The app that asks if you're alive.
A Chinese check-in app went viral. It reveals a massive, unmet need for a new kind of safety net.
Note: A generated audio podcast of this episode is included below for paid subscribers.
⚡ The Signal
An app asking "Are You Dead Yet?" recently became a viral sensation in China, even briefly topping the iOS paid charts. This isn't a morbid joke; it’s a dead-simple utility that lets people automatically notify friends if they fail to check in. The raw, unmet demand this exposed points to a massive, silent trend: the global rise of solo living and the urgent need for a modern safety net.
🚧 The Problem
We have a "care gap." More people are living alone than ever before, not just the elderly but young professionals, remote workers, and single parents. The existing tools for remote wellness checks are broken. On one end, you have traditional Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)—stigmatizing, expensive, and designed for acute medical crises. On the other, you have location-sharing apps that feel like a complete invasion of privacy for independent adults. There is no middle ground that respects autonomy while providing genuine peace of mind.
🚀 The Solution
Enter KinGuard, an automated, privacy-first digital safety net. It’s an app built on a simple "if-then" premise: If I don't respond to a scheduled check-in, then notify my trusted circle. Users define their own rules, whether it's a daily 9 AM tap or a weekly confirmation. It’s not about tracking your location; it’s about confirming you’re okay, on your own terms. It’s a direct answer to the need revealed by China's viral check-in app, but designed for a global audience that values privacy.
