Probably a dumb question, but here goes.

Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
provides the following features, and nothing else?

* make and answer phone calls
* edit and use phone book entries
* send/receive text messages
* locks / unlocks screen
* enable / disable speakerphone
* plays an instructional video how to do all the above

A simple menu interface with a maximum of 4 buttons on a screen at one
time (unless it's an onscreen keyboard for typing).

Buttons with descriptive words instead of icons.

--
Adrian C

On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>
> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>

Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
to google....

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/

--
Adrian C

Adrian Caspersz <email@here.invalid> wrote:
> On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
> > Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
> >
> > Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
> > down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
> > provides the following features, and nothing else?
> >
>
> Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
> to google....
>
> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/

Interesting, thanks for the link.

One of the issues with phone brands like Doro is they have a specific idea
of what a 'simple' phone should be. For example, they may have a high
profile emergency calling feature in case the elderly user has a fall, when
actually all you want is bigger buttons with writing underneath that are
easier to work out what they do. This kind of launcher looks like a more
sensible alternative.

Theo

On 5/16/2023 1:34 PM, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>
> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>
> * make and answer phone calls
> * edit and use phone book entries
> * send/receive text messages
> * locks / unlocks screen
> * enable / disable speakerphone
> * plays an instructional video how to do all the above
>
> A simple menu interface with a maximum of 4 buttons on a screen at one
> time (unless it's an onscreen keyboard for typing).
>
> Buttons with descriptive words instead of icons.

Apple was set to introduce a "senior mode" for iPhone called "Custom
Accessibility Mode," but AFAIK it has not happened yet. See
<https://www.lifewire.com/how-this-beta-accessibility-mode-on-iphone-could-make-using-it-easier-6828541>:
"iOS 16.2 hides a rather radical new feature that makes the iPhone work
like an old large-type Nokia from the 90s."

It would be nice to have this mode built into the operating system but a
custom launcher, like on Android, is adequate.

--
“If you are not an expert on a subject, then your opinions about it
really do matter less than the opinions of experts. It's not
indoctrination nor elitism. It's just that you don't know as much as
they do about the subject.”—Tin Foil Awards

Am 16.05.23 um 22:37 schrieb Adrian Caspersz:
> On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>>
>> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
>> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
>> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>>
>
> Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
> to google....
>
> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/

Why do you think there is one single person on this planet who wants to
be patronized that way?

I would throw away such a castrated device immediately.
I would expect my grand children to do the same.

--
Gutta cavat lapidem (Ovid)

Am 17.05.23 um 01:06 schrieb sms:
> On 5/16/2023 1:34 PM, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>>
>> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
>> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
>> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>>
>> * make and answer phone calls
>> * edit and use phone book entries
>> * send/receive text messages
>> * locks / unlocks screen
>> * enable / disable speakerphone
>> * plays an instructional video how to do all the above
>>
>> A simple menu interface with a maximum of 4 buttons on a screen at one
>> time (unless it's an onscreen keyboard for typing).
>>
>> Buttons with descriptive words instead of icons.
>
> Apple was set to introduce a "senior mode" for iPhone called "Custom
> Accessibility Mode," but AFAIK it has not happened yet.

This is an Android group.

--
Gutta cavat lapidem (Ovid)

On 2023-05-17 07:28, Joerg Lorenz wrote:
> Am 16.05.23 um 22:37 schrieb Adrian Caspersz:
>> On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>>> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>>>
>>> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
>>> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
>>> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>>>
>>
>> Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
>> to google....
>>
>> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/
>
> Why do you think there is one single person on this planet who wants to
> be patronized that way?
>
> I would throw away such a castrated device immediately.
> I would expect my grand children to do the same.
>

You.

I know many people that can not handle a smartphone and put them in a
drawer and never feed it, when somebody gives them one.

