Startups pitch in-person play and DIY gadgets to reduce screen time

In short: A small but growing group of startups is building products that encourage people to spend less time on their phones and more time offline.

What's going on

Big money is still flowing into AI companies, but some founders are moving in the opposite direction. Instead of trying to keep people glued to screens, they are building things designed to get people together in real life.

One example is Board, a startup from Mirror founder Brynn Putnam. TechCrunch reports that Board has raised new funding and focuses on in-person games and social experiences, which are meant to bring people into the same room, like a modern version of game night.

Another example is the “cyberdeck” trend. Creators are sharing homemade, quirky computers on social media, and the point is not just to look cool. These devices often limit what you can do, which nudges you to step away from endless scrolling (like choosing a paperback book instead of an always-on TV).

TechCrunch also points to interest in “AI-free” browsing, including a version of DuckDuckGo search positioned around not using AI features. The overall theme is that some people want digital tools to feel more human and less attention-grabbing.

What to watch

It is still unclear how big this “together tech” or “slow tech” movement will become. Watch whether these companies can turn interest and viral posts into long-term habits, and whether investors keep funding products that make people spend less time online.

Source: TechCrunch AI