Tech & Trends

London Startup Launches AI Tool to Help Seniors Navigate Smartphones

A new digital assistant developed in East London is making it easier for older adults to operate smartphones, with voice commands and intuitive support.

10 June 2025 at 19:52 | By Yvonne Davis

An East London startup has launched an intuitive AI-powered tool aimed at helping seniors navigate modern smartphones with ease. The application, developed over two years, offers voice guidance, enlarged icons, and simplified layouts designed specifically for users aged 65 and above.

Named ‘SmartEase,’ the tool eliminates the need for extensive tech knowledge. It guides users through everyday tasks such as making calls, sending messages, and using maps. One of the unique features includes a ‘panic button’ that calls a designated contact in emergencies.

The development team conducted workshops in local community centers to gather feedback. “Our goal was to make digital life less intimidating,” said the lead designer, who noted that early testers responded with enthusiasm and relief.

Digital exclusion remains a challenge among the elderly in the UK. A 2023 report found that nearly one in four seniors feel left behind by the digital shift. SmartEase hopes to bridge this gap and empower users to stay connected with family, access services, and engage socially.

In one pilot program in Newham, over 80% of participants reported feeling more confident using their phones after two weeks with the app. “It felt like someone was holding my hand through the screen,” said 72-year-old beta tester Margaret Ellis.

The app is available on both Android and iOS, and the company plans to roll out updates based on user input. They are also exploring partnerships with mobile carriers to pre-install SmartEase on phones marketed to older adults.

In addition to voice interaction, SmartEase includes gesture-based commands, making it easier for users with dexterity issues. It also features reminders for medications, appointments, and a simplified photo-sharing tool.

Community organizations have welcomed the tool. “Digital literacy is essential, especially as services shift online,” said a coordinator at Age UK East London. “This tool could be a game-changer.”

To support further development, the startup has secured a £1.2 million grant from Innovate UK. The funds will help improve language localization and introduce regional dialect recognition.

With growing interest in age-inclusive design, SmartEase could set a new benchmark for tech accessibility. The team hopes their work will encourage other developers to consider the unique needs of older users.

As society ages and technology continues to evolve, tools like SmartEase are increasingly vital. The team behind the app believes digital inclusion should be a right, not a luxury.

SmartEase is now available for download nationwide, and the creators invite feedback from new users to refine and expand the app’s features over time.

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