Why Us?
No subscription, no surveillance
The problems we refuse to accept
The tech industry takes advantage of families
Four plagues poisoning children's products. We eliminated them, one by one.
Screen addiction
Children spend an average of 3 hours a day in front of screens. Tablets and smartphones create early dependence on visual stimuli.
Consequence
Attention disorders, language development delays, sleep problems
Our solution
The Open Music Box has NO screen at all. 100% audio, 100% physical interaction with NFC cards.
Endless subscriptions
Toniebox costs $329 + $15 per figurine. Yoto requires cards at $8-15. Streaming services demand $10-15/month.
Consequence
$800+ over 5 years for a device that belongs to you... but not really.
Our solution
~$80 for the complete kit. Your MP3s, your rules. No subscription, ever.
Constant surveillance
Smart speakers (Alexa, Google Home) and connected apps collect everything: listening habits, usage times, your children's music preferences.
Consequence
Behavioral profile of your child sold to third parties, targeted advertising.
Our solution
Zero tracking, no analytics, no mandatory account. Your data stays at home.
Planned obsolescence
Proprietary devices stop working after 3-5 years. Glued batteries, soldered components, unavailable spare parts.
Consequence
Electronic waste, impossible to repair, forced to buy again.
Our solution
Repairability 9.5/10. Every component replaceable. Open source design.
Honest comparison
Versus market alternatives
Here is how we compare to popular solutions, no marketing BS.
| Criteria | Open Music Box | Toniebox | Yoto | Smart Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial price | ~$80 | $329 | $99 | $50-100 |
| Content cost | $0 (your MP3s) | $15 per figurine | $8-15 per card | $10/month (Spotify) |
| Screen | None | None | E-ink | LED/Screen |
| Repairability | 9.5/10 | 2/10 | 3/10 | 1/10 |
| Content ownership | Full | Cloud only | Partial | Streaming |
| Privacy | Zero tracking | Account required | Analytics | Surveillance |
| Lifespan | 10+ years | 3-5 years | 4-6 years | 2-4 years |
| Customizable | Fully | No | Limited | No |
Total cost over 5 years: Open Music Box ~$80 | Toniebox ~$800+ | Yoto ~$400+ | Smart Speaker ~$600+
Our concrete commitments
5 values, zero compromise
These are not just marketing slogans. Here is how we apply them every day.
Liberté Technologique
Souveraineté numérique totale sans dépendance à un service tiers
- You truly own the device - no remote bricking
- Use any MP3 file, no DRM or restriction
- No external server required - works 100% offline
- Open source code - modify, fork, adapt
Durabilité Radicale
Réparabilité 10/10 avec des composants sur-dimensionnés
- Repairability index: 9.5/10
- Every component is accessible and replaceable
- Standard components available everywhere
- 5-year warranty + lifetime community support
Communauté Contributive
Co-création et documentation vivante par la communauté
- Complete and living documentation
- Mutual support forum between families
- Contributions welcome (code, designs, ideas)
- Permissive license - fork without restrictions
Privacy by Design
Zero tracking, local-first, données minimales
- No user account required
- Zero analytics, zero tracking
- No internet connection necessary
- Your playlists stay private
Accessibilité Universelle
Prix juste, inclusif, et éducatif pour tous
- Inclusive design for all children
- Simple and intuitive physical interface
- No need to know how to read
- Compatible with visual impairments
What we refuse
Our red lines
Some practices are unacceptable. Here is what you will NEVER find with us.
Hidden subscriptions
No recurring fees. One payment, period.
DRM and locks
Your MP3 files work without restriction or validation.
Forced obsolescence
Modular and open design for a 10+ year lifespan.
Data collection
Zero tracking, zero analytics, zero mandatory account.
Abandoned support
Open source code = eternal community and living documentation.
Proprietary parts
Standard components available everywhere, always.