Google’s Experiments division launches a printable paper phone which helps you take a break from your digital world.

A lot of people feel that they spend too much time on their phones and struggle to find a balance with technology. Paper Phone helps you have a little break away from your digital world by printing a personal booklet of the key information you’ll need that day.

We were particularly interested in the idea of a digital detox, which usually involves spending some time away from your smartphone. Many of the people we spoke to about this were literally terrified at the idea of leaving their phone behind. “What would I do without my maps”, “I don’t even know my boyfriend’s phone number”. We also found out about a condition called Nomophobia, which is the fear of being without your mobile phone.Special Projects

According to its creator, London-based Special Projects, Paper Phone is an experimental app which helps you have a little break away from your digital world, by printing a personal booklet of the information you’ll need that day. Printed versions of the functions you use the most such as contacts, calendars and maps let you get things done in a calmer way and help you concentrate on the things that matter the most.

It’s also good to see that Special Projects recognises the great sustainable story of paper.

If you worry about the environmental impact of printing a sheet of A4 every single day you’ll be surprised to know printing one page per day would produce approximately 10g of CO2 in a year. In contrast, using a mobile device for one hour a day produces 1.25 Tonnes of CO2 at the end of the year, taking into account network and server infrastructure energy requirements.Special Projects

Paper Phone is an experimental open source Android app which is available to try right now.

Find out more http://specialprojects.studio/project/paper-phone/

Image credits: Special Projects Studio