They prefer a phone with actual keys.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

On 2023-05-17 13:56, Carlos E.R. wrote:
> On 2023-05-17 07:28, Joerg Lorenz wrote:
>> Am 16.05.23 um 22:37 schrieb Adrian Caspersz:
>>> On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>>>> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>>>>
>>>> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
>>>> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
>>>> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>>>>
>>>
>>> Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
>>> to google....
>>>
>>> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/
>>
>> Why do you think there is one single person on this planet who wants to
>> be patronized that way?
>>
>> I would throw away such a castrated device immediately.
>> I would expect my grand children to do the same.
>>
>
> You.
>
> I know many people that can not handle a smartphone and put them in a
> drawer and never feed it, when somebody gives them one.
>
> They prefer a phone with actual keys.
>

Oh, not only old people.

<https://www.huffingtonpost.es/tecnologia/jovenes-despiden-smartphones-pasan-telefonos-tontosbr.html>

*Young people say goodbye to smartphones and switch to 'dumb phones'*
HuffPost Staff Writer
3-4 minutes

In an increasingly connected world, with information accessible 24 hours
a day via smartphones, a unique Generation Z protest movement against
these devices is gaining popularity, at least in the United States.

The big cell phone manufacturers may be betting on releasing the best
designed devices, with the biggest screens or the latest technology, but
baby boomers in the U.S. are turning dumbphones into a trend and objects
of desire.

....

continues at the link.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

On Wed, 17 May 2023 14:02:40 +0200, "Carlos E.R."
<robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

>On 2023-05-17 13:56, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>> On 2023-05-17 07:28, Joerg Lorenz wrote:
>>> Am 16.05.23 um 22:37 schrieb Adrian Caspersz:
>>>> On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>>>>> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>>>>>
>>>>> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
>>>>> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
>>>>> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
>>>> to google....
>>>>
>>>> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/
>>>
>>> Why do you think there is one single person on this planet who wants to
>>> be patronized that way?
>>>
>>> I would throw away such a castrated device immediately.
>>> I would expect my grand children to do the same.
>>>
>>
>> You.
>>
>> I know many people that can not handle a smartphone and put them in a
>> drawer and never feed it, when somebody gives them one.
>>
>> They prefer a phone with actual keys.
>>
>
>Oh, not only old people.
>
><https://www.huffingtonpost.es/tecnologia/jovenes-despiden-smartphones-pasan-telefonos-tontosbr.html>
>
>*Young people say goodbye to smartphones and switch to 'dumb phones'*
>HuffPost Staff Writer
>3-4 minutes
>
>In an increasingly connected world, with information accessible 24 hours
>a day via smartphones, a unique Generation Z protest movement against
>these devices is gaining popularity, at least in the United States.
>
>The big cell phone manufacturers may be betting on releasing the best
>designed devices, with the biggest screens or the latest technology, but
>baby boomers in the U.S. are turning dumbphones into a trend and objects
>of desire.
>
>...
>
>continues at the link.

Huffington Post is a very Liberal rag. Hard to believe their info !

KenW

In article <tvrejjxroe.ln2@Telcontar.valinor>, Carlos E.R.
<robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

> I know many people that can not handle a smartphone and put them in a
> drawer and never feed it, when somebody gives them one.

you have to feed it?? that explains why so many problems.

Am 17.05.23 um 13:56 schrieb Carlos E.R.:
> On 2023-05-17 07:28, Joerg Lorenz wrote:
>> Am 16.05.23 um 22:37 schrieb Adrian Caspersz:
>>> On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>>>> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>>>>
>>>> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
>>>> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
>>>> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>>>>
>>>
>>> Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
>>> to google....
>>>
>>> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/
>>
>> Why do you think there is one single person on this planet who wants to
>> be patronized that way?
>>
>> I would throw away such a castrated device immediately.
>> I would expect my grand children to do the same.
>>
>
> You.
>
> I know many people that can not handle a smartphone and put them in a
> drawer and never feed it, when somebody gives them one.
>
> They prefer a phone with actual keys.

I totally agree. The sensitive issue is the tactile screen as you say. I
know extremely smart Seniors that simply are unable to use touch screen.

