This collection offers a diverse overview of research about technologies for connecting families. It suggests ways technology can be used to keep families together, regardless of composition. The different technologies presented are sometimes intricate and complex, and sometimes rather simple. Some are aimed at specific family configurations, such as a long-distance relationship between a son in college and his mother at home, or grandparents and their grandchildren.

Certain technologies are integrated for a specific use. Take, for example, an iPhone application called Take Me With You. This application is made for the social engagement of family members who do not live near one another. For example, a grandmother and her granddaughter who live apart can both download this application and have direct shared interactions. The application takes live video and photos, and displays their faces on animated characters that both of them can see. In the app, they can undertake several “missions,” such as walking around a yard or doing household chores. The granddaughter’s character runs around and does things while the elderly grandmother does much simpler tasks. Unlike most technologies that let the family literally just sit for hours, this application encourages physical interaction for both sides.

This book would be very beneficial for families interested in contacting and connecting with each other. Many different technology products are discussed that are suited for various types of family configurations. They do not necessarily require that the family members be far apart. For example, for couples, there is a product called inTouch, for use when they are separated during the workday. inTouch is like a ball that can be seen by both partners. One partner can reveal her presence by simply touching the ball, and the recipient’s ball will glow in colors according to the way the partner touched it. So if one partner is going through a hard time with his boss at work, he could slam his hand on the ball and the partner’s ball may potentially glow red. The only problem is that there is no solid interaction and messages received are simply interpretations. This technology could be useful for getting inner feelings across; after all, some things just cannot be described in words.

There are also technologies for distant parents, such as when parents may have to work abroad away from their children. A product such as StoryVisit or Family Story Play can help distant parents connect with their children, mostly the young ones. Using the story interface, parents can read to their children with a video camera running, so the parent can see the child and the child can see the parent reading. This can provide essential interaction between family members and ensure that they keep in contact.

For couples that like to share and update their partner on daily events, there is a clever technology in the making called Diary Built for Two, designed for mobile touchscreen tablets. It comes with a pen or stylus that partners can use to write down or note their feelings. Just like a normal diary, this device is meant for the person to express thoughts, but the difference here is that either partner can highlight a section and share it with the other. This extends the use of diaries to couples to share their feelings, which can improve their sense of connection.

Lastly, there is a type of application that connects families in general. Family Window can be used on desktops, phones, and tablets. It is basically a video call that can be used for a longer period of time. The device can be left in the central point of the house, such as a living room. A video camera will be running so remote family members can easily check in on the house. Family Window includes many sorts of interactions, such as painting on screen and whistles to attract attention.

Most of the technologies are just in the planning stage and have not yet been created. Those that are available, though brilliant, may not be practical. For example, Diary Built For Two requires two touchscreen tablet devices, which can be very expensive. Other technologies are simply related to common everyday software and applications that we use regularly. Most of the technologies in the book involve video calling, similar to Skype, so people may find it more convenient to just download Skype, since it is more widely used. In addition, with the rise of socially interactive online networking such a Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Instagram, it has never been easier for people and family members to keep in touch [1]. However, some parents believe that social media can negatively impact their children [2]. Therefore, it is very important for parents to be aware of the nature of any social media applications being used.

The book lacks information about more practical, realistic technologies, and does not provide details on the privacy and security implications of using these applications. However, the authors do provide some very useful technologies to connect families. This book is for readers who want to explore ways to contact and keep in touch with their loved ones when they are away.