Get to know Punkt MP02: A Dumbphone w/Signal for your Privacy.

[@techlore]

Quite a few of you wanted a deeper dive into the iPhone/Android device in the video, so I made a little video showcasing my setup :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4m4lpyNmZmEkK8

[@aidancasserley1393]

It’s now possible to link Pigeon to signal on your desktop, which is great. Perhaps release a new, short video, showing the setup process? It’s easy with the QR Code decoder. I’m using it and I’m enjoying it.

[@Alias_Anybody]

You'd think that a candybar Android phone with -a lowend chip from last year plus 2GB RAM, -one 5MP rear cam specifically for stuff like QR/Bar codes, -a decent Nokia style keyboard PLUS a 400x400 pixel or something touchscreen of around 2.5 inches, -bluetooth for music and NFC for payments -the option to choose between a minimal and a vanilla launcher and -the occational security patch should be possible for 150 bucks or so. It would do basically everything a smartphone does minus being good for watching videos or social media doom scrolling. But it's at least possible if necessary. Now, waterproof it for 50 bucks more and it would be a banger work phone for any kind of industry, farming or trades as well as outdoor enthusiasts.

[@Neavris]

Removable cameras and bluetooth would be better imo... We have modularity on PC, why can't we have any on cell phone? They even prevent us to change the battery.

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@Neavris Better than what? Modularity is barely a thing on highend and midrange devices, why should a minimalist phone which is cheap first and foremost do that?

[@ANullAssault]

Add walkie talkie functionality and it really would be perfect for jobsites

[@kiyoponnn]

agreed, pixel 6 is a far better deal

[@blacksundarkskies]

dude their watch is 250$

[@pradap2298]

300 dollars ridiculously high price

[@techlore]

Definitely a high price!

[@Remigrator]

400

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Yeah seriously maybe at 1:50 200 I could justify that as a boutique but premium privacy focused dumb phone. But if it's not profitable at that price it's hard to justify.

[@martinlutherkingjr.5582]

Not really when you consider how small the market is for something like this and inflation.

[@Tom-kt8lu]

😂

[@Nanomaroni]

I'm using the MP02 for four months as my main and only Phone. The only thing really annoying me is the Signal Problem you mentioned. But it's totally doable daily driving a dumbphone like this, but keep in mind that you need let some conveniences go! This Device broke my Smartphone addiction and I don't want to give it back. I just wish the updates were more frequent and they fix Signal.

[@michaeldhondt368]

Me too it's my only phone for 2 months I don't use signal or pigeon just normal calls and texts

[@hotdogsoup-nl]

Does Signal (Pigeon) properly display received photos or videos?

[@jakubstrnad4730]

Hello, that's right, I bought another pocket music player, I still have the digital SLR with me. The main bonus is the receptivity of the surroundings and the fact that I started writing, painting and playing musical instruments again... That's the power of PUNKT MP02. I tried going back to my smartphone but it didn't make sense...

[@motionoftheocean7524]

Can you share me a short prose...a poem maybe?....can you play mozart ?.... Guns n Roses?.... I wanna know.😊​@@jakubstrnad4730

[@johnblackmouth]

@@michaeldhondt368then you could’ve saved money and purchased a regular dumb phone

[@biggbeefer]

I'm really into this wave of "smart dumbphones" like this, the light phone 2, etc. I think a lot of people would be interested in this kind of stuff, but the biggest obstacle to the space is the price tags on these things. The value straight up sucks lol. If over the course of years they can iterate and bring the prices down I think we can start to see a serious legitimate market for these kinds of phones!

[@Fr4nkSanchez]

yeap, you can do something similar by setting grayscale, and reduce the apps in home

[@firstnamelastname6738]

@@Fr4nkSanchez Yeah and still get tracked by google and every other corporation out there.

[@doctoruttley]

Have it as a second phone. Just forward my iPhone calls and texts to my MP02 number. Leave the iPhone at home. No problems, no bugs and surpasses my expectations.👌🏻

[@hank9th]

I'm hopeful that we see more innovation in these modern dumb phones. One form-factor I'd be really interested in seeing is a dual-screen slab phone, where you have a reflective e-ink top screen for displaying distraction-free content, and a monochrome OLED touch screen on the bottom that serves as the primary input mechanism. I feel like this would strike the best balance between a phone minimizes distractions at the hardware, but is still just as capable at performing the "necessary" functions of a phone.

