HiRO is a screen-free speaker for kids. Instead of navigating a screen, kids use printed NFC cards: they pick a card, tap it on the speaker, and the music or story starts playing. The speaker asks for as little attention as possible and uses only the technology needed to do its job, so the child's focus stays on the story, not the device. It's something a two-year-old can use alone, without a parent's phone anywhere in the room.

Graceful failure is overlooked in our many app-based products and services but is now an important differentiator.