A simple WiFi phone for kids. Three guys and an idea to make a simple phone for kids has blossomed into a national business – TinCan Kids. Available in all 50 states and Canada, families can buy directly from the company for $100 in any of multiple colors, plugging into the home WiFi network. Unlike smartphones, even the Bark smartphone for kids with parental controls built in, the Tin Can is just a simple corded phone, vaguely similar to the look of the long-ago Princess phone. But the Tin Can has Preset phone numbers only, no Internet access, no spam calls, and described by the company as ideal for kids calling neighborhood kids. That was their idea, anyway.
But grandparents and long-distance family are also winners. The Tin Can phone and its several competitors have caught the attention of those trying to keep technology devices like smartphones and tablets out of the hands of young children. It’s a sad time when the pervasiveness of technology (see the appalling Instagram story) can be so harmful to 11- and 12-year-old children that it result in lawsuits, settlements and, finally, some defensive commentary by the CEO and then long-delayed action by the company.
The role of Tin Can phones for seniors has yet to be articulated. The phone-for-seniors market has many devices and some carrier (sort-of) marketing. Senior cell phones with a picture of the caller offer benefit for those with dementia. True – the phone rings, it’s a grandchild, hopefully, and not a spam caller. It’s mobile and can be tracked via GPS. They cost more than the Tin Can phone – and of course, they do more. But for making a call? What you get is what you need. And as an added really useful feature, theTin Can phone supports 911 calling with a preset address to go with the area code and phone number provided. Today’s smartphone users aren’t so lucky – the operator must confirm where you are.
A five-year-old boy can pick up the Tin Can phone and call his grandfather. He doesn’t have to ask for help. He can describe his day at school, talk about a soccer game that had no winner, and ask to speak to his grandmother. Can you guess what a pleasure that could be for the long-distance grandparents? No picture is needed – no need to dress up. The interaction is boiled down to its essential feature – that is, Voice First.
