A beloved fixture of 1990s households is making a surprising comeback. The landline, reimagined for the modern era, is capturing the attention of Generation Alpha. The Tin Can, a screen-free, wired phone priced at $100 (approximately £74), has become an unexpected hit among children.
Design and Features
Featuring physical buttons, a coiled cord, and an answering machine, the Tin Ca n evokes nostalgic memories of the sitcom Saved by the Bell. However, unlike traditional landlines, this device connects via WiFi, enabling children to make calls over the internet. According to the company's website, it is described as a 'super-magical WiFi landline for kids.' The phone deliberately omits apps, texting, and games, focusing solely on real conversations with approved contacts such as friends, neighbours, or grandparents.
Parental Controls
Parents can manage the phone through a smartphone app, setting an approved contact list and establishing 'Quiet Hours' to block calls during specific times. The device also blocks robocalls and unknown numbers. If a child's friend also owns a Tin Can, calls between them are free with no subscription. For calls to regular phone numbers, a $9.99 monthly plan is available.
Popularity and Sales
Since its launch in April of the previous year, hundreds of thousands of units have been sold, as reported by Bloomberg. The Tin Can is the brainchild of three Seattle fathers—Chet Kittleson, Max Blumen, and Graeme Davies—who sought a phone for their own children that offered safety and independence without exposing them to the broader internet. Available in four vibrant colour combinations—blue/green, purple/white, yellow, and pink/orange—the device appeals directly to younger users.
Social Media Buzz
Impressed buyers have taken to TikTok and other platforms to share their positive experiences. One user, @brittchris_, noted that their children now call their grandmother three times a day just to chat. Another, @carlytchristman, highly recommended the Tin Can for families with long-distance relatives, stating it would be the only phone their children would use for years. A third reviewer called it a 'game changer' for teaching phone etiquette and facilitating playdates.
Availability and Future Plans
Currently, the Tin Can is only available in the United States and Canada. The Daily Mail has contacted the company regarding a potential UK launch. This development coincides with the UK government's recent announcement of a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England, which was passed in the House of Lords as an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The ban, if enacted, would apply during school hours, with possible exemptions for sixth-form students and medical devices.
