Net service aimed at seniors

For years, companies have been trying to come up with ways to make it easier for older Americans to use computers and access the Internet. (Anyone remember Bellevue's Sageport?)

Now, a Seattle company led by former Amazon.com executive Cayce Roy is jumping into the mix.

BigScreenLive on Tuesday is introducing a new Internet service tailored to people over 60. The service includes larger fonts, easy-to-use photo sharing and spam filters. The company plans to charge $9.95 per month for people who sign up for 12 months, with a six-month package available for $49.95 through the company and Amazon.com.

In an interview last fall, Roy said he was attracted to the product because it offers "a dramatic impact" in improving the quality of life of seniors.

"It was clear that the team here was thinking about it in the right way," said Roy, who joined the company last year after seven years at Amazon.com.

Boston-based Eons, an online network for baby boomers, appears to be going after a slightly younger demographic than BigScreenLive, which is targeting community centers, retirement facilities and other places where seniors gather. BigScreenLive already has tested the service at a Seattle-area independent-living center.

Because the BigScreenLive service primarily relies on subscription revenue, Roy said, the company doesn't have to "fill up every single bit of a page with advertising."

Some of the past efforts have failed to address the computing needs of seniors because the "timing wasn't right," Roy said.

With BigScreenLive, seniors can access e-mail, photos, news and other content in a common user experience. Family members also can log into the system to share their experiences.

Roy said there is an "innate desire" among seniors to use the Internet to connect with family members and the community. But, he said, many have failed in past attempts.

"They are really looking for something that can close that gap and create that connection," he said. "If you can do that, it is pretty awesome."

Roy estimates that there are about 10 million potential customers for the service in the U.S. And while the older demographic won't live as long as teenagers or twentysomethings, Roy said seniors tend to be more loyal customers.