[@trer04]

Damn my wallet would feel punkt.

[@JoseBriones]

Thanks for the shoutout! Hoping that the new Punkt update for pigeon will fix some of these issues and help tons for stability. Appreciate hearing your thoughts on the matter!

[@techlore]

Thanks for the amazing content Jose, keep kicking ass

[@Dwigt_Rortugal]

I'm thinking of starting my kid on this as their first cell phone. They're likely going to think they've gotten punkt.

[@redeyesdrogon786]

This is an interesting device. I feel like this could be used as a daily driver if they improve a few more things. Overall, a solid attempt 👍🏽

[@MikeWood]

Good starting point and I like the design. But no camera for QR codes ...If this was a $100 burner phone and it had a Blackberry or Sidekick QWERTY... Typing messages OG style T9 is a deal breaker.

[@jterranova]

Maybe others have said this but I haven't scrolled through all the comments: there is now a way to sync Signal accounts and the fix seems simple and is published on the Punkt site. I don't own this phone so haven't tried it.

[@sixtyinsix]

Regarding the keyboard and typing: Makes me wonder how much Nokia thumb typing muscle memory I still have after all these years.

[@dreadinajeep]

Very expensive for most.Easier to have a graphene device with the bare minimum apps.The only issue is that the only pixel phones supported at the end of this month are huge.I do like what Punkt is trying to do tho.

[@techlore]

I really just want a small Android device again. The Zenfone is still too big!

[@rejvaik00]

Where do you find this ability to get the graphene phone?

[@mauldus]

@@techlore Seconded. Pixel 5a was the last one I could actually reach the send button with my left thumb. I sent a Pixel 6 back for the 6a because it was too big. No wireless charging for me, I guess.

[@022-e5f]

@@techlore Damn, do you use the Zenfone? I've been wanting to pick the new one up (because fuck Samsung and Apple) but ASUS just announced they're basically shutting Zenfone down and the 10 is the last phone of the series, so I've been having second thoughts. Thinking maybe the Galaxy S23 isn't THAT bad of an option... Knowing someone as knowledgeable as you is using or even just prefers the Zenfone would probably sway my decision.

[@bruhvistan9001]

You're better off with calyxOS until the grapheneOS dev goes to get treatment for his psychosis

[@altrogeruvah]

Interesting device, but yeah, even though I can understand the high price tag, it's not really justifiable when you compare it to what's available out there.

[@snowah975]

Please make a video guide/tutorial on your exact iPhone setup and how to dumb it down!

[@techlore]

Edit, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anvGkKKXhclkapY

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

I'm interested in this and I had no idea it existed, thanks Henry! I was dreading having to get a larger phone when my iPhone 13 mini dies. My sister and I are always looking for more private means of communicating even if it's just with each other. This would be a good device to use during Defcon once Signal works properly on it.

[@speakertwentytwo]

If it had a rear camera so you can use Signal on multiple devices, and you can take basic photos (it's the memory or utility that counts, not the quality), the MP02 would be a very compelling option.

[@MrAndMrsGrover]

Do you know if there is a device that essentially has these specs?

[@MrAndMrsGrover]

I guess they could make a way to simply input a QR code, instead of having to actually use a camera.. I'm glad this KZbinr points this issue out clearly! My only/main drawback for not getting the Punkt.

[@speakertwentytwo]

​@@MrAndMrsGrover There are plenty of 'dumbphones' that don't run Android and have features like cameras and web browsers, but because they don't run Android, they also don't support Signal. It's a catch-22. The Light Phone supports Android apps if I recall correctly and might have a camera. You'll have to check.

[@MrAndMrsGrover]

​@@speakertwentytwo Hi, thanks for responding. I don't really want a camera or webbrowser, just Signal (with Desktop support :)). So there really is no perfect one phone out there, of course, which means I will have to divide it across multiple phones, as I do currently. Perhaps you could help me out: I'm looking for a minimalist, preferrably open-source, dumbphone - actual dumb, not feature - that can run 4G. I wouldn't mind using an old Nokia as daily driver, except the providers here in the EU no longer support 2G. Thanks!

