The humble landline, once an integral part of childhood in America, has largely vanished from modern households, overshadowed by the rise of cell phones and the internet.
Traditionally, landlines served as a vital lifeline for kids, aiding them in completing homework, chatting with friends, organizing play dates, and even prank calling.
However, as technology swiftly transformed communication, children lost not just a tool of convenience but a significant way to cultivate social connections.
In light of this, Chet Kittleson, a father of three and co-founder of Seattle-based company Tin Can, has embarked on a mission to bring back a simpler, safer form of communication designed specifically for children.
**The Birth of Tin Can**
The concept for Tin Can emerged during a casual conversation among parents at a park.
According to Kittleson, the group expressed a shared frustration about being their children’s ‘executive assistants’ while managing their social lives.
“Every single person around the circle was like, ‘I totally forgot that the landline was how I operated as a kid,’” Kittleson recalled.
This moment, he says, sparked a realization that today’s children are missing a crucial communication tool that was taken for granted in earlier generations.
It took nearly two years of ideation and development before Kittleson, who identifies as a naturally extroverted child, could crystalize his vision into a tangible product.
By late 2024, Tin Can would launch its first product, the Tin Can Flashback—a retro phone tailored for kids.
**Features of the Tin Can Flashback**
The Flashback was designed to evoke nostalgia while also incorporating modern safety features.
It resembles the wall-mounted phones of the 1980s and connects to a home internet router, thus avoiding the heavy reliance on Wi-Fi networks that can be distracting.
In its development phase, the team used readily available hardware to create an initial batch of phones for their children to test.
The impact was immediate; the children exhibited a newfound independence that significantly altered their behavior.
As the kids enjoyed their autonomy, friends were drawn into the experience, helping to fuel a rapid increase in demand for the product.
“There’s a virality to our product,” Kittleson remarked.
“When one person gets it, their friends want it.
When someone sees it in a house, they do kind of lose their mind.
There is something so magical about seeing a retro phone in a kid’s house.”
**Balancing Modern Needs in a Retro Shell**
While the Tin Can Flashback pays homage to its retro predecessors, it includes modern features that parents appreciate.
Designed to be both fun and functional, it gives children the ability to connect without the distractions of today’s screens.
The phone requires no batteries, connecting directly to a wall outlet, which ensures that children stay in one place when using it.
Parents can manage the device through an app, allowing for customizable call hours and the ability to control contact approvals.
A “Do Not Disturb” function ensures uninterrupted time for homework or family meals.
The emphasis on voice connection ushers in an interpersonal style that Kittleson believes fosters stronger relationships.
“Our ethos is voice connection,” he explained, emphasizing the change in behavior that develops as kids and adults adapt to using the phone.
**Safety Features for Peace of Mind**
Each Tin Can device is assigned a unique five-digit code, enabling free calls between users.
A monthly subscription plan, known as the Party Line Plan, is in development, allowing Tin Can phones to dial external numbers.
All contacts need to be pre-approved, safeguarding children from unsolicited calls, spam, or annoying robocalls.
Tin Can also plans to launch another version of the phone, simply named the Tin Can, which will leverage Wi-Fi connectivity while showcasing an updated, colorful design that kids are sure to love.
**Looking Ahead**
Less than a year after its initial brainstorming sessions, Tin Can has quickly become a significant player in the market for children’s communication tools, with demand so high that the third batch of phones is already backordered until December.
Although currently concentrated in Seattle, their user base is expanding across North America, sparking increased anticipation among parents.
Kittleson wants Tin Can to be perceived as more than just a product; he envisions it as a community.
“I want everyone to feel like Tin Can is the safest, most fun club,” he said.
The revival of the landline concept with a modern twist aligns well with today’s parents who are prioritizing a balance between technology and tradition.
As the trend swings away from complex devices, families are discovering that independence for children, coupled with safety measures parents can trust, is the ultimate goal.
Tin Can is poised to lead this movement, proving that a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality can indeed create a much-needed bridge between generations.
image source from：seattleschild
