ちかく for Android
<h2>TV‑first family communication and gentle monitoring for seniors</h2>
- Free
- 4.9
- V 4.0.3
<h2>TV‑first family communication and gentle monitoring for seniors</h2>
ちかく from CHIKAKU Inc. is a lifestyle mobile service that keeps families digitally close to elderly relatives, enabling gentle remote contact and wellbeing checks. The app sends one-touch TV video calls, photo and video delivery, group calling, and presence status to a house-shaped terminal connected to a television. It highlights Anshin Mode for routine-based safety alerts and activity notifications. Families with independent seniors who prefer a familiar TV interface gain a low-friction way to share moments and monitor daily rhythms.
The app turns the television into an accessible family contact point
Designed for elders who avoid smartphones, the app delivers video and photos directly to a TV via a small house-shaped receiver. Core daily interactions are built around one-touch TV video calls, photo and video sharing, and group calls with up to four people, so grandchildren and distant relatives can appear on the largest, most familiar screen in the home. The receiver glows when new content arrives, giving a clear, physical signal.
It installs without home Wi-Fi, simplifying setup for remote households
The service uses a dedicated terminal with its own communication function, so the parent’s residence does not need a Wi‑Fi connection; the receiver connects to the television over HDMI. The companion mobile client runs on Android (Android 6.0 or later) and pairs with the terminal, which removes the usual router and account setup that can block adoption by less technical users.
Presence checks and Anshin Mode prioritise dignity over surveillance
Presence monitoring reports whether the parent is in the room or watching the TV, and Anshin Mode tracks daily rhythms to trigger safety alerts when usual activity is missing. Senders also receive a “Looked at” notification when media is viewed, which users report gives peace of mind without using continuous camera feed. User feedback highlights emotional value and seniors’ enjoyment of the simple experience.
To sum up, the app suits families who want gentle, TV‑based connection and reassurance
The app is a practical choice for adult children seeking low-friction emotional contact with independent elders, because it relies on a familiar screen and an easy receiver. Consider the need to provide and place the dedicated terminal in the senior’s home as a logistical step. Pro tip: establish a short daily ritual for calls or photo drops so the device becomes a predictable part of the elder’s routine.
Pros
- One-touch TV video calls reach seniors on a familiar large screen
- Receiver works without home Wi‑Fi using built-in cellular connection
- Anshin Mode tracks daily rhythms and issues safety alerts
Cons
- Requires a dedicated house-shaped terminal connected to the TV
- Group video calls are limited to four simultaneous participants
- Standard plans may impose a monthly cap on high-quality call minutes
ちかく for Android
- Free
- 4.9
- V 4.0.3