[@davidprock904]

Please tell the makers of this phone about my idea! After knowing about the 'CharaChorder One', What if you could do that for the keys, so the key with ABC, a if the left direction, b is the up direction, c is the right direction, and for the number would be the down direction or a press

[@rationalraven8956]

I would totally buy one of these if I could afford it. The Signal thing doesn't matter to me because I don't even know anyone who uses Signal. I just want a "dumb phone" that actually will work on modern mobile networks, and isn't some cheap junk from China. It's also a nice bonus that the Punkt provides wifi tethering, which is something you didn't mention in the video but I think is a major selling point. The idea is that if you want to go on the Internet you can, but it's a deliberate act which you sit down and engage in, not something just sending you notifications in your pocket 24/7. Personally I can't really justify paying that much right now, but I don't think the price is unfair at all, I'm sure it costs a ton to manufacture a phone with a completely custom design on such a small scale using high quality parts.

[@Pinko-Diamond]

i'd be willing to pay at least that much if it had a pop out keyboard like the ol sidekick.

[@reesericdotci]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat if the support was for Matrix and not Signal. Matrix doesn't have that syncing issue & is actually open.

[@techlore]

I'd love the option for either 👍

[@arisoda]

hugely agree. This would be epic. I also hope the battery life is 2+ weeks

[@JerzyLasica]

It must have a camera. That's not either or. I am not a camera guy, rarely take pictures, BUT for qr codes (menus, information, registration...), situations ""hey, I got this problem (picture)", scanning of text...

[@-someone-.]

All the extra “goodies” you get with the similarity priced “smart phones” like voice recognition speech stuff, 17 cameras, 6 microphones, blood & urine sample analyser etc are literally free compared to the PUNKT ...free for a reason👀 I’m getting a PUNKT.

[@gustavofigueiredo1798]

That's definitely fair to point out, and I thought the same. However it wouldn't hurt to have some of those functionalities available, if they were to get implemented in a secure way.

[@-someone-.]

@@gustavofigueiredo1798 remember Edward Snowden’s philosophy? Remove all cameras. Just carry a smartphone if you want cameras etc 👍just my opinion.

[@TheProperMinimalist]

Love the athletic, minimalism, and design of the phone. BUT why not just buy a $50 Nokia 110 4G?

[@bibleburner]

It would be better if it had a qwerty keypad like a blackberry

[@benhays6488]

Are there any dumb phones that are cheaper in price that you would recommend? Thanks for the video!

[@techlore]

Not that's I've personally used/tested. But I'd recommend Jose's channel as he's the dumbphone pro!

[@eurekaelijah]

I use the MP02 as a secondary device when I want to disconnect. I'm still working on cleaning up my tech life, so maybe I will make it my only device some day. But, as just a dumbphone it is great. Works great, feels great. Looks great. I love it. I actually enjoy T9 typing. I guess it is nostalgia or something. No regrets.

[@unimpressedcat2140]

A smart dumbphone with support for event tickets (since paper tickets are no longer a thing) would 100% convert me. I go to a lot of baseball games and concerts.

[@GmailNexus]

A serious encrypted messenger needs a Blackberry Keyboard

[@gustavofigueiredo1798]

"If only" they would fix the issues it has right now, and add an mp3 player + headphone jack + sd card slot AND a qwerty (sliding?) keyboard... it'd be close to perfection IMHO.

[@gustavofigueiredo1798]

The ending (edit: actually @7:08) of this video reminded me: Henry, will you be doing a "tour" of your smartphone setup and workflow in the future?

[@techlore]

Possibly, but likely on my personal channel (if I do)

[@gustavofigueiredo1798]

@@techlore Ok. Thanks!

[@techlore]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/anvGkKKXhclkapY Here ya go!

[@ah-64apache84]

with all of those drawbacks, just save the money and get any 10$ dumbphone if you are willing to accept those, you can accept not having signal either for 290$ less

[@slickfiz]

I'd like to know if it has something like T9 dictionary & predictive text? Also does it have a dual SIM version & removable battery?

