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The Rising Need for Purposeful Tech

February 27, 2024 | 3 min read

In a world dominated by smartphones and constant connectivity, the team at Dumb Wireless is challenging the status quo. Co-founders William Stults and Daisy Krigbaum believe that excessive smartphone usage is not just a matter of convenience, but can have detrimental effects on our attention spans, productivity, and overall well-being.

Their mission is simple: to promote a healthier relationship with technology.

Recognizing the alignment in philosophy with Freewrite, Dumb Wireless now carries Traveler, offering another great tool for their customers to help foster focus and creativity in a sea of digital distractions.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with Will, who shared insights into the company's mission, challenges, and the importance of unplugging from the digital world.

 

Are Smartphones Making Us Dumb?

While the long-term effects of smartphone usage remain to be seen, Will pointed out the undeniable impact smartphones are having on our attention spans and the way we engage with the world.

The ubiquity of algorithms guiding our choices and behaviors is altering our living patterns, both in obvious ways — like how we shop and consume media — to more insidious ways — like how we perceive reality itself.

So what are the actual benefits of going "dumb"? According to Will, it's about reclaiming control over one's attention and time. By eliminating the constant barrage of distractions inherent in smartphones, people can foster mindfulness and presence, and increase productivity.

 

Dumb Wireless To The Rescue

Will and Daisy both struggled with obscene screen times and hours lost to scrolling. But when they made the decision to live more purposefully, first by transitioning away from smartphones, they realized that there wasn't a lot of information or many resources out there for individuals seeking alternatives.

Dumb Wireless was born as a one-stop-shop for non-smartphones and other technology designed to reduce screen time. Catering to those who yearn for a less distracted lifestyle, Dumb Wireless offers some of the best simple cell phones on the market, like The Light Phone 2, and other distraction-free tech, like Freewrite.

There are also options for people reluctant to part ways with their smartphones entirely. While the most straightforward is, of course, to get rid of your smartphone and get a "dumb" phone, another option is to put a data cap on your phone plan so that your smartphone usage is limited. 

 

 

Will says Dumb Wireless receives a diverse range of reactions from customers who first see their "dumb" phones. Interestingly, younger generations, despite being digital natives, often exhibit more openness to the idea of reducing smartphone usage compared to older demographics. Teens, however, pose a unique challenge, as they're usually resistant to relinquishing their smartphones, viewing them as essential to social connection and identity.

But Will is optimistic. He says they're seeing a growing awareness of smartphone addiction and the potential for positive change. By providing accessible alternatives and advocating for mindful technology usage, Dumb Wireless aims to inspire people to prioritize presence over distraction and reclaim the lost art of being truly present in the moment.

 

Embracing Purposeful Tech 

At the end of the day, Will and Daisy just want to see people evaluate — or re-evaluate — their relationship with technology and embrace whatever option is going to prioritize intentionality, focus, and human connection.

Whether that's through adopting non-smartphone devices or implementing digital detox strategies, the journey toward reclaiming our attention begins with a single step — one that Dumb Wireless is eager to guide us through.

And here at Freewrite, we're thrilled to know there are other companies out there that share our commitment to empowering people to reclaim their time and creativity from the clutches of distractions.

Learn more about Dumb Wireless at dumbwireless.com.

August 22, 2025 3 min read

Most of us are surrounded by screens all day. To get your writing done, take writer Shannon Liao's advice and unplug.

July 21, 2025 2 min read

It’s literary legend Ernest Hemingway’s birthday week, and we’re throwing "A Moveable Feast" in his honor. Purchase a Hemingwrite this week and be entered to have your purchase completely refunded.

July 21, 2025 2 min read

Official Rules for the Promotion

No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your changes of wining. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

1. Eligibility

The Purchase Refund Giveaway ("Promotion") is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors of Astrohaus ("Sponsor") and its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and their immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and/or those living in the same household are not eligible. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

2. Promotion Period

The Promotion begins at 8 a.m. EST Monday, July 21, and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, July 27 ("Promotion Period"). Sponsor's computer is the official timekeeping device for this Promotion.

3. How to Enter

There are two (2) ways to enter:

a) Purchase Method:

During the Promotion Period, make a purchase of any product through https://getfreewrite.com/. All eligible purchasers will automatically be entered into the Promotion. Limit one (1) entry per purchase.

b) Free Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE):

To enter without making a purchase, fill out the form here.Limit one (1) AMOE entry per person.

4. Prize

One (1) Grand Prize: A refund equal to the amount of the winner’s eligible purchase (not to exceed $1,099.00 USD). If the winner entered via the AMOE method, they will receive one Ernest Hemingway Signature Edition Smart Typewriter.

Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): up to $1,099.00 USD.

5. Winner Selection

One (1) potential winner will be selected in a random drawing on or about August 15, from among all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

6. Winner Notification

The potential winner will be notified by email within five (5) business days following the drawing. The potential winner may be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability & Publicity Release within seven (7) days of notification. If a selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize, or fails to timely return the required documents, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected.

7. General Conditions

By participating, entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Promotion if it becomes technically corrupted or cannot be conducted as planned. The prize is non-transferable. All federal, state, and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner.

8. Limitation of Liability

Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, or illegible entries or for any technical or human error that may occur in the administration of the Promotion.

9. Privacy

Any personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy located at https://getfreewrite.com/pages/privacy-policy.

9. Sponsor

Astrohaus
1632 1st Avenue #29179
New York, NY 10028