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A small web app that simulates the behavior and appearance of a common cell phone in 2001.

Remember when smartphones how we know nowadays were something utopic? Handheld devices were, for our modern standards, very limited.

  • Weak and expensive internet connection;
  • No instant messaging;
  • Monochromatic screen;
  • No apps;
  • No camera (NO SELFIES!!!!)
  • and many more unconveniences.

Motivation

Two main reasons:

Didatic purposes

I opted for use a specific stack in this project, to extend my knowledge both in web development and technologies/tools:

  • TypeScript;
  • ReactJS and its ecossystem (react-router, redux, jest);
  • SASS and other CSS-related stuff (Flexbox, animations, etc);
  • HTML5 API's and PWA good practices.

Additionally, it is an exercise in understanding how old phones' OS's worked back in the past.

Curiosity purposes

I always wondered if tablets existed at that time, how would they look like. Now I can know it.

Nostalgic purposes

Because ancient devices are still awesome, even after all these years.

Features

Stuff that almost every phone could do at that time:

  • Make and receive calls;
  • Send and receive text messages;
  • Store contacts;
  • Set ringtones;
  • Take notes;
  • Calls log;
  • Change phone settings;
  • Alarm;
  • Clock;
  • Calculator;
  • SIM services.

Features I would like to add

  • Actual vibration (on calls, received messages, etc);
  • Games (at least demo-only versions);
  • Integration with native phone services.

Observations

I plan to use some smartphone-specific features (battery level, vibration, etc.). You can open this app in a PC or tablet and it will work like a charm, but you will have a better experience in a smartphone.