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... Calls come in on their cream-colored Tin Can, the US$100 (S$127) landline-inspired, Wi-Fi-enabled device that's gone viral over the last 12 months.

"It's not uncommon for the phone to start ringing within minutes," Mr Finn said. "There is a real excitement around it that we have not seen with many other additions within the home."

Since debuting in April 2025, the retro-styled device has become a hit, with hundreds of thousands sold, mostly thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations, according to the company.

That's despite limited marketing and a small fundraising haul, including US$3.5 million over the summer and a US$12 million seed round in December 2025 led by Greylock Partners.

The Tin Can plugs into a wall outlet and includes a speakerphone, speed dial buttons and an answering machine feature.

The phone, which also comes in assorted bright colors, lets people make free calls between Tin Cans and to emergency services.

Users can also pay US$10 a month for the ability to ring and receive calls from parent-approved external numbers.

The device is available in the US and Canada.

Tin Can has found a welcome reception at a time when parents, educators and lawmakers are searching for an antidote to constant screen time. ...