'Are you dead' app to rebrand as Demumu after topping China's paid chart

A Chinese app called "Are you dead", designed to prevent lonely deaths through daily check-ins, will rebrand as Demumu after surging to the top of Apple's paid app chart in China.

The app, developed by three post-1995 founders at Yuejing (Zhengzhou) Technology Service, targets solo dwellers like remote workers and students. Users set emergency contacts and tap a daily check-in button. Multiple missed days trigger email alerts to contacts. It claims encryption, avoids collecting location data and requires no registration.

The direct, provocative name drove curiosity downloads but sparked debate, with some calling it unlucky and suggesting "Are you alive." The team said they haven't been asked by authorities to change the name and aimed to remind people to face life by acknowledging mortality.

Following BBC coverage, the service saw explosive overseas growth. The team said Demumu will continue its safety mission, bringing a Chinese-origin solution to global solo dwellers.

Founder Guo said the project, developed in over a month mid-last year, cost about 1,000 yuan and is already profitable. Plans to sell 10 percent of shares for 1 million yuan value the app at 10 million yuan.

Improvements like SMS alerts and message features are planned. Legal observers noted the name's similarity to food delivery platform "Ele.me", raising possible unfair competition concerns.

Apple's customer service said users unhappy with an app's name can provide details for developer communication.