. It's built around the internet we used to have—things like BBSes, where people don't go viral.
Worth noting: Leo Nigro, creator of Commodore OS Vision and the original C64X, is now part of the new Commodore team. The C64X you can buy today comes from a 2022 relaunch led by Sean Donohue.
Same umbrella, very different products.
And like Nostr, sometimes fewer people means higher-quality interactions.
Judging by the traction this post is getting, and the mentality of the average Nostr user, I don't think Commodore's niche is as narrow as you'd expect.
As of a couple weeks ago, Commodore reported having manufactured over 30,000 new Commodore 64 Ultimates, with revenue putting them in the top 0.01% of startups.
Source:
Commodore
Where does Commodore go from here? - Commodore
For the readers among us, below is a transcript of Peri’s video message. To be the first to know what’s next, sign up for our newsl...
I didn't mean I need a browser in the C64U. I have a primary PC and several laptops in my home lab so a browser for a retro fun machine isn't necessary. Plus, like I said, I built a system that runs C=OS Vision so a C64X probably would be relatively redundant for me. I really do want the era-accurate vibe of the C64U for that.
I do, however, make heavy use of a web browser on my phone when I'm out and about (and for important uses, I might add) so not having that really is a dealbreaker for me.
Again, to reiterate, I love the CONCEPTS, I just feel like there needs to be an option: either a separate version, or maybe they can develop something that is useful for web searches and such but still blocks the social media and addictive elements? I also feel like the limit of 4G VoLTE and no NFC does really put a damper on future-proofing which, for a $500 investment, certainly isn't great.
In fairness to Commodore on this, and on the niche subject, I do think this might be a good thing for parents to get their kids in the UK and other nations with a social media block. I'm against the legislated social media blocking but this could be a silver lining for that, ironically kicking Starmer and co. by offering a third door to walk through.
Ultimately, I just think something like the Callback should have been their second or third all-new product after the reboot. Going from a universally praised revival project like the C64U to a first new product that's more aimed at a niche feels like a poor business decision.
I guess we'll see, and I really do hope the Callback does well! But like I said, hopefully they figure something out to answer the issue of not being able to look up important info on the go because otherwise, sadly, this is a product I don't think I'd ever be able to justify the cost of, no matter how much I like most of the concepts driving it.
Understood. Christian uses modern technology and clearly doesn't deny its value. After all, most people found out about this through some form of social media.
Like I said in a previous reply:
"For me, it'll be a secondary device. A Pixel with full AI as my main device and for business, a Commodore for personal use and days off, and a Motorola with GrapheneOS and burners for everything else."
Unlike the haters, I have full confidence in Christian's intentions, even if I'm concerned about this as a business decision. Definitely didn't harm my image of the brand like some people claim.
Commodore just announced a privacy-focused Linux flip phone built on a custom version of Sailfish OS.
Signal, Telegram, maps, music, rideshare, and it runs 99% of Android apps—without Android.
No social media.
No browser.
No Google.
No email.
No AI.
It's not a dumb phone.
It's a smartphone with boundaries.
And somehow they wrapped the whole thing in Commodore nostalgia.
This might be the coolest phone I've seen in years.
#IKITAO
