Topic: Kaios

Adam Curry notes significant battery drain on his Kyocera phone while traveling in Europe, theorizing that different 4G LTE frequencies in the EU may be responsible. The conversation moves to the Cat B35 mobile phone and the KaiOS operating system. The hosts express disappointment that Google has invested in KaiOS, fearing the integration of Google Assistant will ruin the privacy-focused nature of feature phones.

The marketing director for KaiOS reached out to discuss a potential brand ambassadorship for the "detox phone." A debate ensues regarding the ethics of a podcast host accepting payment to promote a product they already use and endorse. Comparisons are made to European versus American journalistic standards regarding corporate junkets.

The Alcatel Go Flip 3 is reviewed as a primary device for an "Off-The-Grid" (OTG) lifestyle. Running on KaiOS, the phone provides basic functionality like 4G LTE, SMS, and a hotspot without the addictive "zombie" qualities of a standard smartphone. The host emphasizes that reducing data feedback to major tech companies is the primary goal of switching to such a device.

A review of the Alcatel Quickflip (sold via Cricket) identifies it as a superior "Off The Grid" (OTG) phone for under $40. Running an early version of KaiOS (based on Firefox OS), the phone offers excellent battery life and a fast browser without the heavy tracking of modern smartphones. Users are warned not to log into Google services on the device, as Google cannot currently identify the OS, which is viewed as a significant privacy benefit.

Facebook has filed a patent for ultrasonic cross-device tracking, which uses high-frequency tones in TV ads to activate a phone's microphone. In mobile news, the Nokia 8110 "banana phone" is discussed; however, the host expresses disappointment that Google has invested $22 million in its KaiOS operating system. This investment is seen as a move to bring data-tracking apps like YouTube and Maps to simple feature phones.

The re-release of the Nokia 8110 "banana phone" with 4G capabilities is discussed as a viable "feature phone" alternative to smartphones. The hosts brainstorm humorous comebacks for when people ask about the retro-style device in public.