The Light Phone III, designed to eliminate distractions, will be released at the end of this month.

      Introducing the Light Phone III

      If you're looking for a phone that allows you to stay connected while maintaining simplicity, the Light Phone III is the perfect choice for you. Manufactured by Light, a company dedicated to creating "things that serve you, not the other way around," this latest model will be launched on March 27.

      Featuring a 3.92-inch AMOLED display instead of the e-paper screen found in earlier models, this phone is user-friendly. It includes a camera and an NFC chip for contactless payments, as well as improved repairability with accessible battery access. If needed, you can also replace the screen and USB port.

      The Light Phone III offers a minimal number of apps designed to keep you engaged. Instead of a wide array of distractions, it includes Phone, Alarm, Directions, Music, Notes, Calendar, and a few other functionalities. This design aims to help you concentrate on the present moment without the interruptions of apps and games.

      Crucially, it does not support social media, email responses, or an endless feed of TikTok videos. While a camera feature is included for capturing special moments quickly, there’s no immediate option to share them on social media.

      Even the operating system (LightOS) prioritizes privacy, promoting the concept of "intentionality" that enables users to focus on their current tasks. In light of various studies highlighting the distracting nature of smartphones and the instant gratification offered by social media that can impact mental health, the Light Phone III presents a more calming alternative.

      Currently, the Light Phone III is available for an early bird price of $599, which will rise to $799 at the time of launch. The expected shipping date is June of this year.

      Patrick Hearn covers smart home technology such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's about technology…

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      Over the past 15 years, our perception and use of technology have dramatically transformed. What began as a hardware-focused industry has evolved into a software-driven one, a shift that traces back to a significant moment. In 2009, Apple unveiled the iPhone 3G along with the first App Store, marking the start of a new era: the smartphone era, filled with apps. This launch also featured one of the most memorable commercials, introducing the catchphrase that is still referenced today: There’s an app for that.

      For many years, iPhone users enjoyed numerous apps that were not accessible on Android. While most of these are now available on both platforms, not every developer has reached out to the billions of potential customers who use non-iPhones. Some apps still debut on iOS and may take months or years before arriving on Android.

      Three new Nothing phones may launch in 2025. Here’s what we know

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      What are these new devices? In June, Nothing co-founder and CEO Carl Pei revealed the Nothing Phone 3 would debut in 2025, following the release of the Nothing Phone 2 in 2023. During the announcement, he stated that the new phone would fundamentally change our usage and perception of mobile phones.

      I traveled 8,000 miles to get an Android phone unlike any I’ve used before

      The U.S. smartphone market is well-recognized in 2024, with Apple leading the flagship segment with the iPhone, Samsung's Galaxy S models consistently proving their reliability, and Google's Pixel phones continuing to advance. But what about budget smartphones? Options from Google, Motorola, and OnePlus exist, but are relatively limited.

      It's a dependable, though somewhat unexciting, selection of smartphones, especially when compared to innovations in other parts of the globe. During a recent trip to India with MediaTek to explore the company's role in the Indian tech market, I was introduced to the Lava Agni 3 — a recent smartphone release from the India-based manufacturer, Lava.