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.
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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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.
