How did a simple Chinese app enter the top ten most downloaded in America? Well, because it offers a feature that is useful and not seen in any other app so far: it asks you if you’re dead… You find that enervating? Well, your loved one may find it useful.
As the population grows and there are more and more people living alone, elderly, and fragile for most, the first question that comes to mind is, how do I know my loved one living alone is OK? Well, of course, you could phone them, but sometimes you just wish for a faster solution.
In China, they have the same problem, and a group of Chinese developers went with a simple but smart idea: an app to which you tell that you are alright. Called Demumu, it literally means “are you dead?” The goal is to offer a simple solution to lonely people.
Open the app daily, tell it you are not dead by pressing the check-in button, and that’s all. If you don’t, your loved ones will receive an emergency notification saying that you haven’t checked in.
Why Should I Download Demumu?
The target of Demumu is lonely people. They can download it on their phone to use the check-in feature to tell that they are okay. It does not have a social feature yet, but you can enter the contact information of your loved ones so they can be notified in case you don’t check in. They don’t have to download the app, either; the notifications come by email.
The app doesn’t require any information from you; you don’t have to create an account or anything like that. You download it, you enter your loved one's or friend's contact info, and that’s all. All the information entered in the app is secured by encryption technology, so that your privacy is secured.
The app's target is not only elderly people, but it can also be useful for students living alone, workers who do solo jobs, or any type of solitary lifestyle. The daily check-in is your way to stay safe so that people aren’t too worried about you.
Is Demumu Free?
No, the app is not free. It has a small price tag, so it is easily accessible. Thanks to this price, the developers will be able to add new features in the future. They are already working on an inside messaging tool.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Demumu?
The app is available only to Apple users. It is compatible with iOS devices, iPhones, and iPads. Moreover, it also works on macOS systems equipped with Apple M1 chips. Alas, for Android users, the app is not on the Google Play Store, and you will have to turn to an alternative.
What Are the Alternatives to Demumu?
From the same editor, and still Apple only, you could be interested in CareAI (or Care AI). The app allows you to share your location, but it can also notify your loved ones in case of an accident. The standard version is free, and there is a premium offer. The app detects the fall of the phone (that could be the result of an accident), the level of battery, and can use earthquake alerts to notify nearby users, etc.
For Android users, you can also use SOS apps like SOS Alert | Emergency & Safety, or My SOS Family Emergency Alerts. There are also family location monitoring apps that can be useful, like FindMyKids, Be Closer, or Family Nest. Like CareAI some can detect accidents, or they have an emergency button. You can download them for free, but premium features are included.
Another way to make your situation known is a Facebook feature called Safety Check that was developed a few years ago. When there is a climate event (like a flood, cyclone, tornado, etc.) or another serious event, connect to Facebook and click to let your friend know that you're ok. The only downside is that it works only when there’s a catastrophic event.
