The War Against Phones At The Dinner Table Just Got A New Weapon

What’s it like to enjoy dessert with your family uninterrupted? Fans of Halo Top are invited to find out.

The ice cream brand is introducing a unique new product: the Silent (à la) Mode Spoon. This golden-hued utensil comes with an embedded NFC (near-field communication) chip that can be set to activate Do Not Disturb mode on both iPhone and Android smartphones. 

The idea is to encourage users to unplug during dessert time without the constant dings and pings from social media — an issue that plagues family time these days. 

“Blending technology with indulgence, this tricked-out utensil connects to your smartphone with a simple tap, creating a seamless ‘phones down, spoons up’ experience,” the item description reads. “Designed for easy setup, the spoon uses a discreet NFC connection that is compatible with most smartphones, including iPhone and Android devices. Once connected, you can quietly savor every spoonful of your favorite Halo Top flavor.”

Silent Mode Spoon is being offered at the low price of $4.90, which, of course, is a nod to the fact that a full pint of Halo Top is only 490 total calories. 

Setup takes just a minute and only has to be done once. iPhone users can use the “Shortcuts” app to scan the chip inside the Halo Top logo fastened to the end of the spoon, name the spoon once it’s detected, and create a shortcut that activates Do Not Disturb when the spoon touches your phone.

Android users will need to download the “NFC Tasks” app and connect the spoon. After that, your phone will automatically be set to Do Not Disturb when the spoon is tapped against it.

The built-in chip means this spoon is hand-wash only. 

A silent spoon is just the latest marketing gimmick aimed at disconnecting us from technology. Last month, Chick-fil-A went viral for promoting “chicken coops” to stash cell phones while eating meals in-store. If everyone at the table participates, then diners receive a free “Icedream” cone as a reward for staying present with fellow guests — and with their chicken sandwiches.