Retro Chatter Podcast

Retro Chatter - The Returning Retro Podcast

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Retro Chatter is the official Returning Retro Podcast. returningretro.substack.com

17h ago

Finally a T9 device with (or without) full Android! | Dumber Mini first impressions

In this video, Jake gives a tour of the Dumber Mini, a candy bar style Android device with a T9 keypad. Preorder yours (non-affiliate): https://dumbermini.com/products/preorder-dumber-mini-us-versionFollow/join your fellow retroverts at Returning Retro!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReturningRetroReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetroX: https://www.x.com/ReturningRetroTelegram: https://t.me/+e14Qs2nQmho2MzIxSupport the channel!Get your “intentional” phone: https://dumbwireless.com/?ref=ReturningRetroGet Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G4Get Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G5Get Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G6Get Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH244Get Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/a/pro/?ref=returningretroChapters:00:00 Intro00:14 Dumbdroid is now DumberOS01:08 Device walkthrough02:03 With or without Google Services!02:53 RCS works03:21 Niagara integration04:00 U.S. frequency support04:18 Dual-SIM04:30 Size comparisons 05:14 Sidephone side-by-side05:54 Keypad quality06:23 Final thoughtsKeywords:Dumber Mini review, Dumber OS, DumbDroid rebrand, Dumber Mini Android phone, T9 keypad smartphone, North American dumb phone, Google trademark dispute, Niagara Launcher Dumber Mini, Dumber Mini pre-production prototype, Dumber Mini vs Sidephone, Dumber Mini vs BlackBerry Classic, Dual SIM e-ink phone, No headphone jack smartphone, No SD card slot, Google Play Services option, RCS support Dumber OS, Testing channel updates, GMS Android fork, Digital minimalism phone, Compact QWERTY alternative, Integrated T9 keypad, D-pad navigation smartphone, Smartphone size comparison, Thin smartphone 2024, Retro tech enthusiast, Consumer electronics review, Tech gadget review, Android communication device, Carrier compatibility North America, App compatibility T9 keypad, Smart phone minimalist lifestyle, Physical keypad smartphone, Sidephone comparison, BlackBerry Classic modified Xenua Q25, Titan II Elite comparison, Pre-production device review, Software update channels, System Updates Android, Call quality test, Texting RCS functionality, Pocket-sized smartphone, Comfortable key pressing, Solid build quality, Quick communication tool, Favorite app number shortcuts, Four digit app launching, Spotify shortcut phone, Phone button number one, Band support United States, Cellular network compatible, Google apps yes or no branch, Dumber OS manufacturer partnership, Dumber Mini specs, Dumber Mini price release, Best minimalist phone 2024, Underrated Android devices, Tech reviewer hands-on, Long-term usage testing, Dumber OS community, #DumberMini #DumberOS #SmartphoneReview #MinimalistPhone #T9Keypad #NiagaraLauncher #AndroidDevice #DigitalDetox #TechReviewer #CompactPhone #RetroTech #Sidephone #DumbPhoneAlternative #NorthAmericanCarrier #GoogleAppsOptional #RCSTexting #PrototypeReview #MobileTechnology #GadgetReview #TechUnboxing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
3d ago

My favorite e-reader! | Bigme B6 B&W

In this video, Jake goes over his current favorite e-reader, the Bigme B6 (black-and-white edition)! Pick one up here: https://store.bigme.vip/collections/e-readers/products/bigme-6inch-b6-2-32gb-black-and-white-ebook-reader-with-212ppi-and-android-14os?variant=45698832728243Follow/join your fellow retroverts at Returning Retro!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReturningRetroReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetroX: https://www.x.com/ReturningRetroTelegram: https://t.me/+e14Qs2nQmho2MzIxSupport the channel!Get your “intentional” phone: https://dumbwireless.com/?ref=ReturningRetroGet Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G4Get Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G5Get Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G6Get Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH244Get Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/a/pro/?ref=returningretro Chapters:00:00 Intro00:20 Why I prefer B&W e-ink panels00:55 Why the B6 is underrated01:19 Tour & unique features02:11 Setting refresh profile (e-ink center)02:47 Display light options03:26 Price & availability04:00 Software updates04:56 It runs Android! Topics Covered BigMe B6 review, BigMe B6 e-reader, black and white e-reader, Android e-ink reader, BigMe B6 2024, e-reader with physical buttons, Best budget e-reader 2024, BigMe B6 vs Kindle comparison, E-ink tablet with Android, Remappable buttons e-reader, BigMe B6 price $159, Black and white e-ink better than color, E-reader SD card slot USB-C, ReadEra Premium e-book app, Best e-reader for reading, BigMe B6 case included, BigMe B6 specs, 6-inch e-ink display, USB-C connectivity, MicroSD card support, Magnetic folio case, Customizable physical buttons, Navigation button remapping, E-ink refresh profiles, Front light adjustment day night bedroom modes, Android-based OS customization, App compatibility Proton Brave Read Era, BigMe B6 vs B7, BigMe B6 vs Highbreak Pro, B&W e-ink vs color e-ink, Android e-readers vs Kindles, Budget e-reader alternatives, Reading performance, Software update frequency, Manufacturer responsiveness, Real-world usage months-long review, Display clarity without backlight, #BigMeB6, #EReaderReview, #EInk, #BlackAndWhiteEReader, #AndroidEreader, #KindleAlternative, #BudgetEReader, #TechReview, #BigMe, #ReadEra, #DigitalReading, #EBookReader, #GadgetReview, #RetroTech, #EInkDisplay This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
Jun 7

