Zurich start-up tackles smartphone stress with a special case
Digital Balance – Apps aren't the only way to find a healthy balance when it comes to online use. A Zurich-based startup is now offering a physical solution as well.
According to a Study, as published in the *Journal of Affective Disorders* (2017), problematic smartphone use can lead to stress and depression. Conversely, responsible smartphone use—also referred to as «digital balance»—leads to a more balanced and happier life.
The Zurich-based startup LeBehr In October, the company launched its first product: a phone case that allows users to go completely offline. The product is designed to give cell phone users the choice of when they want to be connected to the network and the world, and when they want some peace and quiet. The case blocks all connections to the outside world.
«We live in a world where there is a growing need to have more control over our own time, privacy, and data so that we can consciously refocus on the things that matter most to us,» says James Rushton, CEO and founder of LeBehr.
Why not just turn on airplane mode? Do you need a special case for that? «People who use airplane mode regularly are on the right track,» says Martin Bütler of LeBehr in response to a question from *Werbewoche*. However, airplane mode doesn’t provide complete silence—certain features, such as GPS tracking, updates, and calendar notifications, remain active and could disturb your peace and quiet.
Bütler also points out the psychological and social benefits of an offline case: «Its ease of use makes the decision easier, and the product regularly reminds people to go completely offline.» Furthermore, using the case signals to those around you how much you value their time—a clear gesture that you’re offline.
The concept of a «radical» offline retreat could very well catch on. «The initial feedback from our customers reinforces our belief that they are spending significantly more time offline thanks to the Case, which of course makes us happy,» said Bütler.
This raises the question of battery life. Doesn’t the battery drain faster if the smartphone is constantly trying to establish a connection? Bütler dismisses the concern: «Using our case has virtually no impact on battery life, since the phone quickly realizes it no longer has a signal and switches to a kind of «sleep mode.»» The problem described only occurs with very old phones or when the device has poor reception.
Apps Support Offline Time
In addition to this hands-on approach to problem-solving, there are several smartphone apps dedicated to this topic. Off-time From Germany, it helps users stick to the breaks they've set for themselves from their cell phones. The Norwegian company Hold has launched an app that rewards students with vouchers when they don't use their smartphones for more than 20 minutes. The topic of digital balance is also being promoted by the #devicefreedinner movement, which originated in the U.S. and drew attention to mindful smartphone use in late October 2017 with a YouTube series featuring Will Ferrell. (Werbewoche.ch reported). (hae)
