GrandPad is an American technology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.[1] 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).
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Scott Lien (CEO) Isaac Lien |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Areas served | |
| Products | Tablet computer for the elderly |
| Website | www |
History
editGrandPad was founded in 2014[2] by Scott Lien, a former Intuit executive, and his son, Isaac Lien.[3] The elder Lien serves as the company's CEO.[4] It is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota where many of the technological aspects of the business are housed.[5][6] The first GrandPad tablet was launched in January 2015.[7]
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.[8] 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.[9] In 2017, an updated version of the tablet was released with input from Acer.[10] Also that year, the company collaborated with Lyft to integrate the ride-hailing service's app into the GrandPad interface.[11]
In May 2018, it was announced that senior citizen-focused wireless network company, Consumer Cellular, invested in GrandPad.[12] Consumer Cellular also announced that it would become a distributor of the GrandPad tablet in the United States.[13] In March 2019, GrandPad opened its first European office in Gorey, Ireland,[14] which was established to support its European operations.[15] The company also began selling its tablet through Amazon and Walgreens.com in 2022.[16]
Product
editThe 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.[17] It comes with a Qi wireless charging dock and has 4G LTE internet access is built in.[10] 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.[17] The technology is supported by a network of customer service agents who are on-call 24/7.[6] Other features include games, an encyclopedia, news articles, weather reports, a flashlight, a magnifying glass,[17] music, and Zoom integration.[18] Its tablet and companion app also have language capabilities in 40 languages.[19]
References
edit- ^ "Privacy Policy". GrandPad. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ Holly, Robert (January 30, 2019). "Home Instead Making Tech Push, Investing in Senior-Friendly Tablet Startup". Home Health Care News. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Bonker, Dawn (August 28, 2014). "Comp sci students create a tablet that's picture perfect for seniors". Chapman University. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ "For The Record with Scott Lien, Co-Founder & CEO, Grandpad". Medical Alley. November 20, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ "Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator Startup grandPad Takes Strides in Senior Market". Rochester Rising. May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ a b Burger, Kevyn (October 19, 2018). "GrandPad's 'Minnesota Nice' customer service helps seniors get online". Associated Press. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Siegel, Robert (January 19, 2015). "In Tech Marketplace, Seniors Are Carving Out A Sizable Niche Of Their Own". NPR. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ "GrandPad, Acer enter strategic partnership". Telecompaper. March 25, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Nightengale, Laura (December 21, 2016). "Easy-to-use 'grandPad' tablet can help seniors stay connected". Journal Star. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ a b Parrish, Kevin (January 4, 2017). "GrandPad, the Android tablet for seniors, getting a hardware refresh before April". Digital Trends. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Bowers, Lois A. (November 2, 2017). "Lyft, grandPad team up to offer seniors another transportation option". McKnight's Senior Living. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Spencer, Malia (May 21, 2018). "Consumer Cellular invests in senior-aimed tablet startup". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Quann, Jack (March 28, 2019). "'GrandPad' tablet for older adults is launched in Ireland". NewsTalk. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Kennedy, John (March 28, 2019). "Tablet computer maker GrandPad to create 75 jobs". Silicon Republic. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Pennic, Jasmine. "GrandPad's Tablet for Seniors now Available on Amazon.com". HIT. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
- ^ a b c Segan, Sascha (May 10, 2018). "Consumer Cellular GrandPad Preview". PC Mag. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
- ^ Hill, Simon (27 September 2021). "Review: GrandPad Tablet for Seniors". Wired. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
- ^ "GrandPad expands language capabilities to nearly 40 languages for senior-friendly tablet and free Companion App". Yahoo!. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
