A small web app that simulates the behavior and appearance of a common cell phone in 2001.

Remember when smartphones how we know nowadays were something utopic? Handheld devices were, for our modern standards, very limited.

• Weak and expensive internet connection;
• No instant messaging;
• Monochromatic screen;
• No apps;
• No camera (NO SELFIES!!!!)
• and many more unconveniences.

Motivation

Two main reasons:

Didatic purposes

I opted for use a specific stack in this project, to extend my knowledge both in web development and technologies/tools:

• TypeScript;
• ReactJS and its ecossystem (react-router, React Context, vitest);
• SASS and other CSS-related stuff (Flexbox, animations, etc);
• HTML5 API's and PWA good practices.

Additionally, it is an exercise in understanding how old phones' OS's worked back in the past.

Curiosity purposes

I always wondered if tablets existed at that time, how would they look like. Now I can know it.

Nostalgic purposes

Because ancient devices are still awesome, even after all these years.

Features

Stuff that almost every phone could do at that time:

• Make and receive calls;
• Send and receive text messages;
• Store contacts;
• Set ringtones;
• Take notes;
• Calls log;
• Change phone settings;
• Alarm;
• Clock;
• Calculator;
• SIM services.

Features I would like to add

• Actual vibration (on calls, received messages, etc);
• Games (at least demo-only versions);
• Integration with native phone services.

Observations

I plan to use some smartphone-specific features (battery level, vibration, etc.). You can open this app in a PC or tablet and it will work like a charm, but you will have a better experience in a smartphone.

PWA baseline (smartphone)

The project includes a baseline Progressive Web App setup:

• Web app manifest with standalone display mode and install icons
• Service worker for offline shell + cached same-origin static assets
• In-app banner for install/update actions when available

Local validation

1. Build and preview:

   ./node_modules/.bin/vite build
   ./node_modules/.bin/vite preview

2. Open DevTools > Application:
   • Check Manifest fields/icons
   • Check Service Worker registration and active status
3. Simulate offline mode and refresh:
   • App shell should still load after first online visit

Android checks

1. Chrome Android
   • Verify install prompt/banner
   • Install to home screen and launch in standalone mode
   • Validate update banner appears after a new deployment
2. Firefox Android
   • Verify no runtime errors
   • Verify offline shell behavior
   • Install remains available through browser UI menu flow