--
Gutta cavat lapidem (Ovid)

On 2023-05-17 15:02, KenW wrote:
> On Wed, 17 May 2023 14:02:40 +0200, "Carlos E.R."
> <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
>
>> On 2023-05-17 13:56, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>>> On 2023-05-17 07:28, Joerg Lorenz wrote:
>>>> Am 16.05.23 um 22:37 schrieb Adrian Caspersz:
>>>>> On 16/05/2023 21:34, Adrian Caspersz wrote:
>>>>>> Probably a dumb question, but here goes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Has someone written a skin / app / theme / thing that completely locks
>>>>>> down a smartphone, denies internet access, denies google features and
>>>>>> provides the following features, and nothing else?
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Please ignore the above, just found I have demonstrated I don't know how
>>>>> to google....
>>>>>
>>>>> https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-best-simple-android-launchers-parents-grandparents/
>>>>
>>>> Why do you think there is one single person on this planet who wants to
>>>> be patronized that way?
>>>>
>>>> I would throw away such a castrated device immediately.
>>>> I would expect my grand children to do the same.
>>>>
>>>
>>> You.
>>>
>>> I know many people that can not handle a smartphone and put them in a
>>> drawer and never feed it, when somebody gives them one.
>>>
>>> They prefer a phone with actual keys.
>>>
>>
>> Oh, not only old people.
>>
>> <https://www.huffingtonpost.es/tecnologia/jovenes-despiden-smartphones-pasan-telefonos-tontosbr.html>
>>
>> *Young people say goodbye to smartphones and switch to 'dumb phones'*
>> HuffPost Staff Writer
>> 3-4 minutes
>>
>> In an increasingly connected world, with information accessible 24 hours
>> a day via smartphones, a unique Generation Z protest movement against
>> these devices is gaining popularity, at least in the United States.
>>
>> The big cell phone manufacturers may be betting on releasing the best
>> designed devices, with the biggest screens or the latest technology, but
>> baby boomers in the U.S. are turning dumbphones into a trend and objects
>> of desire.
>>
>> ...
>>
>> continues at the link.
>
> Huffington Post is a very Liberal rag. Hard to believe their info !

"Liberal" has a very different meaning for USAians and Europeans.

As it happens, I have heard the same thing from other sources, about
some young people preferring dumb phones.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

On 17/05/2023 14:55, Joerg Lorenz wrote:

> I totally agree. The sensitive issue is the tactile screen as you say. I
> know extremely smart Seniors that simply are unable to use touch screen.

Yeah that, but I also know some that are unable to enter and dial a
phone number on a push button mobile/cordless phone, not knowing the
difference between a red and green button, and what sequence they should
be pressed in to start, dial and end a call.

I bought a basic Doro flip phone for one. The user found it too
complicated, could not work out keypad navigation and menus - had to
return it :(

Her phone at home, well ye just pick up the receiver - get a dial tone
and dial.

If a mobile or cordless phone could work like that?

They don't.

--
Adrian C

Adrian Caspersz <email@here.invalid> wrote:
> I bought a basic Doro flip phone for one. The user found it too
> complicated, could not work out keypad navigation and menus - had to
> return it :(

Had that - the user couldn't cope with the idea the text above the
(physical) button said what it would do (on a Nokia something, might have
been 5110)

It's interesting that such users are happy with push button landline phones,
but not green/red telephone buttons (although the 5110 doesn't have those,
IIRC).

> Her phone at home, well ye just pick up the receiver - get a dial tone
> and dial.
>
> If a mobile or cordless phone could work like that?
>
> They don't.

You can get desk phones that talk to the mobile network but operate just
like any other wired phone. However the problem with mobiles and cordless
phones is there's no 'picking up' action - they don't have a cradle they
normally live in, where picking it up answers the call and putting it down
hangs up. So they use buttons instead. Even if you did have such a cradle,
it wouldn't be convenient to carry around.

You could maybe do something with the accelerometer, assuming the phone
normally lived on a surface. Seems like that exists:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.hackerchick.raisetoanswer

or by voice:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bolo.codeplay.com.bolo

Maybe the voice commands are something they might cope with?

