Frequently Asked Questions

• Does ILY connect to the internet via Wifi only?

  Ethernet as well.

• Do I need a landline service to be able to use ILY?

  Absolutely not. ILY connects to the internet, which is all we need to operate our software.

• Are your mobile apps (iOS, Android) free?

  Absolutely, free of charge.

• When will ILY ship?

  It will begin shipping to Kickstarter backers in August 2016, and become available to the public starting in September.

• Where did the name ILY come from?

  To find the perfect name, we brainstormed for months on the perfect name that would map back to the value of family communication. ILY stands for two things. First, ILY is part of the word “family”, which is who we built the device for. Second, it’s an acronym for “I Love You,” which we felt was fitting as the core purpose of ILY is to connect you with those you love.

• Are there parental control features?

  Yes. For example: parents must approve all new contacts added to your family circle on ILY. You can also select specific time ranges for your kids to call a specific family member.

• Who is ILY for?

  ILY was designed for just about anyone, ages three to 93. We built ILY to connect people who aren’t connected. Children in the U.S. on average don’t own a cellphone until twelve, so younger children can’t talk to family members unless they borrow mom or dad’s smartphone. On the other hand, grandparents aren’t always as in tune with the latest technology. ILY makes it possible for everyone in the family to connect with the touch of a button, no matter their age and location.

• How do I use ILY?

  ILY is the new family phone that facilitates voice, video and messaging communications between all family members and friends. Users simply tap a photo of the person they would like to do a video or voice call with, and it will ring on the other person’s ILY device, or via the ILY app on their smartphone.

• How will children use ILY?

  Children can use ILY to stay connected with family members, without the use of their parents smartphones. Whether they want to send a drawing to Mom while she’s at work, call Grandpa to tell him about their first day of school, or tell Dad about the goal they scored in their soccer game, ILY makes it simple.

• How will older family members use ILY?

  Older family members can use ILY in two ways. First, they can connect with their family members via video or voice call through the ILY device in their home to the ILY device in their family member’s home. Second, if they do not have an ILY device in their home, they can still communicate with the ILY device in their grandchild’s home via the ILY app on their smartphone or tablet.

• How can we connect with family outside of the country?

  Same as in the United States. Users can call, video or send messages to anyone in their family with another ILY device or the ILY app in the United States or in Europe. For ILY to work, all is needed is an internet connection.

• Can I connect my landline service to my ILY device?

  Yes. You can plug it in and have it work automatically.

• Can I connect with other apps with ILY?

  We’re working on an Amazon Alexa integration, more updates on other integrations later this year.

• I saw there’s a monthly fee for minutes and renting local numbers. What if I don’t want those? Is there still a fee?

  No, everything else is free once you buy your ILY. You can use video chat and other services through Ethernet / Wi-Fi.

• Why do I need an ILY when I have a smartphone and apps like Skype?

  ILY creates a way for you to be at home, wherever you are, that makes staying in touch low-key and fun. Instead of parents passing around their smartphones to their children, they can connect via ILY anytime, anywhere. It can connect the family members that aren’t connected, whether it’s children without cell phones or grandparents who aren’t as tech-savvy, by providing a device they can use to reach their family through voice, video and messaging. ILY also eliminates the issue of too much screen time on tablets, does not expose young children to any outside web content.

• What if a stranger gets the ILY app on their phone. Can they video call with your child?

  No, they can’t. Each family member and friend has to be approved by the parent before they can communicate with anyone on ILY.

• What if my child loses the handset, can it be replaced?

  Yes, if you misplace your handset, you will be able to purchase a new handset.

• When did you launch Insensi?

  We launched Insensi in 2014 with the mission of bringing families closer.

• What other products are you working on?

  ILY is our first product, and we envision it as our flagship device. We are not working on any other devices or software separate from ILY at the moment.

• How much funding have you raised to date?

  We have raised $3.4M to date, backed by Felicis Ventures and other great investors.