GrandPad

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
GrandPad
Company typePrivate
IndustryTechnology
Founded2014
FoundersScott Lien (CEO)
Isaac Lien
Headquarters
Minneapolis, Minnesota, California
,
United States
Areas served
ProductsTablet computer for the elderly
Websitewww.grandpad.net

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).

History[edit]

GrandPad 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[edit]

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.[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]

  1. ^ "Privacy Policy". GrandPad. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  2. ^ Holly, Robert (January 30, 2019). "Home Instead Making Tech Push, Investing in Senior-Friendly Tablet Startup". Home Health Care News. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  3. ^ Bonker, Dawn (August 28, 2014). "Comp sci students create a tablet that's picture perfect for seniors". Chapman University. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  4. ^ "For The Record with Scott Lien, Co-Founder & CEO, Grandpad". Medical Alley. November 20, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  5. ^ "Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator Startup grandPad Takes Strides in Senior Market". Rochester Rising. May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  6. ^ a b Burger, Kevyn (October 19, 2018). "GrandPad's 'Minnesota Nice' customer service helps seniors get online". Associated Press. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  7. ^ Siegel, Robert (January 19, 2015). "In Tech Marketplace, Seniors Are Carving Out A Sizable Niche Of Their Own". NPR. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  8. ^ "GrandPad, Acer enter strategic partnership". Telecompaper. March 25, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  9. ^ Nightengale, Laura (December 21, 2016). "Easy-to-use 'grandPad' tablet can help seniors stay connected". Journal Star. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  10. ^ Bowers, Lois A. (November 2, 2017). "Lyft, grandPad team up to offer seniors another transportation option". McKnight's Senior Living. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  11. ^ Spencer, Malia (May 21, 2018). "Consumer Cellular invests in senior-aimed tablet startup". Portland Business Journal. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ Quann, Jack (March 28, 2019). "'GrandPad' tablet for older adults is launched in Ireland". NewsTalk. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  14. ^ Kennedy, John (March 28, 2019). "Tablet computer maker GrandPad to create 75 jobs". Silicon Republic. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  15. ^ Pennic, Jasmine. "GrandPad's Tablet for Seniors now Available on Amazon.com". HIT. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  16. ^ a b c Segan, Sascha (May 10, 2018). "Consumer Cellular GrandPad Preview". PC Mag. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  17. ^ Hill, Simon (27 September 2021). "Review: GrandPad Tablet for Seniors". Wired. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  18. ^ "GrandPad expands language capabilities to nearly 40 languages for senior-friendly tablet and free Companion App". Yahoo!. Retrieved May 17, 2022.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=GrandPad&oldid=1170114361"