GrandPad

GrandPad is an American technology company that produces a touch-screen tablet computer intended to be used by senior citizens. The device's interface is designed to be more user-friendly than traditional mobile tablets. It allows users to engage in video chats, view pictures, check news, and send messages (among other features).

GrandPad
TypePrivate
IndustryTechnology
Founded2014
FoundersScott Lien (CEO)
Isaac Lien
HeadquartersOrange County, California
Areas served
ProductsTablet computer for the elderly
Websitewww.grandpad.net

History

GrandPad was founded in 2014[1] by Scott Lien, a former Intuit executive, and his son, Isaac Lien.[2] The elder Lien serves as the company's CEO.[3] Its headquarters are in Orange County, California where many of the technological aspects of the business are housed. The operational aspects[4] of GrandPad are based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.[5] The first GrandPad tablet was launched in January 2015.[6]

In March 2016, GrandPad entered into a strategic partnership with technology and hardware company, Acer, which saw the latter company make an equity investment in GrandPad.[7] Later that year, GrandPad partnered with Comfort Keepers (a firm offering in-home care to seniors) to provide their tablets to seniors in the Comfort Keepers network.[8] In 2017, an updated version of the tablet was released with input from Acer.[9] Also that year, the company collaborated with Lyft to integrate the ride-hailing service's app into the GrandPad interface.[10]

In May 2018, it was announced that senior citizen-focused wireless network company, Consumer Cellular, invested in GrandPad.[11] Consumer Cellular also announced that it would become a distributor of the GrandPad tablet in the United States.[12] In January 2019, Home Instead Senior Care, another in-home health network for elderly care, made a minority investment in GrandPad with a plan to integrate the technology into their services.[1] In March 2019, GrandPad opened its first European office in Gorey, Ireland,[13] which was established to support its European operations.[14]

Product

The tablet is 8-inches and weighs 12.5-ounces. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor with 2GB of RAM and uses the Android operating system but with a specialized interface.[15] It comes with a Qi wireless charging dock and has 4G LTE internet access is built in.[9] Contacts and photo albums are managed remotely, typically by a relative. Only approved users can send e-mail messages or video chat requests through a companion GrandPad app on their phones. Games, articles, and music are tailored to the interests of the tablet user. No Wi-Fi, home phone lines, or passwords are required.[15] The technology is supported by a network of customer service agents who are on-call 24/7.[5] Other features include games, an encyclopedia, news articles, weather reports, a flashlight, a magnifying glass,[15] and the ability to call a Lyft.[10]

References
  1. Holly, Robert (January 30, 2019). "Home Instead Making Tech Push, Investing in Senior-Friendly Tablet Startup". Home Health Care News. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  2. Bonker, Dawn (August 28, 2014). "Comp sci students create a tablet that's picture perfect for seniors". Chapman University. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  3. "For The Record with Scott Lien, Co-Founder & CEO, Grandpad". Medical Alley. November 20, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  4. "Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator Startup grandPad Takes Strides in Senior Market". Rochester Rising. May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  5. Burger, Kevyn (October 19, 2018). "GrandPad's 'Minnesota Nice' customer service helps seniors get online". Associated Press. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  6. Siegel, Robert (January 19, 2015). "In Tech Marketplace, Seniors Are Carving Out A Sizable Niche Of Their Own". NPR. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  7. "GrandPad, Acer enter strategic partnership". Telecompaper. March 25, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  8. Nightengale, Laura (December 21, 2016). "Easy-to-use 'grandPad' tablet can help seniors stay connected". Journal Star. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  9. Bowers, Lois A. (November 2, 2017). "Lyft, grandPad team up to offer seniors another transportation option". McKnight's Senior Living. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  10. Spencer, Malia (May 21, 2018). "Consumer Cellular invests in senior-aimed tablet startup". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  11. Kharif, Olga (May 13, 2018). "An iPad for 80-year-olds: Senior-citizen carrier Consumer Cellular bets on tablets". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  12. Quann, Jack (March 28, 2019). "'GrandPad' tablet for older adults is launched in Ireland". NewsTalk. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  13. Kennedy, John (March 28, 2019). "Tablet computer maker GrandPad to create 75 jobs". Silicon Republic. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  14. Segan, Sascha (May 10, 2018). "Consumer Cellular GrandPad Preview". PC Mag. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
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