Brooklyn-based start-up, Light, has developed a stripped-down phone, the Light Phone III, in response to the growing issue of tech-related distractions and “brain rot.” Priced at $600, the phone offers basic features such as calling, texting, music, and navigation, but intentionally lacks amenities like social media, email, and a web browser.
The concept behind the Light Phone III is to help users disconnect from the constant lure of smartphones and be more present in their surroundings. While some users report feeling less stressed and more productive when using the Light Phone, others find it limiting and struggle with the lack of advanced features required for daily tasks.
In a review of the Light Phone, the author describes his experience using it as his primary phone for a week. While he appreciated the phone for its simplicity and ability to reduce distractions, he also encountered challenges such as being unable to use mobile payment apps, access virtual transit cards, and perform basic tasks like generating barcodes for entry into a gym.
Despite the nostalgia and appeal of a minimalist phone, the practicality of relying solely on a device like the Light Phone III in today’s tech-dependent society is questionable. The author suggests that the Light Phone may be better suited as a secondary phone for leisure use rather than a primary device for everyday tasks. Light’s CEO, Kaiwei Tang, acknowledges that the phone may not be suitable for everyone but sees potential for parents looking to limit their children’s distractions at school. The company is also exploring adding more features like mobile payments and ride-hailing services to enhance the phone’s usability.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
