this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2026
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The manufacturer explicitly positions the device as a response to constant availability and what it considers problematic mechanisms of modern smartphone platforms. In conversation with heise, Commodore CEO Peri Fractic describes the Callback 8020 as a “not stupid dumbphone” for people who want to spend less time scrolling and more time in the real world. It is envisioned as a secondary device for staying reachable without being constantly exposed to the temptations of a smartphone with its notifications, apps, and games. The decision was influenced by his young daughter and his own behavior: “I was addicted to my smartphone,” says Prei Fractic.

Fantastic. We need more people like that.

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[–] JohnEdwa@sopuli.xyz 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

is it so much more expensive than manufacturing a HMD 2660, which does more or less the same things and retails for approx. $100?

Yes, extremely so.

HMD will manufacture millions of them with partners they have been using for a decade, they will each skim a few dollars to cover costs and profit and still do fine.
Commodore will manufacture a fraction of that volume using parts way more expensive as they buy less of them, and they still have to cover r&d and tooling costs from that lower volume.

That is why kickstarters (and pre-orders) are so damn useful, as that allows you to get a start at covering those costs before you even manufacture anything.