The return of the phone fools! – Daily One

No WhatsApp. Nor will see Facebook as the way to work. On the bus or subway holds head high and look at the people, who lost in his “smartphone” reviews the emails. But he did not for one simple reason: mobile is just that. Mobile, not smart.

“It works well and I do not need to use the Internet when I go down the street ” says Nicola Zonno . This teacher of 34 years using a telephone 2010. It is therefore user what is known as “ dumbphone ‘, ie basic phone or as many refer colloquially, phone fool.

However, you can make these devices smarter than they appear because just when the “smartphones” are touching the ceiling (according to IDC sale recorded a growth of only 0.2% in the first quarter of 2016, the smallest increase in its history), the market for basic phones rises from the ashes .

Punkt, based in Switzerland, has since 2008 working on the idea of ​​creating a breath of fresh air in the market for consumer electronics with simple products that fulfill their function more. It is recalled that society is hooked on “smartphone”. Such is the dependence of Spaniards spend more than three hours a day surfing the internet, consulting their social networks or reading email . This addiction, was born the “nomofobia” ie, fear of leaving home without the device and affects 75 percent of Spaniards.

“ I pity and rage that people are all outstanding day phone “, says Nicola Zonno. He does have internet. But only at home. “I connect when I need. If I go down the street, I do not need and if you need to reach me, they can call me, “he says.

Only calls . This is a simple function that offers Punkt with your MP01 . A mobile phone without a touch screen, camera to take ‘selfies’ or applications. Its price is 295 euros .

A growing market

“The world today is absorbed by technology and I think we’re too distracted by it,” says Petter neby , founder of Punkt. It aims to provide a viable alternative. “This is using technology to help us adopt good habits and lead a less distracted life” indicates

According to research firm Strategy Analytics . each year sold in the world 44 million “dumbphones” , representing 2% of the global market. In Japan, sales of basic phones grew by 6% yoy. Small but significant numbers. People are opting for a mobile phone as a second device in order to disconnect . It is the only way not to be aware of email from work, Facebook or WhatsApp group of friends from the office.

Punkt bet, however, is not alone. In the market there are several options. Last April, Orange launched Card Phone (29 euros) for those who want to disconnect from the digital world while being communicated. Alcatel continues to market phones as 10 · 35, with cover (25 euros). Light Phone (88 euros), nophone (9 euros) or Doro Secure 580 (145 euros) are other alternatives. Of course only the most “daring”.