Yayagram

Aside from a lucky few, most grandparents aren't the most tech-savvy, but keeping in touch as the pandemic rages on is a must. This is why one inventive grandson created the Yayagram. Built by software designer Manuel Lucio Dallo to keep up communication with his 96-year-old Yaya, the DIY project transforms voice and text messages into telegrams. It works like an old-fashioned phone switchboard, allowing the user to plug a cable into each recipient's name. To send a message, simply hold and press a button to record into a built-in microphone and it'll appear on your loved one's smartphone. They can reply with a simple text back and the message with print off on the integrated thermal printer. The Yayagram runs on Raspberry Pi and Python coding, along with some third-party software libraries. Manuel plans to upload an Instructable soon, so there are no more excuses for why you haven't talked to your dear, old Granny.