Episode
Sidephone: Placing Real Life First
- Podcast
- For a Better Web
- Published
- May 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2129
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
In this episode, Bruce’s victims are Sebastian Snell and Chris Ristovski, co-founders of Sidephone, a newly-released device that is intentionally not smart, but also not completely dumb, so you can put real life first.The conversation covers how modern smartphones evolved into consumption-first devices, the philosophy behind Sidephone’s “real life first” approach, and how intentional hardware design can encourage healthier relationships with technology. Chris and Sebastian also discuss balancing simplicity with modern functionality, building outside Big Tech ecosystems using AOSP, the challenges surrounding RCS and platform gatekeeping, and why openness, experimentation, and greater device variety matter for the future of technology.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by modern smartphones or miss technology that feels more human, this episode is for you. Listen now, rethink your relationship with your devices, and discover a healthier, more intentional way to connect with the web.Show notes:Sidephone - https://sidephone.comRich Communication Services (RCS) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Communication_Services#Sidephone #Vivaldi #ForABetterWeb #Dumbphone #Minimalism #DigitalWellbeing #AOSP #Android #TechPodcast