What you need to know
Pinwheel introduced its Home series this week, a pair of landline phones for kids aged five to 10.The Home series includes the Spark (smaller, lightweight) and the Classic (a true landline experience) that needs a power outlet and Wi-Fi to work.Pinwheel says its goal with the Home series was to deliver a screen-free experience for kids that is built on talking to one another and crafting friendships.
Have you ever thought about using a phone without a screen? Pinwheel’s bringing that bit of history back for kids aged five to 10, which is all about friendship.
The Pinwheel Home series is the latest from the company that’s putting a “modern take on the old-school landline.” Kids nowadays might not know this, but landline phones didn’t have Wi-Fi, nor did they have a proper screen. However, Pinwheel’s Home series features Wi-Fi connectivity and parent management. What’s more, the company’s choice not to provide a screen is more of a social aspect.
Pinwheel says this solution “helps kids build real back-and-forth conversation skills without the distractions of apps, notifications, or social media feeds.” While talking on the phone is becoming increasingly more “rare,” Pinwheel wants to cut back on screen addiction, too. According to its research, roughly 78% of homes are “cell-only,” which pushes one in four kids to get a phone by eight years old.
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On the other hand, parents can keep a watchful eye on their kids. The Pinwheel Home series lets parents approve contacts and set “calling hours” to prevent late calls, spam, and more.
Setting up a Pinwheel Home is rather easy. The press release says all users will need is a power outlet and Wi-Fi. Parents will also find a relatively straightforward onboarding process to customize their child’s phone experience.
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(Image credit: Pinwheel)
The Pinwheel Home series consists of two models: Spark and Classic. The former is a smaller, lightweight landline phone with vibrant colors (black, blue, purple). Pinwheel designed this one with the younger ones in mind. The Pinwheel Home Spark is available for $68. The Home Classic is larger and gives that true nostalgic landline phone experience. This phone can be purchased for $79 in pink, black, or white.
Pinwheel is running a bulk purchase incentive for customers. Groups ordering 10 or more Home Sparks can do so for $55/each. If the Classic is more your style, you can buy 10 or more for $70 each.
Consumers can call other Pinwheel Home devices for free (Pinwheel Circle); however, when calling external numbers, the company says you’ll need a service plan. Alternatively, parents will find the Friends & Family plan for $6.99 a month. This provides “everything in Circle, plus a full 10-digit phone number to call up to 5 external numbers.” What’s more, the Unlimited plan for $9.99 a month delivers “everything in Circle, plus a full 10-digit phone number to call any external number.”
The Pinwheel Home series has started shipping on July 14. The company says consumers can expect its landline phones to arrive on Amazon this fall.
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