[@GamingManiacMan]

It has both t9 and predictive in its settings It doesn't have a dual sim and I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a removable battery

[@renzokukenleneyoyo522]

I was about to pull the trigger on the punkt because of minimalism and signal and the issue you raised is monumental! Thanks for the review and cheers from Costa Rica!

[@BlackenedDecay]

It would be neat if they added voice typing it would fix the typing issues

[@akash_gupta]

I want this so bad! But can't get over the fact that my full-fledged Samsung smartphone that has been working reliably for 3 years now cost $200.

[@JasonThorneMagicLAMP]

QR Codes are a complete waste of time. Ordering in a resteraunts that have QR code table menus is slower than ordering at the counter. It would be so easy to put a code you could type in at the bottom of the QR code that would accomplish the same thing if you did not have a camera, but the QR code is to force you to have an internet capable device you carry around with you so you are constantly tracked and traced.

[@JasonThorneMagicLAMP]

I watched this again and marvel at the lack of understanding involved in assuming making a desktop client for Pidgeon is hard. Any first year undergraduate could write a blog, and that is all Pidgeon really is with some security on top, and the security is only complex at a VERY low level where you get into the cryptography of the thing, and even that is honors degree level math that is not beyond any pure maths graduate. Admittedly that is a high bar, but no one gets their hands that dirty these days, you don't need to. That is all done by routines you call that are available in practically every language, python, perl, php, C, C++. And all o this is superflous anyway, people give all their data away freely to google, facebook, youtube, shadywebsite inc, any web driven platform that asks for it. For the amount of hassle that security causes us, we would be better off (and live a lot longer) just transmitting all our messages on an unencrypted device accross an unencrypted network. Disclaimer: Any man in the middle process that scrapes this message is welcome to write it on toilet paper and wipe their ass with it.

[@MrAndMrsGrover]

Hi Techlore, thanks for the clear video pointing out the poignant current issue with MP02, next to its merits. In my own interest: would you say it is more likely that Punkt will introduce a software workaround - or that they will release an MP03, with camera, that enables Signal Desktop support. Thanks in advance!

[@impermanenthuman8427]

What’s the name of your best latest vid for best phone and setup process? Interested in how you setup your debloated smart phone and why you chose that over some of the other privacy/security focused phone operating systems? Thanks

[@techlore]

never done a video like this, but if I do it'll likely be on my personal channel

[@impermanenthuman8427]

@@techlore even a 2 phone system might be better? One focused on compatibility and usability and the other security/privacy depending on what you need the tool for at the time 🤔

[@techlore]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/anvGkKKXhclkapY Just made a video covering my phone. And yes you can always use multiple devices for different uses :P

[@An.Individual]

Does it allow you to create a new signal account without giving them a phone number?

[@Spiralnebel_GB]

I love the idea to have a mobile device that got reduced to the max but personally i would miss a feature to stream music the most. Going back flasging cards or sticks would be no option for me.

[@manuel0578]

Dude, people used to be able to type faster on T9 keyboards than on touch keyboards.

[@sean640]

I have the punkt mp02 and now just use a grapheneos pixel 7. Another thing i would do is have my punkt, and make a hotspot to connect my wifi only pixel to it only when i needed to. Eh

[@junaid2606]

Can you plug in an external webcam to use as a camera to scan QR codes?

[@hopelessdecoy]

I say instead of wasting money on this (unless you really need it) help support Linux on phones. In the end it will have more features, more privacy and you can customize it as much as you can customize Linux (which is a lot). Pine Phone I hope someday gets feature complete and a real option, it might already be better than this in a number of ways.

[@techlore]

While I definitely agree with the overall sentiment and this is *currently* the case. I feel the end-goal of both of these devices is drastically different. Linux phones seem to have the goal of eventually being competitive to the average smartphone. As of today they fall so short that they're comparable to the Punkt :P But as Linux phones develop I imagine there will be fewer and fewer similarities between the two. Just my 2c. I think these intentionally minimal devices will be here to stay as an alternative to the smartphone. They prioritize focus.

[@hopelessdecoy]

@@techlore good point! Some people will always want this just a phone product category.

[@NamiberGames]

If Bluetooth seems to work for this device, wouldn't it be able to connect to a Bluetooth camera (only to setup Signal) ?

[@UsualYaddaYadda]

Yea, that was the workaround that seemed obvious...if you can connect a BT keyboard...

