From Monohm comes the niche device of MWC 2015: introducing the ‘anti-smartphone’, otherwise known as the Runcible.
Presented as a challenge towards the app-congested phones being unveiled alongside it in Barcelona, the Runcible hopes to make a mark as “the premier device for the post-smartphone era” – and it’s brilliantly simple.
(Image courtesy of PC Mag)
Things are stripped right back with the Runcible, which is marketed as a relaxing gadget that’s meant to soothe instead of bombard us – but at no expense to the key functions of a connected device.
Interestingly, it’s powered by Mozilla’s Firefox OS platform, otherwise seen mainly in smartphones for developing nations.
People can make calls, ask for directions and browse the web, the essential functions for when you’re out-and-about, but there’s no constant hassle from social media and the like.
The Runcible is still in the prototype phase, but the apps (or ‘faces’) are exciting. For those who still want an idea of their Twitter action, there’s one featuring coloured bubbles that grow as activity increases, and for those that crave simplicity, there’s a compass face that merely points your way, one direction at a time, with a remaining distance. Neat.
(Image courtesy of C-Net)
It’s also got bags of retro style, based on the design of pocket watches and with a curved wooden back. This design also lends itself well to the encouragement from Monohm for people to treat the Runcible as an “electronic heirloom” that can be kept in the family after an easy inside upgrade.
A nice take on the modern smart device. Yes please.
(Image courtesy of C-Net)
