Prego’s Connection Keeper is a screen-free voice recorder created to capture and preserve conversation at the dinner table. The device, resembling a large pasta jar lid, is a collaboration with StoryCorps, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving American stories in the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center. It does not feature AI, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, but recordings can be uploaded to StoryCorps for sharing with family.
The Connection Keeper’s aim is to encourage families to engage in conversation during meals instead of using their phones, though it will be available to only a few families. Less than 100 units are being produced, and they’ll be sold in a $20 bundle with Prego sauce, spaghetti noodles, and conversation prompt cards starting April 27th.
Operation is simple: place the device in the center of the table and press a button to record. It uses two microphones to capture audio in CD quality, saving it on a 16GB microSD card for up to eight hours.
After dinner, recordings can be transferred to a computer via USB-C and uploaded to a StoryCorps microsite, where they’re accessible only by the uploader unless shared publicly. There’s also the option to archive recordings in the Library of Congress, making them public, so it’s best to discuss topics richer than just stealing brainrots.
While recordings are accessible via the StoryCorps app on smartphones, Prego intentionally left phones out of the recording process to discourage phone use at the table. Without a screen, the device ensures minimal interaction, keeping the focus on family conversations.