Are you planning to replace your smartphone with a dumb phone? That might turn out to be a sensible move. But if you don't plan ahead, it could also lead to some unexpected stress.
To avoid this, we recommend that you first seriously think about the most useful applications that you will lose. Consider if you're ready for it, and have Smartphone-free alternatives for those vital apps. Ready to go. Get started with the sample apps listed below.
Whether we like it or not, WhatsApp is convenient. It's a lot like Gmail. Everyone uses it and gives you. “the look” if you say you don't have an account.
While it's possible to use WhatsApp on a computer, it's not nice and easy without a smartphone with internet access. Minus the smartphone, your best options are:
You can install WhatsApp without a phone using an Android emulator like BlueStacks. You'll still need a phone number to complete the verification process, but you don't need a smartphone to do so.
Setting up BlueStacks is not foolproof, and you may run into technical issues at times. Real-time conversations also take a hit. When plans change, as they often do in WhatsApp groups, you could end up clueless about those changes if you don't have access to your computer.
You can divide your communication between emails, phone calls, SMS, Skype and similar services. Remember this:
To chat from your desktop, the Signal app is a safe option. But good luck trying to get people to sign up when a convenient alternative like WhatsApp is available. It is better to get an account with Chatstep. It allows you to create multiple private chat rooms and have users join them without registering.
You can also have people send emails to your cell phone. To make video calls, try the Appear.in no-log service.
If most of your friends and family are all on the same platform, say Google Hangouts, iMessage, and FaceTime, you have a definite advantage. Chatting, making video calls, sharing files, everything is simple even without a smartphone.
When it comes to transportation, being able to walk out the door and into a waiting cab at any time of day is just as stress-free as it gets for people without cars. And apps like Uber and Lyft have made it possible. No wonder they seem indispensable..
You'll have to learn to do without the convenience of Uber if you ditch your smartphone. Not completely, though, because Uber has added some useful features for non-smartphone users. Thanks to them you can:
Uber is also introducing a call-to-book feature in some countries. Keep an eye out for it.
You don't need a smartphone to get the best of YouTube. You can get your entertainment fix on your computer with ease.
But when it comes to activities like learning, you will regret the lack of a smartphone. This is because video tutorials, online courses and such are very handy to have when you are away from home, especially when you are commuting.
Also, it's nice when you can listen to binaural beats for relaxation and meditation playlists in bed. And it's tedious to go back to your computer every time you control that media. At the very least, you can move the audio files to a portable media player or your phone's microSD card. For music on demand, you can also turn to your smartphone's built-in FM radio.
Want to pay a forgotten bill at the last minute? You can do it from anywhere with a smartphone. Do you want to lend money to a friend in an emergency? You can do that too.
Having the ability to move your money on the go is helpful in many situations. But without a smartphone, you lose a lot of that convenience. With a little planning and scheduling, you'll get used to it.
Also, weight phones can be quite versatile. They also support some basic financial transactions thanks to the SMS banking facility that is available with many banks. All it takes is a little research and communication with your bank to get started.
No place in the world seems inaccessible or hard to get to when you have the power of Google Maps at your fingertips.
Whether you're walking, in a car, or taking public transportation, Maps is there to tell you if you're headed in the right direction. It will also tell you how far you are from your destination and what the estimated time of arrival is. With Maps, you can see which routes are busy and which ones will save you time, and you can change directions accordingly.
Now imagine if you didn't have that information. It would be something like… it was a few years ago before smartphones came on the scene. In short, normal and nothing to worry about..
But you won't believe it, now that you've had Maps holding your hand for so long, especially when you're lost, in uncharted territory, or a long way from home.
Are you ready to go back to Google Maps on the desktop, paper atlases and asking strangers for directions? Can you handle printed, handwritten, and serendipity maps? If so, go ahead and get that smartphone out of your life. And while you're at it, arm yourself with these five outdoor skills.
You may also want to consider investing in a handheld GPS device and/or an in-car satnav system to replace Google Maps smartphone vs. satnav:Should you buy a dedicated GPS device? Smartphone vs Sat Nav:Should You Buy a Dedicated GPS Device? Is there still a good reason to buy a dedicated car sat nav or handheld GPS for outdoor use? Read more.
When I switched from smartphone to smartphone, it was like I let out a big mental sigh that I didn't know I was holding. Now I don't want to go back to a smartphone. Once you give up yours, you probably won't want to either. But you could, for the sheer convenience of it. Unless:
Keep in mind that we've previously explored what it was like not to have a smartphone in the modern age. Why this technology Blogger doesn't own a smartphone [Opinion] Why this technology Blogger doesn't have a smartphone [Opinion] "Do you have a smartphone yet?" It's a question my friends often ask, and it's a reasonable one to ask. I make a living writing about technology, explaining how to use software, and interviewing... Read More There's nothing wrong with doing that, as long as you know what you're giving in to and are willing to live with it.
