Why I built Kala

Returning from an overseas tour in the Navy in late 2011, I noticed a dramatic shift in our society. People were looking down way more than before. It was a surreal experience the first time I noticed. Soon, I knew the pull myself.

I switched between smartphone and dumb phone repeatedly. Away from the smartphone, I thought more deeply and creatively. With it, I kept reaching for it absentmindedly, notification or not. It became the first and last part of my day.

I wanted my attention back for my children and for my very own thoughts. Unfortunately, a dumb phone was not the answer for me. Group texting was a mess, I had to print driving directions, and I rarely took pictures.

I was trying to solve a design problem with willpower.

Bottomless feeds kept pulling me in. A dumb phone without everyday utility pushed me back. I needed one phone that could handle real life without the infinite loops.

I now run Kala on my own Pixel, my only phone, and reach for an audiobook instead of a feed. Kala is what I wanted, and I hope it becomes a way for more people to reclaim their time for what they choose.