Preserving Family Memories with Kinnect: The Ultimate Guide
Introduction
Kinnect is a new startup founded by Omar Alvarez in May 2023, with the goal of helping people save generational memories, traditions, recipes, and more in a private and secure way. The app, launched this month, allows users to create invite-only spaces where they can share various forms of media with their family members.
The Inspiration Behind Kinnect
Alvarez was inspired to create Kinnect after experiencing the loss of his grandfather to Alzheimer's and his best friend to leukemia. He realized the importance of preserving memories and wanted to provide a platform where people could store and share their cherished moments with loved ones.
Key Features of Kinnect
- Users can create invite-only spaces to share images, videos, audio, text, and more with their family.
- The app features a home feed similar to social media platforms, where users can see updates from their family members.
- A "Storybooks" feature allows users to organize memories into digital albums based on different topics.
- The app offers "Guided Storytelling" prompts to help users capture their stories effectively.
- Kinnect is designed to be user-friendly for people of all ages, including older adults.
Getting Started with Kinnect
When you first sign up for Kinnect, you will be asked about your goals for using the app. You can choose from options such as "capture life lessons," "preserve family history," "remember loved ones," or "share moments." This helps tailor the app to your specific needs.
Subscription Plans
While basic features of Kinnect are free, users can opt for an annual subscription to unlock additional benefits:
- Individual subscription: $70 per year
- Family plan: $130 per year (up to six family members) Subscribers get access to unlimited Storybooks and unlimited media uploads per Story.
Future Plans for Kinnect
Alvarez has hinted at expanding Kinnect beyond the digital realm to focus on in-person connections. The startup aims to enhance feelings of belonging and promote mental well-being through real-world interactions.
Availability
Currently, Kinnect is only available on iOS, with plans to launch an Android app in the near future. The app is designed to be inclusive of all types of family structures, not just blood relatives, reflecting Alvarez's vision of inclusivity and connection.
Funding and Recognition
Kinnect has received funding through Techstar's Rising Stars program, which supports underrepresented founders in the U.S. The startup is also part of an accelerator program from Slauson & Co., demonstrating its potential for growth and impact.
In conclusion, Kinnect offers a unique and valuable way for families to preserve and share their memories in a digital age. With its easy-to-use interface and focus on inclusivity, the app is poised to become a go-to platform for capturing and celebrating generational stories.
