GrandPad , the Android lozenge contrive for seniors , has been around for yr . However , it ’s not something I ’ve ever been able-bodied to taste for myself . I had a chance to change that atCES 2025 , so I did .
What I discover is a amazingly competent senior - focused Android tablet , and one that now has a spattering of AI to boot . Here ’s what I get a line during my hands - on time with the GrandPad .
A tablet tailored for seniors
At its core , the GrandPad is an 8 - inch tablet plan specifically for old , less technologically sure-footed exploiter . The gadget purport to keep senior plug into to their mob , acquaintance , and caregivers while promoting independency and confidence with current technology .
During hand - on testing , the tablet ’s resemblance to the classicNexus 7became chop-chop apparent . This similarity is no coincidence , as the GrandPad ’s roots retrace back to a limited Nexus 7 , which served as the initial prototype .
The pill boasts several feature that make it more accessible to its target consultation . These admit turgid , easy - to - take icons and simplify seafaring aggregate with funding for television Call , multiplayer act - based game , and photo sharing that does n’t trust on a public internet , along with personalise message orient to each user ’s interest .
The GrandPad’s bread and butter
One standout lineament of the GrandPad is its 24/7 , 365 - day - a - year proactive customer attention squad base in the U.S. Isaac Lien , co - founder of GrandPad , highlight the squad ’s dedication : “ If their battery is running low and we see it ’s dying and not on the charger , we ’ll just call and say , ‘ Hey , it face like your battery might be running low , reminder to put it on the charger . ' ”
Lien further emphasized the grandness of this military service , stating : “ For many of our customers , loneliness is a immense issue . It ’s wintertime , and they ’re sit at home alone . We require them to call . ” He added , “ You call us on Christmas Eve at 3 ante meridiem , we ’ll answer . ”
protection is critical to the GrandPad experience . The tablet let in a private web for block junk e-mail and scam calls , a dedicated GrandPad email speech to filter untrusted communication , and a persistent LTE connector using an included SIM carte du jour . These feature film ensure the gadget always has admittance to vital surety updates , even when Wi - Fi is unavailable .
When my concerns about GrandPad ’s use of Android 8 AOSP ( from 2017 ) were raised , Lien tell me that critical security updates are pushed to the machine wordlessly overnight . The GrandPad software system ’s modular and configurable nature allows user to encounter security update without friction or hinderance .
The GrandPad team is always upgrade the user experience as well , though they make that some users may be incognizant of or uninterested in those changes . The caller offers proactive client support to inform substance abuser about updates and new features , and user have the pick to abide with their familiar port or advance with guided assist from GrandPad backup .
Grandie Chat adds AI to the mix
At CES 2025 , GrandPad was showing off “ Grandie Chat , ” an AI - driven , vocalization - control lineament that leverage OpenAI ’s models to provide an nonrational room for seniors to interact with technology . This new feature has led to GrandPad user adopting generative AI at three time the pace of others in their old age group .
“ Some users have never used a computer before , ” say Lien . “ But with Grandie Chat , once they earn it ’s just like talking , they say , ‘ Oh , it ’s so prosperous , I ’m just suffer a conversation . ' ”
Grandie Chat eliminates the need for typing through voice interaction and preprogrammed prompts , making it incredibly substance abuser - friendly for the older . While presently use OpenAI ’s model as the principal large language model ( LLM ) mind , GrandPad continuously test unlike models to attain optimal performance and user experience .
The GrandPad comes with a wireless burden stand that exemplifies the company ’s attention to substance abuser motive . The pad easily slides into place without the hassle of aligning pogo pins or plug in cable length – a pregnant benefit for the gimmick ’s object users . The stand is also convenient for video calls .
With its blend of easiness , certificate , and LLM - based AI , GrandPad really is unlike any other tablet useable . It ’s sure enough not the tablet for everyone , but for a grandparent who desire a agency to stay connected with an simple - to - utilisation machine , it ’s gentle to see why the GrandPad is so sympathetic .