A phone built for Linux AND includes a keyboard!?

In this episode of Retro Chatter, Jake sits down with Eric Bouchard of Bouchard Industries to discuss the forthcoming Bouchard Basic Phone; which combines Linux Mobile with an e-paper display and a physical QWERTY keyboard! Sign up for early access: https://www.dumbphone.ca/Follow the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bouchardindustries/the-basic-phone-a-dumbphone-without-disadvantageFollow/join your fellow retroverts at Returning Retro!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReturningRetroReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetroX: https://www.x.com/ReturningRetroTelegram: https://t.me/+e14Qs2nQmho2MzIxSupport the channel!Get your “intentional” phone: https://dumbwireless.com/?ref=ReturningRetroGet Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G4Get Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G5Get Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G6Get Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH244Get Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/a/pro/?ref=returningretroChapters00:00 Intro00:41 What is Bouchard Industries?05:41 Why make Basic Phone?09:51 E-paper & Linux & QWERTY...WHY?!16:04 Basic Phone vs. Android/iOS19:56 Does it connect to "big tech"?26:42 Timeline, pricing & availability.TopicsBasic Phone, Bouchard Industries, Eric Bouchard, Linux phone, Linux smartphone, E Ink phone, E-paper display, digital minimalism, digital detox, dumb phone, modern dumb phone, privacy phone, open source phone, QWERTY phone, physical keyboard phone, BlackBerry alternative, distraction-free smartphone, smartphone addiction, social media addiction, screen time reduction, OpenStreetMap navigation, Debian mobile, privacy technology, minimalist technology, CES 2026, digital wellbeing, humane technology, alternative smartphone, keyboard smartphone, productivity phone, focus phone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
May 11

That's no BlackBerry! | Unihertz Titan 2 Elite Real-world Review

Get yours here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jellyphone/titan-2-elite-the-5g-keyboard-phone-youve-been-waiting-for?ref=19jutiFollow/join your fellow retroverts at Returning Retro!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReturningRetroReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetroX: https://www.x.com/ReturningRetroTelegram: https://t.me/+e14Qs2nQmho2MzIxSupport the channel!Get your “intentional” phone: https://dumbwireless.com/?ref=ReturningRetroGet Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G4Get Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G5Get Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G6Get Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH244Get Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/a/pro/?ref=returningretroChapters00:00 Introduction00:57 Hardware Tour02:04 Size Comparisons03:03 That SCREEN!03:34 Keyboard Gestures04:50 Shortcut Keys05:36 What is "mini mode"?06:05 Hardware Issues07:03 Chipset & Battery08:02 IR Blaster08:22 Those SHARP Edges08:48 Camera Quality08:58 Loudspeaker Quality09:25 Fingerprint Scanner10:32 Google Play Protect?11:21 Preferred Keyboard IME11:29 Typing Demo12:11 Spacebar Frustrations!12:53 RCS is working!13:17 5G and Mobile Coverage13:39 So Good! And so not....KeywordsUnihertz Titan 2 Elite, Titan 2 Elite review, Unihertz Titan 2 Elite QWERTY, physical keyboard phone 2026, Titan 2 Elite vs Titan Pocket, Titan 2 Elite vs BlackBerry, Titan 2 Elite battery life, Unihertz Titan 2 Elite camera, Titan 2 Elite keyboard gestures, capacitive keyboard scrolling, Unihertz Titan 2 Elite size comparison, Titan 2 Elite vs Key2, Titan 2 Elite vs Minimal Phone, Titan 2 Elite vs Clicks keyboard, Unihertz Titan 2 Elite IR blaster, no headphone jack Titan 2 Elite, Titan 2 Elite programmable keys, Returning Retro Jake, retro QWERTY phones, best physical keyboard smartphone, Titan 2 Elite unboxing, Titan 2 Elite daily use, Unihertz improvements, Android QWERTY phone 2026, BlackBerry, BringBackBlackBerry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
Mar 18

