Porch is a video calling app that runs on your own iPad or Android tablet, paired with a big-button phone. Each button has a photo of someone they love. One press starts a video call.
Family and friends use the Porch app on their iPhones or Android phones to call, answer, and send messages.
When they call you
Every button has a photo and a name. They press yours, and the Porch app rings on your iPhone or Android phone. If you don’t answer, Porch calls your regular number instead.
When you call them
When someone you’ve approved calls, Porch announces who’s calling, then answers automatically. They don’t have to find a phone, unlock a screen, or press anything.
Family can call using the Porch app or from an approved phone number. Everyone else is blocked by default.
“Sarah is dropping in with video. Connecting in five seconds.”
Mom’s Porch number
(415) 555-0142
For unsteady hands
My mom’s Parkinson’s has made her hands slow and stiff. Touchscreens became almost impossible for her to use. Porch uses big, firm buttons with plenty of space between them. A light tap works, and so does a heavy press.
Between calls
Send a video or voice message through the Porch app, or text their Porch number. When they’re in front of the tablet, Porch plays the messages or reads them aloud. No inboxes to check or buttons to press.
In their language
Porch shows and speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish, including its screens and announcements. It can also translate incoming texts into their language before reading them aloud. More languages are coming.
Out loud
“Sarah要和您视频通话，五秒后接通。”
A text from Sarah
“妈，星期天见。爱你！”
Translated from English: “See you Sunday, Mom. Love you!”
All together
Add a sibling, grandchild, or old friend to the conversation. You can even bring in someone from the bank when you’re helping your loved one with their finances and the bank needs to speak with them directly.
These are real clips from the Porch prototype, including my mom’s first call and some of the key features we’ve built since.
22 sec
My mom makes her first call using Porch, right from her own desk. She presses my brother’s photo, he answers, and they’re talking face to face a few seconds later.
15 sec
They press your photo, your Porch app rings, and you answer. No looking up contacts, dialing numbers, or navigating menus.
24 sec
Porch tries your regular phone number next, so you can still talk even if you don’t answer in the app. They only have to press once.
15 sec
Call your loved one through Porch, and it announces who’s calling before answering automatically. They don’t have to do a thing.
26 sec
Send a quick video or voice message from the Porch app. It could be an appointment reminder, a family update, or just a quick hello.
16 sec
When they’re in front of the tablet, Porch plays their waiting messages. No notifications to notice, inboxes to check, or buttons to press.
22 sec
Add another family member, an old friend, or even someone from the bank when they need to speak with your loved one directly. Everyone can be on the same call.
17 sec
Choose English, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish. Porch displays its screens and speaks its announcements in their language, so they don’t have to figure things out in English.
4 min 24 sec
We tried a few different keypads before settling on a familiar corded phone with big buttons and photos. Here’s what we tried and why this one worked best for my mom.
On by default
Only approved people can call your loved one’s Porch. Unknown numbers are blocked by default, so they don’t have to deal with unwanted calls.
The Porch pilot
The Porch app runs on your own compatible iPad or Android tablet, connected to a big-button phone. We’re inviting families to try it and tell us what works and what doesn’t.
Waiting for the Porch keypad? It’s still a while away. Leave your email and we’ll let you know when it’s ready.