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On the weekend, I was having lunch with a family member, and they were talking about how they were so sick of all the apps that everyone wanted them to install. Apps for going to the museum, apps for paying for car packing, apps for ordering at a restaurant etc.
I pointed out to them that although they are complaining, they are still using and installing the apps; and I asked why they were doing that. Its easier to do it than not, they say.
Meanwhile, I myself don’t use a smartphone at all. Zero apps. And so although it is mildly annoying to keep see “just use the app”, and “scan this QR code”, I still manage to simply not do those things.
My suggestion to people who don’t like installing apps for random crap is this: don’t. Just don’t do it. And if that means you have to walk 10 more steps, or say a couple of extra sentences to a human; then accept that cost. Accept that experience in a world that is not controlled by the auxiliary brain you keep in your pocket.
When I’m in a store and the employee tells me, “Just install our app!”, I ask for their wifi password. I’m not going to pay for my data to help them do their job.
Still looking for a feature phone that has everything I need and no rubbish I don’t.
I ask for their wifi password. I’m not going to pay for my data to help them do their job.
They’d love nothing more than you using their wifi. The data they can collect about you, your spending habits, and how they can change you behavior to buy more.
You don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s network giant Cisco Systems pitch to store owners how their gear can track you and how the store benefits from it.
"With guest Wi-Fi access available right at their fingertips, they can easily look up reviews about each product. This data gathered from Wi-Fi analytics not only allows retailers to track customers’ interests and identify emerging trends, but also provides shoppers with validated decision-making processes, as they weigh options across multiple providers. "
"Gaining insight into your customer’s identity: By utilizing Wi-Fi analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights into who their customers are. This data can be used to better understand who is using their Wi-Fi network, when they are using it the most and what actions they take while connected. It provides business owners an unprecedented glimpse into their customers’ true identity, as well as more concrete evidence of their buying behavior in order to segment them more effectively. "
Thank you, my vpn is always running whether I’m on their wifi or mine.
“Just install our app!”,
“I’m never coming back here again. Why would I want to do that?”
I know it’s a transition phone but I’m realllly curious if the Commodore Callback turns out to be decent on launch, atleast hardware wise, so that I can order it and finally elevate my digital detox.
I pre-ordered one. Will report back.
You’re a hero!
I really want one
I actually don’t have a smartphone and I haven’t run into any obstacles yet. I’m glad I don’t live in a big city; this sort of thing seems common there.
