Ily puts video calls front and center with compatibility for iOS and Android devices

Amongst other things, one of the best results of the ever developing world of technology is its ability to connect us with friends and family from far away. However, it has admittedly left some out of the loop as its developed with more complex features. FaceTime and Skype offer quality solutions for communicating with loved ones but require pricey iOS devices or login hassles, and sometimes subscriptions.

Insert Ily, a new hardware solution to bring everyone into the fold. Its simple design puts video chat and communication front and center. Best of all, it doesn’t matter if loved ones have an Ily of their own or not, it can communicate with both iOS and Android.

The whole system is built around a large 8-inch display that shows favorite contacts with pictures of the user. From there, the process starts by pressing a number which brings up a menu for that contact. Options include: voice call, video call, video message, text message or drawing. It’s a simple setup that puts clear choices at the forefront.

Software aside, Ily also offers many hardware features that make it an attractive option for the less technically savvy. It includes a handset to make traditional voice calls and can even allow traditional landline phone numbers to be ported over to the system. Ily also handles VoIP subscriptions.

The modified version of Android is simplified to only handle communications, there are no games or web browsing. Ily’s ability to communicate with both iOS and Android via downloadable apps is particularly attractive for mixed OS families. This eliminates the need to buy a more feature-rich device that may be overkill for some.

Ily is available for pre-order to for $199, with discounts available when more than one is purchased at a time.

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