Gadget question: a bluetooth device that vibrates when there's a phone call (no smartwatch or bluetooth headphones)

Here’s the thing, I want to be able to know whenever my phone has an incoming call. I work in a small office with coworkers on constant meeting, so that means no loud phone alarms. I tried vibration mode, but it’s almost imperceptible inside my pockets that I have missed many important calls. I can excuse myself once I know there is a call incoming.

I don’t want smartwatches (they require a specific app from a specific developer to sync) as I don’t require all the functions or bother charging yet another device. Same goes for bluetooth headsets or earbuds - don’t want to wear them all day just for a call that comes once in a while.

What I ideally want is a low power device that syncs with the phone, and vibrates to let me know whenever there is an incoming call (or any event I think it is important). Nothing else. No fancy touchscreen or nada. If it’s a dumb device like the old nokias or casio watches, even better.

Is there a name for this? Am I overthinking this instead of just buying a cheapo smartband from aliexpress?

PS: Sorry if it’s inappropriate, couldn’t find a gadget related community to post that wasn’t company-specific.

ijeff ,
@ijeff@lemdro.id avatar

You’re in the right place for this post! Welcome!

Possibly a silly question but have you tried adjusting the vibration strength on your phone? What model are you using? Some have the ability to set different vibration patterns, which can help it to be more noticeable.

condenser OP ,

Yes, I tried max intensity keeping it inside my pants. It was still too weak. What I’m doing now is to put my phone on desk next to the keyboard so I can awkwardly pickup the phone whenever it moves. Haven’t tried the vibration patterns though. I should do that tomorrow.

ijeff ,
@ijeff@lemdro.id avatar

If it’s on your desk, you may also want to consider checking under accessibility in your device settings. You should be able to enable the setting to make your phone’s camera flash blink for notifications.

On my S23U it’s under Settings > Accessibility > Advanced Settings > Flash Notification.

Otherwise, all I can think of is a Fitbit. It requires an app but lasts a good week on a charge. It also tracks your sleep and fitness. One of the smaller models can be neat without leaving too much into the usual smart watch type stuff.

untorquer ,

You can try adding terms like “accessibility device” or similar to your web search terms. Ditto seems like a good option if you can source it. It looks discontinued.

Your next option may be to use the screenless fitness trackers and deny permission to fitness data if thats possible on your phone. Razer nabu possibly?

Maybe try searching for remote control couples toys, some of those apps should have this functionality though it may or my not be an acceptable solution at/for work

steltek ,

I don’t want smartwatches (they require a specific app from a specific developer to sync)

Look into GadgetBridge. It’s an app to connect to smart watches that’s so privacy friendly it forbids any Internet access at all. A Pebble watch will have week long battery life, which is pretty good, and any other solution is going to need to be charged at least that much.

condenser OP ,

I was exactly going to mention that. Most compatible devices on the list are either out of stock or too expensive from my location. Now, the list also mentions a chinese brand/manufacturer(?) called ‘XWatch’ that looks interesting, but the name’s too generic to get anything specific in aliexpress.

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