You shouldn’t let how others use their Kompakt inform how you look at it though. Use it how you want. I agree about your Google and Meta points. However it’s just down to personal preference how disconnected people are willing to be in a world that is constantly connected.
The Kompakt is a good middle ground for people (like me) who want to keep the useful tools of a smartphone and not have to split their tech into lots of different devices. It’s very convenient for me to have navigation, built in music player, calendar, podcasts, but still have barriers to the most addictive aspects of the smartphone like the bright screen and time- (and frankly soul-) sucking ‘‘social’’ media apps.
This app is not pre-installed on the Kompakt nor is anyone requiring you to install it. As it stands, most people with a busy daily life require certain aspects of connect-ability. I might be out and about and my wife might call me to complete an errand. How do I find the place she needs me to go? How do I know if they’re open? What if I need their number to call them? A directory of phone numbers and addresses has been commonplace in society since the 18th century.
Calling Google evil because of their data tracking is a valid concern but this app sends none of that to them. Having the end user input their own api-key was a way to launch the app for free. This is where you would need to create a Google account (could easily use a throw away account.) I’m also currently working on switching over to a different api that will be available this week.
Also, this line really bothered me. “Now you just have a normal smartphone, but very slow and with an e-ink screen. Why?” Firstly, adding an app that relies on a Google api does not === Google-ing your phone. Secondly, most people love and use the E ink screen because of what the benefits are on your eyes and mind, not just because it’s a minimalist phone. Thirdly, I don’t know what your tone was supposed to be but coming on here and assuming how people use their phone in what is coming across as a very rude tone is not the way to do it.
I’ll wrap with this: every app I’ve built for this phone (and those to come) have focused on being mindful of the Kompakt principles. I did not add photos, reviews, comments, and everything else Google uses to up retention on Google Places. I did not add “more like this” or share features. This app is dry, intentional, and to the point. My podcast app does not have algorithms to show you the next podcast you want or even a browsing feature other than search. There are no social or complex episode management features. It’s dry, intentional, and to the point. Having workable, enjoyable, beautiful apps is not limited to smartphones nor does it have to be intrusive in your life.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving if you celebrated and a great Christmas if you celebrate.
I should have something for you early this week. If I get time tonight, I might have it wrapped before school, work, soccer, all the things start back up… Wish me luck haha
I do have to admit though that I’m not a smartphone lover either. And with all the issues the Kompakt has, it makes me want to get a good old dumbphone again.
I totally hear ya. I recently bought 6 acres just outside of Bentonville, Arkansas (USA) and will be building a home on it soon. Bentonville is the home of Walmart and has grown roughly 75% in 25 years. I’m ready to slow life down and get away from the noise. Getting totally rid of a smartphone would be a great step towards that. But, as is, I still require certain things in my life and having the Kompakt which allows certain apps is a nice middle ground.
You find my comment rude? Sorry, that’s not my intention. But all the apps, all the noise people add to this beautiful phone, it’s just too much for me and that’s very personal. I like the Kompakt for it’s simplicity, make a phonecall now and then, send a text message, read a few pages in en ebook. That’s it for me. I dont want to know where the nearest restaurant is, or opening hours for a Walmart, just by looking at a screen. For me that’s the beauty of an offline life, walk or drive to the store and see if it’s open. Need navigation or want to know where you can find a restaurant? Buy a TomTom or paper maps, or ask a stranger. For me that’s life. Far far away from all the phones, flickering screens and ‘social’ apps… I wish I could go back in time a few hundred years But, that’s me. Enjoy your phone how you like it. I think people have forgotten to live a real life, without screens, most people are too busy with their online lives, busy with their little electronic toys and need more more more apps and distractions from life. And that’s ok I guess… Just not my thing. I know I’m part of a very small group that just wants to escape the ratrace most people are trapped in. So please don’t take my message personal, I know I’m the one who’s different than most other people. And I like it. And now I’m offline for the coming week, ciao.
@marko just wanted to update you and those following this on progress. I have the app returning data via Geoapify but so far I’m not very pleased with the results. My local Barnes & Noble for instance does not return with hours or a phone number. That doesn’t give me much hope for smaller businesses. I’m also looking into HERE maps to see how results compare. How do we feel about HERE as a company?
Just want to chime in and say I really appreciate your work on the two apps (that I know of!) that you’re working on. They look fantastic and I’ll absolutely download them a couple updates down the line (and send some money your way).
I know the Mudita team is small, and hard at work, so it’s really nice seeing someone working on these projects on the side.
We now support Geoapify and HERE Maps as data providers. You can choose your preferred provider from the settings.
The app is still backwards compatible with Google Places API if you still prefer their data
HERE Maps is now the default (better support and more consistent data)
Geoapify and HERE Maps do not require api-key input from the user (Google Places will still require it for now)
If we hit rate limits with either of those services, we will adjust from there
Geoapify does not fully support the main categories so I will work through handling those soon (they will return empty results.)
From everything I have found, Geoapify requires a category for search so when going to search you will be required to select a category before you can openly type your query. (I’ll continue to investigate this.)
@davidray, I just wanted to say thank you for CalmDirectory v0.3.0. It’s another great tool.
One small request: If possible, it would be great to be able to tap on telephone numbers in directory listings to make a phone call or, failing that, copy and paste those numbers into the phone app, that would add the cherry on the cake.
And then onto your biggest challenge yet, David, your magnum opus. You’ll need to summon all your ingenuity, resource and dedication. I warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But you would be throwing a life raft to a community who are drowning without it. Are you ready? Scroll down for the reveal:
