In an exciting development for tech enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike, a tip from a user named David has brought to light a fascinating initiative by a company based in Belgium, known as Citronics. This innovative company is on a mission to repurpose old cellphones, specifically converting them into single-board computers designed for embedded Linux applications. This remarkable idea addresses a significant issue in the tech world: the alarming number of smartphones that are discarded or relegated to the recycling stream, despite being capable of so much more. With the exponential growth of technology, many older devices have become obsolete, yet they possess considerable potential for use in various projects, particularly in the realm of hacking and DIY electronics.

Currently, Citronics has introduced a prototyping breakout board specifically designed for the Fairphone 2, an eco-friendly smartphone that emphasizes sustainability. While this is a promising starting point, it remains to be seen how this initiative could potentially expand to include a wider range of devices. One of the most significant barriers to utilizing old phones is their limited peripheral connectivity options. Most smartphones come equipped with a single USB port, which restricts their ability to connect with other devices and accessories. However, Citronics' development kit addresses this limitation by offering a robust array of connectivity options, including four USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port supporting 10/100M connections, and a Raspberry Pi header that provides access to UART, SPI, I2C, and GPIO interfaces.

Interestingly, while Citronics is enhancing connectivity, they have made some notable trade-offs. The company has chosen to remove the touchscreen and its accompanying display, as well as the camera. This decision, while perhaps disappointing to some users, has practical advantages. By eliminating these components, which are often the most vulnerable to damage and least supported by various Linux distributions, the overall reliability of the repurposed device may be improved. The advantage of running a Linux operating system is that it opens up a world of possibilities for developers and hobbyists, although it does mean that not every smartphone will be suitable for this transformation. Fortunately, initiatives such as PostmarketOS and others are working to widen the compatibility of devices for such projects.

Despite the excitement surrounding Citronics' plans, many in the tech community are eagerly awaiting more detailed information regarding the breakout boards and their specifications. This initiative raises an important question: how soon can we expect an open-source implementation of a similar project? Given the vast number of inexpensive, used, or even non-functional smartphones available on the market, the potential for innovation in this area is immense. It is a worthwhile project that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers and tech enthusiasts alike, hoping to give new life to devices that would otherwise be discarded.