The personal safety application Demumu, also known as "Are You Dead?" or "sileme," has expanded from an iOS exclusive to a fully functional web platform accessible on any browser. This expansion breaks what the company calls the "device barrier," ensuring safety tools are available to everyone regardless of their operating system. The move addresses a critical gap identified through user feedback: the need for safety verification during workdays when users are primarily on desktop computers.
Originally launching as an iOS app, Demumu quickly became a top paid utility app in multiple countries, designed to notify a user's contacts if they fail to check in regularly. The company received thousands of messages from users who loved the iOS experience but needed flexibility, particularly from digital nomads and remote workers who spend their days on desktop. "Our users aren't just on their phones; they are writers, developers, and remote workers who spend their days on desktop," said the product team. The expansion to the web was driven by the necessity for a seamless desktop-to-mobile workflow, ensuring that a dead phone battery doesn't equate to a missed safety check-in.
The new web interface at https://demumu.com maintains the minimalist aesthetic of the mobile app while optimizing for desktop environments. Key features include cross-platform sync allowing check-ins from both phone and laptop, universal accessibility for Android, Windows, Mac and Linux users via browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Edge, automatic emergency alerts that trigger email notifications to designated contacts after missed consecutive check-ins, and silent monitoring that runs discreetly in a browser tab during deep work sessions.
Demumu's unique approach to personal safety has been widely recognized for addressing what the company calls the "quiet anxiety" of modern living. The app's rise from a niche tool to a cultural phenomenon has been documented by major news outlets, including Wired which explored the cultural impact in their feature "China's 'Are You Dead Yet?' App," Reuters which highlighted explosive growth in "Viral App for Single Living Goes Global," and BBC News which discussed the role in the "loneliness economy." With over 100,000 downloads and a consistent 4.3-star rating, Demumu has proven that a simple safety check can serve as a lifeline for solitary individuals.
"We started this project because we realized that living alone shouldn't mean being invisible," said Mr. Guo, Co-Founder of Demumu. "By bringing Demumu to the web, we are removing the friction of hardware. Safety should be platform-agnostic. Whether you are on a phone in the subway or a laptop in a cafe, your safety net is active." Early web testers have reported positive experiences, with one freelance designer noting that being able to check in from a second monitor has completely streamlined workflow, and a remote developer expressing relief at having access after switching to Android.
The Demumu Web Platform is now live, allowing existing users to log in and sync their accounts while new users can sign up immediately without an app store download. The company emphasizes that setup takes only 30 seconds with no account required, reinforcing their mission that safety shouldn't depend on which device a person owns.
