As for the device, it’s a great idea but the execution (and the market) is difficult. I think people truly do want something that is quick and easy to call and check on their family, and that’s why Facetime is so popular in the US/CAN. It’s quick, easy, and they can do it on their phone without much thought.

This has been tried though, and the downfall of every device like this comes from some of the requirements and some of the concerns.

First of all, every one I’ve seen is stuck inside of an ecosystem, or it’s only available through an app or a specific product. And how many people have that product? Not many at first, and it’s hard to sell enough to make it feel like you can call most of the people you want.

Even Amazon tried to do it with their Echo Shows and it didn’t ever gain enough steam. That’s because the other person had to have an Amazon Echo Show. The Echo Show, and most of these types of devices come with some concerns:

1. Privacy – the camera needs to have a full privacy shutter and it should close automatically after a call ends (if set that way in the app). Can anyone see my calls (Amazon was known as a not-so-private company)?
2. Cost – Cost is 2x for a family to do this.
3. Understanding – How do I use this?

And in terms of things (I think) are needed:

1. Making and Answering Calls - Has to be available on the device, not just an app. Elderly aren’t going to open an app most of the time. But it also still has to ring on the phone (if the user wants).
2. Declining - On that note, what if you don’t want to answer? Quick way to say no without letting the person know is always nice. Again, a setting in the app as to whether you want them to know you said no.
3. Navigation Ease - If you want seniors to use it, the navigation has to be easy and simple, plus…
4. Powerful - Echo Shows weren’t powerful enough to be a fast, easy to use interface. There was a lot of horsepower on that device and they were still clunky to use to make video calls. That’s another big reason the Alexa Calling service largely failed.

I think it is a device that can be done and be successful…if done right. However, you’re competing with Apple and Facetime, Amazon and Echo Shows, and Google and Google Meet/Duo/Voice.

So I personally struggle with attacking that market well without them being a major barrier for you. I certainly see a lot of families using Facetime happily now.

Where I see the big gap is if one family member has an Android, there’s no Facetime. There’s no interoperability across iPhone/Android, and there’s no one with a hardware device that didn’t cost an arm and a leg to have. iPhones tend to cost too much for the seniors I know.

You’re no small company and you have great development teams. So go get it done!

There's definitely a market for it, though FaceTime already covers most everyday video calls since your phone is always with you. Android has Google Meet, but I don’t think a lot of people know about it—that’s why this would be more useful in Android households.

It also fits cases like grandparents connecting with grandkids (assuming there’s an easy way to reach them without the full app—maybe a simple link, or setting up the app on their phone with limited control so the device can only call them and they can’t see anything unless they initiate and you answer), helping someone remotely, or checking on pets (especially if the dog can see you on video instead of just hearing your voice).

The real advantage is the dual role as a security camera and video caller. If priced right, it should do well for those scenarios.

I’d be happy to review it.

My personal thoughts on something like this are that if I am getting a camera, it is because I want to keep an eye on things that are happening, talk to or discourage something that I am seeing. If I want to have a video call with someone, there are lots of options that I would go to first. A smartphone with whatever app works best for those using it, and yes, even something like an Echo Show that is stationary because if I am going to be able to make calls from it, I don't want it tracking me when I am not using it for a video call. These are actually how I have things set with my older parents. Also, based on the rendering for this product, the screen looks a little small, so if this would be geared towards the elderly with poor eyesight, that could be an issue. Just my thoughts. Happy to focus group anything else you might have coming down the pipeline.

I remember another brand has this type of camera that they showed at CES 2 years ago but I guess it didn’t really materialize. I think this is still a good option compared to echo show or FaceTime especially if you all add a big call button on the front of the camera.. so it is easy to start a call especially for our elderly and young kids to call us if they need help etc.