YONDR

Parent Cafe
1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yondr

Paraphrased from wiki:
Yondr makes mobile phone pouches with a proprietary lock and a device for unlocking them. It allows the host of a venue to prevent people from using their mobile phone or similar device while inside. People entering a space are required to lock their device inside a Yondr Pouch and take the pouch with their device in with them. They cannot use their device until they leave or only at a dedicated spot where they tap the pouch against a Yondr unlocking point. The product deters a variety of potential activities such as unofficial or unlicensed audio and video recording, photography, or the distractions of using a mobile device at events and venues such as music concerts, courts, schools, and nightclubs.

Interesting article about the product and its creator and creation.
https://www.wired.com/story/free-speech-issue-yondr-smartphones/

Has anyone encountered it yet? How was your experience?

What are your thoughts on it?

I haven’t encountered it yet but I know some musical artists are using it. Jack White, for example, is using it on his upcoming US tour.

As someone who likes to be unplugged when out and about, I think it sounds great. So many applications and a pretty simple concept.

2

What if there is a need to call 911?

3

The article does point to some downsides, that being one of them.

I would imagine whether it is a concert, school, courthouse, etc. there is security and other staff present who do have working phones. I guess in that case, it’s back to the old days before everyone had a phone on them. You find a person with a phone or you go to one of the dedicated spots and unlock your phone.