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Release notes

Recent updates and changes from Speak2

Table of content

  1. Document Management Updates
  2. Room Management and other updates 12/31
  3. Check in and Sign out 12/3
  4. Neighbors app 12/2
  5. Alexa Management 12/1
  6. Resident Likes and Activity Matching 11/25
  7. Marketplace 11/24
  8. General Overview 11/20

1/8 Documents Updated in Staff Portal

We have made the following changes in the staff portal related to documents.

  • The documents section now displays more details about the document, including who has access and where the document is currently connected (E.g., which service, event, etc.)

  • You can now attach multiple documents to a service.

  • The visual interface for uploading an managing documents is more clear. If there are documents present in an event or service, it is visually noticeable. When opening the documents widget, the documents are different colors and active documents appear at the top of the list, above a dividing line.

 

12/31 Printable Resident Directory, Room Management and Other Updates

We have added a printable resident directory to the Portal and Neighbors web. Users can now click the the Download PDF link and a printable PDF is downloaded to their local computer. 

Power Users and Champions can now manage "rooms" in the Speak2 portal. Previously the management of rooms could only be done via support request. Now, under the Config section of the portal, we have added a "Rooms" link, where you can create, edit and remove rooms from your community.

NOTE: Rooms refers to resident rooms/apartments. These are not "locations", which are locations throughout your building. 

Other updates:

  • When a location/asset is changed in an event, a popup will indicate the capacity of the location/asset and identified if it will impact registrations.
  • When creating a new event, the mix/max capacity can be overridden in the create event form. Previously the event would need to be created and edited to change these fields.
  • TV screens will no longer appear in resident lists, such as Check In
  • Services in the Service Marketplace can now be sorted alphabetically.

 

11/20 General Overview

The platform update makes it easier than ever to explore and enjoy community services with a simplified interface, an upgraded Services Marketplace, and personalized activity suggestions based on resident preferences. Enhanced calendar features, check-ins, and Alexa integrations help residents stay engaged, while improvements to the Neighbors app and kiosks ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Platform UI Simplification

  • Simplified homepage user interface to improve navigation.
  • Content and services are now grouped more clearly.
  • New dedicated section for Alexa-related items.
  • Announcement feature streamlined for easier use.
  • Biggest update: an expanded Services Marketplace with pre-built activities and services that can be synced directly to communities.
  • New “Feature of the Week” initiative launched to highlight features.

Services Marketplace Introduction

  • Marketplace now clearly categorized and includes departments such as activities, maintenance, and more.
  • Services come pre-filled with descriptions, images, and wellness dimensions based on customer data.
  • Users can easily select and manage services like arts & crafts, chair hula, and baking.
  • New capabilities demonstrated, including copying/syncing activities and renaming services.

Community Software Updates & Demo

  • Introduced resident activity matching, suggesting activities based on resident preferences and pushing relevant announcements automatically.
  • Activities now auto–color-coded by dimension of wellness.
  • Users can set wellness goals and track balance against targets.
  • Real-time analysis helps visualize attendance and event distribution.
  • Monthly views include visual indicators; printed versions show color-coded bullets.
  • Enhancements rolled out for the Neighbors app and kiosk check-ins for residents and visitors.

Enhanced Resident Management System

  • New consolidated resident summary page for quick access to key info.
  • Updated check-in feature with customizable greetings.
  • Improved address book:
    • App invites separated from regular contacts.
    • Ability to assign multiple relationship managers.
  • Added a new survey system with “question of the day” feature.
    • Residents can complete surveys via Alexa or the app.
    • Results tracked and displayed in the management dashboard.

Alexa System Updates

  • Updated tools to move/add devices and update location info.
  • TV signage can now be managed independently from other devices.

 

11/24 Marketplace

The team reviewed the Universal Services Marketplace, demonstrated syncing and customizing pre-built service offerings, and walked participants through permissions management and templates for creating activities.

Universal Services Marketplace Feature Demo

  • Introduced the new services marketplace and its pre-built library of 200+ universal services.
  • Categories include housekeeping, maintenance, activities, and more.
  • Demonstrated syncing services from the universal library to a community calendar.
  • Communities can add housekeeping services with customizable tasks (e.g., auto-clean, bathroom cleaning).
  • Multiple services can be selected and synced at once.
  • Showed how to rename categories and control resident-facing visibility.
  • Highlighted improved staff app workflows for managing services and tracking resident activity vs. paper sign-ups.

Marketplace Transportation Feature Overview

  • Encouraged syncing additional services such as transportation and activities.
  • Reviewed adding transportation options to calendars or ordering through multiple channels.
  • Emphasized correct asset assignment and capacity setup.
  • Updates to transportation naming (e.g., “Transport” → “Transportation”) will propagate systemwide.