[@rokyo401]

Usually, I would consider "no cameras" as a *good* thing 😃 I wish there was a phone like this but with a Blackberry-like qwerty keyboard and USB-dockable camera, which you can *choose* to connect (when you need it) or leave in the desk drawer.

[@videooblivion]

This is called a "feature phone". And its internet capabilities include using it as a hotspot. The Pigeon client is made possible by other means of support, not the purchase cost.

[@slightlytwistedagain]

Have you tried the GreenTouch Mindful phone? It might be right up your ally in terms of a stripped down modern phone.

[@techlore]

I haven't but it looks like a cool phone! Lack of E2EE messaging/calls would probably be the main reason I wouldn't use it just taking a quick look.

[@RedFidgetSpinner07-r5b]

I have to get one of these things. Over the years I’ve noticed that I only use my iPad when going online. If I was using the iPhone it was because I was making a phone call or reading/sending basic text messages. The only problem is I highly depend on ordering Uber/Lyft. Something I’m gonna have to figure out🤔

[@SAFT_NB]

How about temporarily connecting a PC Webcam to the USB C port on the phone using an adapter .

[@drendelous]

if privacy is that sensitive and important, why making the phone cost so much with so many limitations?

[@laurencefraser]

Smaller production runs cost more per unit, which is probably a significant part of the cost. The lack of a camera, however, is a significant failing, given that dumb phones in general had them for... quite some time, prior to smart phones being a thing (even if they could often only send the images to other similarly capable phones via what amounted to an oversized text message, though I think the later ones had sensible ways to transfer them to your PC), so it's not like it's not at least a mostly solved problem.

[@RamsteinPoplaski]

They could maybe add a scanner or a small camera at the top of the phone which would make it interesting to see

[@aosth5]

Love the design and color! Reminds me of the nextbit robin. Hate everything else :^)

[@MonerBilly]

No camera? Sounds good

[@darknetworld]

I guess it pros and cons to them. What about the pine phone they do better some degree.

[@xristo702]

Do the batteries still suck on them?

[@Neavris]

A dock that allows a small removable usb camera to be plugged in on top would be good.

[@adamgarlow5347]

touchscreens arent that bad for phones (I threw up a little just typing that). On screen keyboards with swipe are miles better than the old days of hitting a button multiple times. I just wish there were more that supported a minimal OS and more older smartphone style hardware in between this and a new phone. For any manufactures listening, I'd like a small screen (4.5" diagonal would be fine), thickness should be bellow 20mm but striving for thin is bad, some sort of rear facing camera, a 3.5mm jack, a removable SD card, a removable battery, and possibly user-upgradable modem like the liberty phone. GPS for navigation is a nice to have I suppose. Apps should be as minimal as possible, a calculator, an end to end messaging client, email, web browser, and possibly an authenticator. No google services at all, no phoning home usage statistics, just insert sim card and have fun.

[@typingcat]

I don't know why without QR, you can't use it. QR is nothing but a machine-friendly way to transfer a small bytes of data. If it has no camera, there could be various other ways to acquire the same data. For example, the sender (the one that is showing the QR code) can simply encode the data in Morse code and play it through its speaker. Punkt can record the sound and decode it back to the original bytes.

[@MartinDerTolle]

Soo their Signal client should totally have the ability for you to type the QR content manually

[@Kx0195]

I'd buy a QWERTY edition. Could never give up the full keyboard but could absolutely get rid of my smartphone.

[@newtuber4freedom43]

I'm looking for a phone with NO email capabilities - does this phone have email? It did not say on amazon or this review. Please advise.

[@AG-en5y]

Didn't they stop supporting the older version of MP02 ?

[@Vamosmac]

The work around is an led camera

[@hdtravel1]

Very cool device and concept - hopefully a new version will support 5G and also the Verizon network.

[@yagooliver15]

I loved the idea and concept, but, NO WAY pay 300 euros for it, I think 80 euros or less would be a fair price.

[@mikeuk1927]

Heck, even 150, considering they are a small company and they don't get the benefits of mass manufacturing and all. But 300 is waaay too much...

