Phone Designed To Unplug From Grid

Remember when cell phones were simply just telephones? A new device promises to return you to that simpler time.

The Light Phone is an in-development cell phone with a simple mission: To help you unplug from the distractions of apps, internet, and instant messaging.

The size of a credit card, the phone is made to be “used as little as possible,” according to the company. It works independently of your smartphone as a standalone GSM cell phone that uses call forwarding to connect to your smartphone.

In the most basic sense, you forward your calls from your regular phone to this little guy, which receives them through the cellular network. No need to be in range of your primary phone.

It uses different minutes than your regular phone and comes with 500 pre-loaded, an amount the company hopes will last you a “very long time” as the phone should be used as little as possible.

The company says that modern cell phones have become a constant distraction. But if you still want to be able to take those important calls while stowing your primary phone away at home, you have the option with Light Phone.

We could see it as a great, super light choice for cyclists and runners who want an emergency communication line but not the bulk of a regular smartphone.

Apparently, a lot of people want the security of a phone without the distraction of a smartphone, at least while out with friends, hiking in the woods, or relaxing away from work. So far, the Light Phone has raised $325,000 on Kickstarter.

If you want to unplug from the Web, but maybe not disappear entirely off the grid, check this option out. The Light Phone with a SIM card and 500 minutes costs $100.