I bought my first non-iPhone since an HTC in the early 2010s. I ordered the Minimal Phone from the Minimal Company.
The Minimal Phone was built to be a distraction-free cell phone. It features an e-ink display with a real, tactile Qwerty keyboard. It’s like if Blackberry and Kindle had a baby. The device operates on Android 14 granting users full access to the Google Play Store.
I’m so excited to try something new, something fresh and most importantly something designed to be used less.
One of my major themes for the future is a new appreciation for hardware. To me, Apple has become complacent in its design (we miss Steve). I suspect at the confluence of AI and robotics, hardware will evolve into ways we can only imagine today.
And we’ve already seen new form factors emerge… Meta unveiled its latest glasses with a heads up display. I think this is great, but personally, I want a less invasive tech experience.
I can’t wait to check out of the attention economy. And I’ll be sure to share my findings.
My goal is to use the device for at least 30 days to see if I experience any behavioral shifts.
For those wanting to learn more… check out Robert Cialdini’s Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. Cialdini published this classic in 2006, and it quickly proliferated across Silicon Valley. If you’ve ever wondered why Instagram is so addictive… read Robert’s book. He shares the blueprint.
And if you’re like me, eager to see what’s next. Play with the Minimal Phone. It’s relatively inexpensive and I’d suspect it will shift your relationship with technology.
Disclosure: This is not financial advice.
