I like the little phone UI showcase above the fold. Reminds me of those Flash-based interactive UI demos that phone makers had on their sites back in the early 00s.
It is not really a phone - it is more like a Wifi connected device which makes all calls over VOIP. There is no GSM connection and therefore no SIM etc. I like the project but calling this a phone is inaccurate.
If a GSM module is also included, this would be a lovely device to have. Also, would be nice to have a much larger screen.
I don't think that's fair. Phones used to be connected by wires, then there where a few satellite connected phones, and nowadays most are connected by cellular. But they're all phones because that's what we call a device used to connect and talk to people at long distance using a registry of numbers or names. This one connects using WiFi, which is unusual. But it has the same basic functionality of being a phone.
It's a phone, just not a cell phone. But I must admit, that I also was a little disappointed to see that it wasn't a cell phone.
I've been wanting a simple, open source phone (a cell phone that is) that allows me to easily hook into events with some code. Like for example, when a phone call comes in, I want to be able to run certain logic based on what number is calling etc.
Cool project, and an accompanying blog that's already running for years. Please add an RSS feed to the blog, so people can get updates that way. Now I can only save it as a bookmark.
I really like the fact that Wiphone has LoRA add-ons!
> WHY ARE YOU USING BUTTONS AND NOT A TOUCHSCREEN?
> Because they are simpler and (at this scale) cheaper than buying a larger touch-enabled screen. We want to make a low-cost phone that's easy for people to adapt to their needs. We think physical buttons are easier for people with limited hacking skills (or simply better things to do than configure soft buttons) to adapt to their needs.
I like the little phone UI showcase above the fold. Reminds me of those Flash-based interactive UI demos that phone makers had on their sites back in the early 00s.
It is not really a phone - it is more like a Wifi connected device which makes all calls over VOIP. There is no GSM connection and therefore no SIM etc. I like the project but calling this a phone is inaccurate.
If a GSM module is also included, this would be a lovely device to have. Also, would be nice to have a much larger screen.
I don't think that's fair. Phones used to be connected by wires, then there where a few satellite connected phones, and nowadays most are connected by cellular. But they're all phones because that's what we call a device used to connect and talk to people at long distance using a registry of numbers or names. This one connects using WiFi, which is unusual. But it has the same basic functionality of being a phone.
by your definition, my laptop is a phone too.
A videophone, no less!
No, that's not the primary purpose of your laptop.
By that logic, neither are modern day smartphones.
tell that to my mom! :P
Looks more like a phone to me than the mini tablet with GSM Im using right now
The name WiPhone sort of hints at that though, doesn't it? Obviously the title for the HN post doesn't include that.
According to their FAQ[1], they have already designed an LTE module, but it isn't ready for sale yet.
[1] https://www.wiphone.io/FAQ.html (under CAN YOU ADD A SIM CARD...)
> DO I NEED A SIM CARD?
> No. You might be able to get one into the microSD slot if you really push.
This made me smile :D
It's a phone, just not a cell phone. But I must admit, that I also was a little disappointed to see that it wasn't a cell phone.
I've been wanting a simple, open source phone (a cell phone that is) that allows me to easily hook into events with some code. Like for example, when a phone call comes in, I want to be able to run certain logic based on what number is calling etc.
Cool project, and an accompanying blog that's already running for years. Please add an RSS feed to the blog, so people can get updates that way. Now I can only save it as a bookmark.
I really like the fact that Wiphone has LoRA add-ons!
Though it's not a "cell" phone as-is (I'd argue it is still a "phone"), there isn't much stopping it from becoming one!
GSM modules and supporting Arduino libraries are readily available, e.g. https://www.adafruit.com/category/281
Edit: I just saw there's a LoRA daughter board developed, so a GSM board seems not too far fetched! See: https://www.wiphone.io/docs/LoRa/latest/
Signal & Whatsapp are now vendor lock in for the apple/droid duopoly. :(
Punkt's MP02 supports Signal.
https://www.punkt.ch/en/products/mp02-4g-mobile-phone/
The 3G and 4G versions of that phone are Android-based, for context.
Would be fun to try to run Meshtastic on it.
any reasons to not have a fully touch screen phone in the pro model?
From their FAQ[1]:
> WHY ARE YOU USING BUTTONS AND NOT A TOUCHSCREEN?
> Because they are simpler and (at this scale) cheaper than buying a larger touch-enabled screen. We want to make a low-cost phone that's easy for people to adapt to their needs. We think physical buttons are easier for people with limited hacking skills (or simply better things to do than configure soft buttons) to adapt to their needs.
[1]: https://wiphone.io/FAQ.html