Aetha Design has teamed up with UK startup YAPA to revive the classic landline phone experience for children aged five to fourteen, infusing it with bright colors and modern functionality. Created by Tom Parsons, a former Dyson designer, this innovative device features a corded handset, real keypad, and a digital caller ID display that are both nostalgic and kid-friendly.
These phones come in eye-catching colors like Flamingo Fizz and Electric Lagoon. The translucent shells offer a peek at the internal circuits, reminiscent of the iconic iMac G3 design. The phone is equipped with a vibrant orange coiled cord, enhancing its retro aesthetic alongside the trendy Y2K Nokia vibe.
Phones Back for Kids: A Nostalgic Reimagining
The phone’s exchangeable covers echo the nostalgic appeal of Nokia’s Xpress-On covers from the late 1990s. Available in Comet Orange, Cosmic Citrus, and Deep Space for about $27 each, they allow children to express personality by changing their phone’s appearance to match their style or surroundings. This brings the idea of reintroduced phones with a personal touch.
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YAPA’s design prioritizes quality and functionality over toy-like aesthetics. The device resembles a proper desk phone in stature, featuring a modest display for contact identification. It emphasizes auditory interaction, allowing only approved contacts to communicate, akin to a modern home phone. Parents can manage the contact list and set specific times for call availability, maintaining the convenience and purpose of family communication without the distraction of mobile screens, truly catering to the idea of reconnecting children with simpler technology.
The handset costs around $134 and is available in striking colors such as Electric Lagoon, Cloud Spark, and Flamingo Fizz. YAPA offers a Pro plan for broader connectivity at $13 per month, though contact between YAPA handsets is free. Pre-orders are currently underway in the UK, with European availability set to follow soon. U.S. consumers will have to wait for a release date but can consider options like Tin Can and Pinwheel Home in the meantime, while eagerly anticipating these nostalgic phones.
Retro items like vinyl and film cameras are trending again, and YAPA is tapping into this nostalgic wave, providing a tactile phone experience just as invigorating for kids today. The satisfying ritual of slamming down a receiver might soon echo through homes once more, recapturing a piece of lost childhood in a wirelessly connected world, effectively promoting a classic phone experience for the younger generation. For more information or to place a preorder, visit YAPA’s site.
Similarly, dive into how enduring desk accessories capture both function and style, echoing the appeal of retro designs found in everyday items.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What age group are the YAPA phones designed for?
The YAPA phones are designed for children aged five to fourteen.
What is the price of the handset?
The handset costs around $134.
Can parents control who contacts the YAPA phone?
Yes, parents can manage the contact list and set specific times for call availability.