Seattle startup scales $100 "Tin Can" phone as demand for screen-free tech for kids surges

In a surprising twist amid the dominance of high-end smartphones, a retro-inspired $100 "Tin Can" landline phone designed for kids has exploded in popularity among , captivating families seeking a screen-free alternative to modern devices. Shaped like a colorful tin can with a curly cord, this Wi-Fi-powered gadget allows only voice calls to pre-approved contacts, stripping away apps, texts, and stranger risks. According to , it's sweeping the nation as parents push back against $1,000 iPhones for young children, while reports its viral spread through word-of-mouth over the past year, with schools now urging more units into students' homes.