Category Configuration and Customization

  • Matt reviewed how categories can be renamed, enabled, or disabled.
  • Showed use of base items for categories (art, science, technology) for event creation and reporting. 

11/25 Resident Likes and Activity Matching

This session highlighted how Dimensions of Wellness can be used to better understand resident interests and deliver more personalized experiences. Jillian demonstrated how residents and staff can update interests through Alexa, and how the system uses these preferences to match residents with relevant activities and send targeted announcements.

The team also reviewed how to set and track wellness-based goals in the calendar using color-coded insights. Additionally, staff resources and Impact Workshops were covered, including where to access workshop documents and training guides within Universal Services. 

 

Enhancements to Resident Wellness Features

  • Overview of updates to resident likes and dimensions of wellness.

  • Staff and residents can now update likes via Alexa or the mobile app.

  • Resident likes inform personalized recommendations across the platform.

Resident Likes Feature Training

  • Demonstration of how to update resident interests through Alexa.

  • Showed how to send announcements based on matched preferences.

  • Guided to the resident profile tab and explained how to set DoW goals.

  • Introduced pre-built Impact Workshop guides for educating residents.

  • Coordinating staff guides are available for internal training.

Activity Calendar Goals & Workshops

  • Clarification that goals apply to activity types, not individual residents.

  • Workshops can teach Alexa basics and other resident skills.

  • Reviewed how Alexa collects profile info:

    • “Ask Me a Question” → profile details

    • “Open My Survey” / “Question of the Day” → separate features

12/1 Alexa Management 

We’ve introduced new self-service tools that make Alexa device management faster and easier for your team. Staff can now add devices, move them between rooms, and keep locations up-to-date directly from the staff web interface - no support ticket required. Clear labeling and improved location settings ensure devices stay accurate and easy to troubleshoot, helping your community maintain a reliable, streamlined Alexa experience.

Alexa Management Self-Service Updates

  • Staff can now add and move Alexa devices independently through the staff web interface.

  • New self-service tools remove the need to contact support for device setup or room changes.

Device Management System Training

  • Jillian demonstrated how to search for a device by DSN and move it to a new room.

  • Adding new devices involves setting up the device, logging in, entering its DSN, and assigning a room

  • Print QR codes for each new devices registered 

Label Printing & Alexa Settings

  • Labeling devices is important for identification and troubleshooting.

  • Reviewed how to update device locations and correct inaccurate addresses

12/2 Neighbors app

The team reviewed new Neighbors app features that make it easier for residents to check in, engage with content, and stay connected. Staff can now invite residents directly to the app, manage devices independently, and support both memory care and independent living areas with simplified setup workflows. Enhanced check-in tools - available through the app and Alexa - provide flexibility for residents who prefer non-app options. 

Neighbors App & Device Setup

  • Angie and Jillian discussed inviting residents and staff to the Neighbors app.

  • A new device was needed for memory care after a resident moved out.

  • Staff can now independently order and set up devices through Amazon by entering the DSN.

  • The meeting formally began once additional staff joined.

Neighbors App Features Overview

  • Jillian demonstrated new app features:

    • “Hello” button for sending greetings.

    • “I’m In / I’m Out” check-ins with optional customizable questions.

    • Daily survey question.

  • App setup requires both a phone number and an email (any email works).

  • The team discussed expanding usage among independent living residents, especially those aged 60–70.

Independent Living Service Updates

  • Overview of services for independent living residents: workshops, the TV app, and hosting Technology classes in the community

  • Brigitte asked about non-app check-in options; Jillian demonstrated how Alexa can be used.

  • Jillian also explained how to modify custom app links through the app config page

12/3 Sign out and Check in 

We’re introducing a faster, more modern check-in experience for both residents and staff. Communities can now use Alexa and the Neighbors app to check in and out, replacing the traditional binder system. This update provides real-time visibility for staff, optional family notifications, and customizable reminders to help residents stay on track. Enhanced kiosk features also support visitor and resident sign-ins with flexible question settings.

Alexa Check-In Process Implementation

  • Current binder-based process at the front desk will transition to Alexa-supported check-ins.

  • Demonstration covered how residents can sign in/out with Alexa using simple phrases.

Enhanced Check-In & Kiosk Updates

  • Alexa can notify family members when a resident checks in (when announcements are enabled).

  • Caregivers can send targeted reminders to individuals, floors, or groups

  • Kiosk enhancements allow residents/visitors to sign in/out with optional customizable questions.

Neighbors App + Alexa Integration

  • Residents can check in/out with simple phrases

  • Check-in is streamlined; sign-in/out replaces the binder and may need process adjustments.

  • Staff can view resident presence and status in real time via the staff web portal.