Theo

On 2023-05-17 22:48, Theo wrote:
> Adrian Caspersz <email@here.invalid> wrote:
>> I bought a basic Doro flip phone for one. The user found it too
>> complicated, could not work out keypad navigation and menus - had to
>> return it :(
>
> Had that - the user couldn't cope with the idea the text above the
> (physical) button said what it would do (on a Nokia something, might have
> been 5110)
>
> It's interesting that such users are happy with push button landline phones,
> but not green/red telephone buttons (although the 5110 doesn't have those,
> IIRC).
>
>> Her phone at home, well ye just pick up the receiver - get a dial tone
>> and dial.
>>
>> If a mobile or cordless phone could work like that?
>>
>> They don't.
>
> You can get desk phones that talk to the mobile network but operate just
> like any other wired phone. However the problem with mobiles and cordless
> phones is there's no 'picking up' action - they don't have a cradle they
> normally live in, where picking it up answers the call and putting it down
> hangs up. So they use buttons instead. Even if you did have such a cradle,
> it wouldn't be convenient to carry around.

If the phone has a lid, with a transparent part to see the display even
when folded, the action of opening the lid could equate to answering,
and closing it later to hanging up.

Amazon has some phones with lids designed for old people. Example:

https://www.amazon.es/dp/B09QMB7V2T/

has a charging base, too (usb-c). And remote configuration. Yes, it can
be configured to answer on opening the lid.

I think this one is a good choice. The only remaining problem is spam.

>
> You could maybe do something with the accelerometer, assuming the phone
> normally lived on a surface. Seems like that exists:
> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.hackerchick.raisetoanswer
>
> or by voice:
> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bolo.codeplay.com.bolo
>
> Maybe the voice commands are something they might cope with?

Except when the assistant understands something wrong.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
> On 2023-05-17 22:48, Theo wrote:
[...]

> If the phone has a lid, with a transparent part to see the display even
> when folded, the action of opening the lid could equate to answering,
> and closing it later to hanging up.
>
> Amazon has some phones with lids designed for old people. Example:
>
> https://www.amazon.es/dp/B09QMB7V2T/
>
> has a charging base, too (usb-c). And remote configuration. Yes, it can
> be configured to answer on opening the lid.

Hmmm!? Strange that it says "mobile technology 2 G", i.e. not or not
very useful these days. OTOH, it says "USB Type-C connector", which is
more/fully up-to-date.

I also clicked on the link 'Go to the SPC store' (or some such,
language switched back from English to Spanish), but that didn't give
any 2G/3G/4G info either.

[...]

On 2023-05-18 14:32, Frank Slootweg wrote:
> Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:
>> On 2023-05-17 22:48, Theo wrote:
> [...]
>
>> If the phone has a lid, with a transparent part to see the display even
>> when folded, the action of opening the lid could equate to answering,
>> and closing it later to hanging up.
>>
>> Amazon has some phones with lids designed for old people. Example:
>>
>> https://www.amazon.es/dp/B09QMB7V2T/
>>
>> has a charging base, too (usb-c). And remote configuration. Yes, it can
>> be configured to answer on opening the lid.
>
> Hmmm!? Strange that it says "mobile technology 2 G", i.e. not or not
> very useful these days. OTOH, it says "USB Type-C connector", which is
> more/fully up-to-date.

2G? :-o

Although, if the phone only does calls and sms, it doesn't need data.
But then, it has remote configuration capability, so for that it needs
data of some sort.

>
> I also clicked on the link 'Go to the SPC store' (or some such,
> language switched back from English to Spanish), but that didn't give
> any 2G/3G/4G info either.
>
> [...]

Seems to be an small Spanish company, although Amazon says it was made
in China.

I found the PDF manual on Amazon, in Spanish.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/915yNaDRTrL.pdf

I translate the characteristics with DeepL

19. TECHNICAL DATA

DISPLAY.
QVGA resolution of 240x320 pixels. Screen size: 2.4". Signal indicator
GSM SIGNAL INDICATOR. Battery status.

PHONEBOOK 500 CONTACTS.

CONNECTIVITY.
Dual SIM. GSM 850/900/1800/1900. Bluetooth. FM radio. Micro SD card slot.
SD CARD SLOT.

BATTERY.
800mAh lithium battery.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT.
22Dimensions: 105x53,5x19mm. Weight: 100g

CONTENTS OF THE BOX. Phone. Charger base. Power supply. Battery.
User's manual.

So, indeed, it is GSM only. No WiFi, but has BT. Makes sense for the
intended use, the client doesn't need to pay for a data contract and the
phone itself is cheaper.

