Thread - Nostr Hypermedia

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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Replies (2)

Jacob 🍵 1 week ago

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.

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Ava ava@nostrplebs.com 1 week ago

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.

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