[@Nakla]

It would be absolutely terrible in terms of security if it only cost 80 bucks Don't buy these devices at all

[@gustavofigueiredo1798]

Interesting. I'll be keeping an eye out for this device and it's parent company in the future. Simmilar to the Framework laptop, their product is going in the right direction, it's not perfect, but close. And while I can't afford to spend that ammount of money, especially it being an imperfect product, right now, I'll do it when it makes sense. It's good to know of the existence of these things, knowing there are options is great!

[@MatthewCobalt]

I just want a phone that is a Blackberry Style OS and Keyboard. These "twelve button typers" are the worst to communicate anything more complicated than a three word sentence. Bluetooth keyboards aren't a good alternative inless you wanna do a minimalist writer setup. Privacy is one thing, but if it's hard to use then it just makes it less of an insensitive to use generally. Locking yourself to a service that require people with the same device is gonna limit everyone's use cases.

[@MatthewCobalt]

I still have an 8520 that is in pretty rough shape, but it's still alive and is a way better experience than that device. I'm still going to wait for the blackberry successor.

[@raymond2136]

why not plug in an external camera on the punkt

[@vicjose]

I got my grandma this phone and they are roasting her at the nursing home

[@beyondsquid]

I want a phone of "average intelligence" that has email, camera, nice size keyboard (hardware of screen version) but limited apps and no browser. LightPhone gets closer but on-screen keyboard is not workable for my big fingers. I currently use Screen Time function of Iphone to get this but of course all the privacy issues come with that device.

[@horacebones493]

I’d honestly just buy a flip phone, which is still possible. It has an aesthetic, simple and nostalgic.

[@DarkLink606]

Why not making a dumb phone with qwerty physical keyboard?

[@CoffeeMonster98]

What kind of phone do you have?

[@JasonThorneMagicLAMP]

It also needs a 3.5mm headphone jack

[@oskari3659]

I actually like it has no camera. Other issues and price are dealbreaker, otherwise I would get it as second phone.

[@Grace17893]

Love it brother God bless you

[@rejvaik00]

Kinda sad we have to shop out of being spied on now sadly

[@konsul2006]

How is the bluetooth and car infotainment support? Does it support syncing phonebook with the car (volkswagen, ford, etc)? Does it work with bluetooth Phonebook access profile (PbAP) for automotive Hands-Free use? New "dumb" Nokia phones do not fully work in my car!

[@patriceheylighen2360]

Yes it does.

[@doctordutch]

Does it allow you to dictate text?

[@RomanAround_3201]

You keep talking about it but I still don’t understand what pigeon signal is

[@patriceheylighen2360]

Pigeon is a Signal compatible Apps for Punkt.

[@himangshudas3924]

Really liked the design till you turned it around. Would have liked it if it were a lil bit thinner.

[@adstix]

Physical or e-sim? VPN compatible?

[@joelwylde]

get me one with a qwerty keyboard and I'm sold.

[@forlexer]

a cheap as dirt camera dongole would be an easy implimentation.

[@danmar007]

I wonder what the smartest dumb phone is.

[@vsk5573]

The problem with light phone and this punkt phone is they are overpriced. We have nokia feature phones with all these features and some are having payment feature ( atleast) in india.

[@BloodAsp]

The design is very human.

[@aathivive]

can never get this pigeon messenger to work. not reliable when travelling

[@Goldmaster]

4:18 why not a Bluetooth camera?

[@Goldmaster]

6:41 sms is the backup option

[@digitaldealer]

I know a lot of hom boyz in the crip, who would gladly pay that kinda money for a phone like that. 🙂

[@John-Smith02]

I bought 2 Pixel 6a phones off swappa in Mint condition for roughly $200 - $220(because of shipping and tax) each. $300 for a dumb phone is just dumb.

[@dukirps]

Nokia still have the best dumb phone designs. If only they weren’t on Kai OS, they wouldn’t be so slow

[@debbiewofford7021]

These phones are not accessible to blind people!!! That is to say they cannot be used nonvisually. That like the I Phone. That doesn't mean they can't be. It just means the developers don't. 8:23

[@techlore]

Do you have resources I could dive into to learn more about how to assess if something keeps accessibility into consideration? I'm so far removed from this and it would help me be able to possibly consider this in future reviews

[@johnny_bravo9990]

What is signal account