One month with Sidephone! | Impressions, tips, & tricks

In this video, Jake gives his first impressions of Sidephone after about one month of use (spoiler: he likes it a lot 😁). #intentionaltech #retrotech #retrofuture #retroverts Get yours here! (non-affiliate) https://www.sidephone.com/products/sidephone Follow/join your fellow retroverts at Returning Retro!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReturningRetroReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetroX: https://www.x.com/ReturningRetroTelegram: https://t.me/+e14Qs2nQmho2MzIx Support the channel!Get your “intentional” phone: https://dumbwireless.com/?ref=ReturningRetroGet Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G4Get Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G5Get Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G6Get Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH244Get Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/a/pro/?ref=returningretroTopics coveredSidephone review, Sidephone unboxing, Sidephone hands-on, Side Technologies, modular phone 2025, intentional technology, dumb phone, minimalist phone, retro phone, Blackberry style keyboard, SureType keyboard, JakeType keyboard, compact QWERTY phone, de-Googled Android, SideOS, minimal phone alternative, MP01 comparison, light phone alternative, Mudita Pure alternative, Beeper on dumb phone, Telegram on minimalist phone, WhatsApp on Sidephone, e-ink phone alternative, purpose-built tech, digital minimalism, reduce screen time, fight doomscrolling, Returning Retro, low distraction phone, modular tile phone, T9 keyboard, Sundial keyboard, barcode scanner phone, Volte calling, 3 day battery phone, physical keyboard smartphone, anti-smartphone, retro tech 2025, dumb phone with apps, Aurora Store, Obtainium app, Proton apps on Android, no RCS messaging, SMS only phone This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
Jan 12

Escape Doomscrolling: ModRetro’s Chromatic & M64 at CES 2026

In this video, Jake speaks to Nick from @ModRetroHub about the Chromatic (new-age Game Boy Color...made of metal!) and M64 (soon-to-launch reimagining of the Nintendo 64 console). Both consoles play new-production ModRetro games and original/vintage cartridges as well as!Here are the (non-affiliate!) links:ModRetro Chromatic: https://modretro.com/products/chromatic-tetris-bundleModRetro M64: https://modretro.com/pages/m64Follow/join your fellow retroverts at Returning Retro!Discord: https://discord.gg/Rb932BDCjWInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReturningRetroReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetroX: https://www.x.com/ReturningRetroSupport the channel!Get Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G4Get Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G5Get Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G6Get Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH244Get Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/a/pro/?ref=returningretro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
Jan 11

Clicks Communicator & Power Keyboard: Your CES 2026 Questions Answered

In this video, Jake interviews Clicks Technology CMO and cofounder Jeff Gadway about the newly-announced Power Keyboard (universal keyboard accessory) and Communicator (full-keyboard Android smartphone).Here are the (non-affiliate!) links:Learn more about Clicks Power Keyboard: https://clicks.tech/powerkeyboardLearn more about Clicks Communicator: https://clicksphone.comOr reserve now 😁Reserve Clicks Communicator ($199 deposit): https://reserve.clicksphone.com/b/cNi6oG22V9978xpcE94F202Reserve Clicks Communicator (Full $399): https://reserve.clicksphone.com/b/fZu7sKfTL2KJ9Btaw14F203Subscribe to Clicks on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClicksKeyboard & https://www.reddit.com/r/ClicksPhoneJoin Clicks chat server on Discord: https://discord.gg/duYe8U5k3fFollow/join your fellow retroverts at Returning Retro!Discord: https://discord.gg/Rb932BDCjWInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReturningRetroReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetroX: https://www.x.com/ReturningRetroSupport the channel!Get Proton Drive: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G4Get Proton Pass: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G5Get Proton VPN: https://go.getproton.me/SH2G6Get Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH244Get Zorin OS Pro: https://zorin.com/a/pro/?ref=returningretro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
11/21/2025

Will artificial intelligence destroy or enhance our ability to be intentional with tech? | Yes! 😂

In this video, Jake sits down with CrackBerry.com contributor Tex, an AI developer, to discuss both the pitfalls and benefits AI brings to the intentional tech space.CrackBerry article: https://crackberry.com/ai-everywhere-just-we-all-wantedright This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
09/30/2025

CrackBerry Kevin has Returned from the Future with All The QWERTYs (and has some thoughts...)

