The Problem
One year ago I wrote my last blog posting (yeah I don't blog too often) where I outlined my need for "Smartphone Independence". Basically, I felt the smartphone was overtaking my life, tugging at me every few seconds to check email updates (which often were not there), Tweets from Twitter, games etc. Any time I was bored for a few seconds, out came the phone. Sit down to the table with the family and out comes the phone. Not good.On the other hand, there were some smartphone features I still wanted. I did want a handy phone, GPS, camera and video camera all rolled into one. Hey, I still even wanted email access. I just did not want the thing taking over my life.
The Solution
The solution was simply to lock all the elements on my phone I no longer wanted with an app called APP Lock. I outlined the details of the problem and solution in the previous post.First Year Update - How did it go?
One year later, I am happy to report that I honestly feel this was one of the best moves I have ever made in my life. I still have my smartphone, it still takes me where I need to go, it still takes pictures, but most importantly, I control the smartphone - the smartphone does not control me.I have found that I can get updates from Twitter on my desktop by checking in a couple times a day. Nobody died while waiting to hear from me. When I sit down for dinner I don't pull out my phone (there is nothing new there really). Maybe I check for emails a little too often, but it is not out of hand.
The only time I modified the limitations was during Hurricane Sandy, when we were out of power for a week. I had my wife unlock Twitter so that we could get updates from PSEG (our electric company) and to find places that actually had gas. It was very useful. However, after that back to lock up mode.
I realize that not everyone feels the same way as I do about the smartphone, however if you think you need some "smartphone modification", by all means, go for it. You will feel better you did.
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