--
Cheers, Carlos.

On 5/19/2023 2:11 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

<snip>

> So, indeed, it is GSM only. No WiFi, but has BT. Makes sense for the
> intended use, the client doesn't need to pay for a data contract and the
> phone itself is cheaper.

Which countries still support GSM?

Carlos E.R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

[About the SPC Stella 2 flip-phone for 'seniors'
<https://www.amazon.es/dp/B09QMB7V2T/>:]

> Seems to be an small Spanish company, although Amazon says it was made
> in China.
>
> I found the PDF manual on Amazon, in Spanish.
>
> https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/915yNaDRTrL.pdf
>
> I translate the characteristics with DeepL
>
> 19. TECHNICAL DATA
>
> DISPLAY.
> QVGA resolution of 240x320 pixels. Screen size: 2.4". Signal indicator
> GSM SIGNAL INDICATOR. Battery status.
>
> PHONEBOOK 500 CONTACTS.
>
> CONNECTIVITY.
> Dual SIM. GSM 850/900/1800/1900. Bluetooth. FM radio. Micro SD card slot.
> SD CARD SLOT.
>
> BATTERY.
> 800mAh lithium battery.
>
> DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT.
> 22Dimensions: 105x53,5x19mm. Weight: 100g
>
> CONTENTS OF THE BOX. Phone. Charger base. Power supply. Battery.
> User's manual.
>
> So, indeed, it is GSM only. No WiFi, but has BT. Makes sense for the
> intended use, the client doesn't need to pay for a data contract and the
> phone itself is cheaper.

Spain probably still has 2G for quite some time, as has most (all?) of
the rest of Europe.

The Wikipedia 2g page (<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2G>) says under
'Phase-out':

"2G networks were still available as of 2023 in most parts of Europe,
Africa, Central America and South America"

And the 'Past 2G networks' mentions for Spain:

Network: Orange, Shutdown date: 2030

So that's 7 more years for that network and possibly even longer for
the unmentioned networks.

In our country - The Netherlands - it seems that one of the three
major networks (T-Mobile) has shut down 2G. The other two networks - KPN
and Vodafone - still have 2G. (I just checked: I use those networks and
can still 2G-connect to them.)

On 2023-05-19 16:38, sms wrote:
> On 5/19/2023 2:11 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
>> So, indeed, it is GSM only. No WiFi, but has BT. Makes sense for the
>> intended use, the client doesn't need to pay for a data contract and
>> the phone itself is cheaper.
>
> Which countries still support GSM?

I have no idea, but seeing that it is a Spanish company that sells on
Amazon Spain, it means that Spain supports it.

«What countries use GSM?
GSM-900 and GSM-1800 are used in most parts of the world (ITU-Regions 1
and 3): Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia (apart from Japan and South
Korea where GSM has never been introduced) and Oceania. In common
GSM-900 is most widely used. Fewer operators use GSM-1800.

GSM frequency bands - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › GSM_frequency_bands
Search for: What countries use GSM?»

People also ask
Where is GSM still used?
most popular standard for mobile phones in the world. GSM 900 / GSM 1800
MHz are used in most parts of the world: Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle
East, Africa. GSM 850 / GSM 1900 MHz are used in the United States,
Canada, Mexico and most countries of S. America.

GSM Country List by frequency bands - World Time Zone Map
Worldtimezone.com
https://www.worldtimezone.com › gsm

--
Cheers, Carlos.

sms <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
> On 5/19/2023 2:11 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> > So, indeed, it is GSM only. No WiFi, but has BT. Makes sense for the
> > intended use, the client doesn't need to pay for a data contract and the
> > phone itself is cheaper.
>
> Which countries still support GSM?

Most - if not all - of Europe and many other countries. See my
response to Carlos with the Wikipedia reference, which speaks for
itself.

Den 2023-05-19 skrev Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid>:
> sms <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>> On 5/19/2023 2:11 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>>
>> Which countries still support GSM?
>
> Most - if not all - of Europe and many other countries. See my
> response to Carlos with the Wikipedia reference, which speaks for
> itself.

Most but not countries like Japan (never had GSM), Singapore and Taiwan.
https://www.gsma.com/coverage/

/Martin