Technology start-up Insensi announced ILY, a Family Phone that provides a safe, simple way for family members to connect through voice, video and messaging. ILY is an 8-inch touchscreen device that looks like a tablet, but only provides one function — wi-fi video calling — just like Skype (but it doesn’t use Skype service). Because it’s a single function device, it is safe for children and designed for any age.
To call someone using ILY, you simply tap on the person’s photo on the ILY screen. For example, children can touch a photo of Grandma to start a voice or a video call with her. They can also send her photos from the device, or drawings they’ve created on ILY’s touchscreen. Alternatively, Grandma can video call her grandchildren through her own ILY device or by downloading the ILY app on her smartphone or tablet.
It connects directly to other ILYs in different households, or through the ILY app. ILY’s suite of apps for iOS, Android and desktop lets family members make calls or send messages to any ILY, from devices they already own. That means one family member can own an ILY, while many others communicate with it through the app. And parents who travel can always make voice and video calls or send messages through the app when they are on the road.
ILY can be personalized for each family member with photos and colors. In addition to voice and video calls, ILY can be used to share messages, photos, and drawings; capture family notes, like shopping lists and reminders; and play music. Families can also see a record of their day’s communications with ILY’s Family Feed that shows which family members are interacting and how.
“Even with multiple smartphones and tablets, families still have difficulty making sure the youngest and the oldest family members talk regularly, much less use video or share pictures. We struggled with this in our house. Our children were too young to have unsupervised access to a smartphone, and their grandparents were simply less technical. That’s why we created ILY. ILY makes everyday connections effortless, regardless of age, location or tech savviness,” said Ilan Abehassera, Founder and CEO of Insensi, the maker of ILY.
Pricing and Availability
ILY is available for pre-order on www.ily.co for $199 per device. It is available worldwide. The ILY Android and iOS apps can be downloaded from the Google Play store or Apple App store for free beginning in the fall 2015. ILY devices are expected to start shipping in the fall 2015.
About Insensi
Insensi is a company with a mission of bringing families closer. Its flagship product, ILY, is the new Family Phone that helps family members connect through voice, video and messaging, no matter where they are. Launched in 2014, Insensi is CEO Ilan Abehassera’s second startup company, after building and selling Producteev to Jive in 2012. The company is currently backed by Felicis Ventures and other investors. Insensi is headquartered in New York, NY.
