In a world dominated by smartphones, a retro-style Bluetooth phone is grabbing attention for offering a nostalgic, screen-free calling experience. Created by Cat Goetze, aka “CatGPT,” the handset combines old-school landline design with modern connectivity, allowing users to make calls through their smartphones without being glued to the screen.
Goetze, frustrated by constant notifications and endless scrolling, repurposed a classic clamshell desk phone with Bluetooth technology. The device connects seamlessly to iOS and Android phones, enabling voice and video calls through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Instagram, and Snapchat. Users can even activate voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant directly from the handset.
What started as a personal experiment quickly turned into a viral sensation. After posting a demonstration video online in mid-2025, Goetze saw demand surge, generating around $120,000 in sales within just three days. By October, her company, Physical Phones, had sold over 3,000 units and earned more than $280,000.
The product is available in five retro designs, priced between $90 and $110. Buyers are drawn not just to the nostalgia factor but also to the promise of reduced screen time. Many users report feeling less distracted while using the handset, proving that older tech forms can still resonate in a digital-heavy era.
Experts say the popularity of such devices reflects a growing desire for digital wellness and minimalism. Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to stay connected while managing screen fatigue, and the retro Bluetooth phone fits that niche perfectly.
Goetze’s invention shows that blending nostalgia with modern technology can create both a practical solution and a cultural trend. By offering a tactile, focused way to communicate, Physical Phones is reshaping how people think about digital connectivity and proving that sometimes, less screen is more.
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