Devices and applications can simulate the appearance and functionality of older telephone handsets on modern smartphones. This involves either physical accessories that connect to a mobile device or software applications that mimic a vintage phone interface and sound. The intention is to evoke a sense of nostalgia or provide a unique user experience. An example includes a Bluetooth handset designed to resemble a classic rotary phone, paired wirelessly with a smartphone for making and receiving calls.
The appeal of these products and software stems from a desire to reconnect with simpler times or to differentiate from the ubiquitous modern mobile aesthetic. Benefits range from ergonomic comfort for extended calls (in the case of physical handsets) to a playful and engaging user interface. Historically, the fixed-line telephone represented a primary mode of communication, a contrast to the constant connectivity and multifaceted capabilities of contemporary mobile devices. This contrast fuels the trend.