In this episode of Retro Chatter, Jake and ‪CrackBerry Kevin‬ discuss the Bring Back BlackBerry movement, its origins as not just a dream but also a strategic effort to revive the brand, and Kevin’s recent progress in building support through investor calls and potential board involvement. Kevin shares insights from his trip to China, including meetings with Unihertz, iKKO, and Zinwa Technologies, where he explored upcoming QWERTY devices like the Titan 2, Mind One, and modded BlackBerry Classics (the Zinwa Q25) running modern Android. They also delve into the ongoing QWERTY renaissance, the rise of intentional tech, and how these developments validate the enduring demand for physical keyboards and productivity-focused devices. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
07/24/2025

Project Progress Updates & What to Expect from Sidephone!

In this episode of Retro Chatter, Jake interviews Chris and Sebastian, co-founders of Side Technologies, about a modular mobile phone called Sidephone! Have questions about Sidephone? https://www.reddit.com/r/Sidephone/ Join the Returning Retro adventure! https://www.reddit.com/r/ReturningRetro/ Keywords Sidephone, Retro Chatter podcast, intentional tech, modular phone, Side Technologies, QWERTY keyboard phone, digital detox, smartphone alternatives, BlackBerry nostalgia, tech podcast 2025, Returning Retro, SureType keyboard, community-driven tech, pre-order Sidephone, minimalist phone, retro tech trends, Japan tech reveal, smartphone addiction, productivity tech, Reddit Sidephone This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com
07/21/2025

BlackBerry & QWERTY SuperCast w/ CrackBerry Kevin

In this inaugural episode of Retro Chatter, Jake interviews Kevin Michaluk, also known as CrackBerry Kevin (CBK), the founder of CrackBerry.com and a longstanding figure in the world of BlackBerry. The episode dives into the resurgence of QWERTY keyboards in 2025, and Kevin discusses his journey from running CrackBerry.com, a hub for BlackBerry enthusiasts, to co-founding Clicks Technology in 2024, which brought QWERTY keyboards to iPhones and Android devices. Jake and Kevin also discuss the cultural and practical appeal of physical keyboards, the decline of BlackBerry’s hardware division, and the challenges of reviving the technology, delving into Kevin’s journey beyond BlackBerry and the evolving landscape of intentional technology. Episode mentions:CrackBerry: https://www.crackberry.com/Zinwa Q25 Project: https://linkapus.com/Sidephone: https://www.sidephone.com/iKKO Mind One: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ikko/ikko-mind-one-ai-smartphone/The Minimal Phone: https://minimalcompany.com/Clicks Keyboard Cases: https://www.clicks.tech/Mr. Mobile: https://www.youtube.com/@themrmobile/Punkt./ApostrophyOS: https://mc02.punkt.ch/en/mc02-5g-secure-phone/3 Things That Could Have Saved BlackBerry: https://crackberry.com/how-blackberry-could-have-saved-itself-3-swings-they-should-have-took-and-struck-out/ Keywords:CrackBerry Kevin, BlackBerry 2025, QWERTY keyboard, Clicks Technology, Retro Chatter podcast, BlackBerry comeback, smartphone keyboards, intentional tech, BlackBerry Bold 9000, CrackBerry.com history, physical keyboard phones, Gen Z tech trends, TikTok BlackBerry, smartphone nostalgia, tech podcast 2025, BlackBerry 10 legacy, mobile tech history, retro tech revival, iPhone keyboard accessory, Android keyboard case, Retro Chatter podcast, BlackBerry alternatives 2025, Clicks keyboard, intentional tech, productivity-focused devices, QWERTY keyboard phones, Mobile Nations, Mr. Mobile, digital detox, Unihertz Titan 2, Zinwa BlackBerry, smartphone nostalgia, tech creator community, crowd equity fundraising, BlackBerry Classic, retro tech trends, iPhone keyboard accessory, Android keyboard case, tech podcast 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit returningretro.substack.com

11 Episodes

Retro Chatter is the official Returning Retro Podcast. returningretro.substack.com

Creator

Retro Chatter - The Returning Retro Podcast
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Jake (Returning Retro)
Show Website

Retro Chatter Podcast