First batch of Meadow companion phones ships to customers who preordered

    Meadow was designed for people who want to spend some time away from their primary phone without losing access to essential apps. The Android-powered device does not fully replace a smartphone but serves as a companion phone. The emphasis on social media and spending time online has been reduced. For now, the company has shipped the first large batch to customers who preordered.    The device has a 3-inch square screen. Apps such as Maps, Strava, Uber, Apple Music and Spotify run on the phone. During testing, it was possible to use Meadow to call a cab, listen to music and enter a concert by showing a barcode on the screen. There are also dedicated apps for calls, messages, notes, audio recording, location sharing and ticket scanning.    Meadow cannot make calls or send messages using the user’s primary phone number. This requires a Meadow subscription and a separate phone number. To avoid being unreachable in emergencies, users can change the automatic reply text for Focus mode on their primary iPhone. This lets people close to them know that the user is out and using Meadow.    Although Meadow’s camera produces satisfactory results during the day, photos taken in a dimly lit concert hall were of poor quality. Photos and videos cannot be viewed on the phone itself. After returning home, the files can be opened in the Meadow app on the primary smartphone. There is no front-facing camera. Instead, a small mirror next to the lens helps users check the framing.    The small, square body initially feels unusual in the hand, but the device is not intended for prolonged use. The screen is easy to see outdoors but can be excessively bright in dimly lit places. No serious battery problems occurred during testing. Wireless headphones can be connected to the phone via Bluetooth. Wired headphones require an adapter between USB-C and the 3.5 mm jack.    The company’s founder is 25-year-old Shreyas Narlanka. Meadow is his first hardware project. StockX acquired Scoutapp AI, a company previously founded by Narlanka. Meadow raised funding in an investment round led by basecase capital in December 2024. Terrence Rohan, Eros Resmini, Guillermo Rauch and Jordan Singer also participated in the funding round.