FAQ's
How many smartphones fit in a BLOCK?
Depending on size, you can store between 4 to 7 smartphones in BLOCK.
Okay, so all smartphones fit in BLOCK?
From the smallest smartphone to the biggest, they all fit. Even with a sleeve or casing. However, there is a limit to the size of your sleeve because these can get really enormous (and ugly).
Can I put a tablet in BLOCK?
No. BLOCK is made for smartphones (and dumbphones) only. It is built on the idea that we need more physical infrastructure in our everyday life to have a healthier relationship with tech. Smartphones are designed to be carried around always. Tablets, not so much.
Does BLOCK have an ON-Switch or batteries?
No. It doesn’t need either. BLOCK works based on some good old physics: when BLOCK is closed up, an electromagnetic shield forms, blocking all incoming and outgoing transmissions. Read more on this at (the equally fantastic) Wikipedia page of the Faraday Cage.
Does it work always and everywhere?
It works always when you're inside your home, inside an office or any other building. Only when you’re outside within 100 meters of a very strong cell phone tower without any obstructions between BLOCK and the mast, there’s a small chance of a signal coming through. But even when you're that close to a cell phone tower, BLOCK works 99% of the times. So rest assured, it will work. If not, just let us know: team@meetblock.com or call Michael Faraday.
Who was Michael Faraday?
A very clever English scientist, living in the 19th century. BLOCK is a simple application of his famous Faraday cage experiment. But he did many, many more experiments in electromagnetism and even developed that first Bunsen brander we all loved in high school. Arguably his best known application of electromagnetic knowledge, the Faraday cage, blocks all outgoing and incoming electromagnetic radiation thanks to a stabilised electron layer. Read more on him here, read this biography or check out this quick video on how a Faraday cage works.
Why not just switch off your phone?
BLOCK is about more than switching off. Smartphones are designed to be carried first and called with second. Recent studies show that even having your phone visibly nearby will distract you from real-life social engagement and tasks and it can reduce your brainpower. Our credo: out of sight, out of mind. Also consider this question: when’s the last time you switched off your phone? Exactly. We need different solutions to imprint other behavior.
Is my smartphone bad?
No. We love our smartphones, too. But we do think consuming it without balance is bad, and that the jury’s out on how big a taxation it places on mental health. (For more on that, read Nicholas Carr’s book The Glass Cage. While you have your phone in a BLOCK, of course...).
BLOCK aims to help people find more balance between their analogue and digital lives by functioning as a break from the connected society. We think this is part of the emerging disconnect-trend and strongly feel that disconnect will become the new luxury. Other examples that excite us: Humane Tech, IRL Glasses, Thrive, KOVR, ISHU, Yondr, Punkt's MP01, Fairphone, BllocZero18 and LightPhone.
Can BLOCK damage my phone or affect my service?
No, BLOCK can’t damage wireless devices. Service is temporarily interrupted in a passive way, and resumed within several seconds after the phone is taken out of BLOCK. Compare it to entering or exiting areas where there is no reception.
What happens with my phone after I take it out of BLOCK?
It will reconnect to your cell phone carrier and will receive your emails, voicemails, texts, calls, notifications, etc... Similar to what happens after switching off flight mode.
Once inside a BLOCK, will my phone search for a signal and drain the battery?
Putting your smartphone in BLOCK will conserve battery life significantly because your phone will stop searching for a signal once it fails to find one.
What does a caller see while my phone is in a BLOCK?
A caller will be redirected to your voicemail, or hear that standard message from your provider that there's no connection possible.
What payment methods are available?
We accept Mastercard, Visa, PayPal and, for consumers in the Netherlands, iDeal.
What does BLOCK cost?
€150 including taxes. This excludes shipping and import duties.
What are the dimensions of a BLOCK?
BLOCK is 178 mm x 89.5 mm x 108.2 mm.
Is a BLOCK heavy?
Pretty heavy. Almost 1 kilo of pure aluminium. Bad for juggling.
Can I order larger quantities?
In our online shop you can place a maximum order of 6 BLOCKs. If you want to order more BLOCKs please email us at order@meetblock.com. Large quantity orders starting from 10 BLOCKs are available at a discount.
Is there a press kit?
Yes, click here or just send us an email to press@meetblock.com and we'll be more than happy to help you.
Where is BLOCK manufactured?
BLOCK is manufactured in the Netherlands and Bosnia Herzegovina.
When can I buy a BLOCK?
You can buy BLOCK directly on our site. Visit the online shop here. It can also be bought at a select number of shops in Amsterdam: X BANK, Misc-Store and The School of Life.
Are there distributors of BLOCK?