Start-up that puts video calls on tv wins aarp contest

Since the pandemic, many people have gotten used to making video calls on their computers and phones via Zoom, FaceTime and other services. The set-top box from Yorba Linda, California-based

Onscreen lets you have video calls with an aging parent, grandparent or other relative through their own television. “It’s just a way to keep the family together,” says chief executive and

cofounder Costin Tuculescu. Calls to Grandma’s TV originate on a relative’s phone. If Grandma’s TV is off, it automatically turns on after 30 seconds and answers the call. If she is watching

a show, the TV switches to a screen that tells her Junior is calling and connects. Onscreen bested four other start-ups at an invitation-only pitch competition that the AgeTech

Collaborative from AARP hosted on Jan. 10 at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. AARP has run similar pitch fests over the past half dozen years or more. As the winner, Onscreen earned a

$10,000 prize. Onscreen lets you have face to face video calls with your loved ones or doctors via the TV. Courtesy of Onscreen ONSCREEN’S VIDEO CALLS WORK FOR TELEMEDICINE, OTHER USES

PRODUCT. The company’s device isn’t just about video calls with family. It also lets the older person go to telehealth sessions with their doctors through the TV, participate in Zoom

classes, or attend virtual community events. Users can also engage with a generative artificial intelligence (AI) avatar companion named Joy who can play games and provide companionship to

supplement family involvement. Many people in their 80s and older aren’t tech savvy, which can make them feel lonely and isolated, Tuculescu says. “Joy will greet you in the morning: ‘Hi

Mary, have you had your breakfast yet? Have you taken your medication? What would you like to talk about? Would you like to talk about the most recent book that you’re reading?’ ” Tuculescu

says. Onscreen does not record conversations with Joy, but caregivers can monitor them from afar. They also can send pictures that appear on the TV as text messages and might remind Grandma

of a doctor’s visit. And caregivers can set up recurring tasks delivered through Joy to their loved ones The box, which is relatively small, plugs into an HDMI port on the television.

Tuculescu compares it to a Roku with a camera and multiple microphones. “I dealt with older folks and TV,” he says. “Asking them to switch inputs is never going to happen.” Current buyers

are mainly adult children of people their 80s and older, with an even split between those still living at home and in independent or care communities. COST. $29.99 a month plus a $39.99

activation fee.