Freckle Launches $199 Kids Smartphone

New York startup Freckle launched a $199 smartphone for kids aged seven to 13, requiring a $25 cellular subscription. It runs ClayOS, which blocks app stores, open web, social media and streaming video, while offering AI object descriptions, a mini-map, walkie talkie, tap-to-pay and parent-set Quests. Parents control contacts. The device aims to balance independence with connectivity.