The Boring Phone is an exercise in nostalgic branding by HMD and Heineken

HMD really wants us to have more fun. Earlier this year, it announced a collaboration with Mattel to produce a foldable Barbie phone. Now, it's teaming up with Heineken and creative company Bodega on another effort designed to tap into nostalgia: the Boring Phone. there More details on the Heineken website – which you have to be at least 21 to watch – but it's basically a translucent flip phone with no apps, just good old vibes to help you connect with your friends over a cool phone.

The Boring Phone is apparently real — I know I was skeptical, too — but it will only be available through giveaways and won't go on sale. It's a limited edition and Heineken's website states that 5,000 copies will be made. There's a 2.8-inch QVGA display on the inside, a 1.77-inch display on the outside, a 0.3-megapixel camera, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It supports calling and texting over 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, but good luck finding a working 3G network anywhere in the US.

The specs are beside the point, though; Boring Phone is a marketing ploy, and frankly, it's a lot of fun. If you need to get around, Heineken's promotional website suggests that you simply text your friends for directions. You can also play snake In reference to Nokia's licensing of HMD. Once again, transparent technology is in the news. Call it a comeback.

The Boring Phone will be available through social media giveaways in the UK, with other markets to follow later in the year. If you don't win one, you'll be able to download an app that “makes smartphones boring” starting in June. Register on the Heineken website To stay up to date on all things Boring Phone.