Your Information Page

1.What is Amara?

Amara is a digital companion app designed for the second half of life. It helps with everyday tasks, reminds you of important things, connects you with the people who matter to you—and serves as a friendly, unobtrusive companion on your smartphone.

The app is already available in the Apple App Store. But we want to make it even better—with your help. That’s why we have the Amara experts.

2.What is my role as an Amara expert?

You are one of 50 hand-selected members of a small group that helps shape Amara. Your role is pleasantly straightforward:

• Using Amara in everyday life
• Provide a brief update once or twice a week
• Be honest—even when something isn't good

You are neither a test subject nor an employee—you are a co-creator.

3.What is TestFlight, and how do I install the app?

What is TestFlight?

TestFlight is an official Apple app. With TestFlight, selected users like you get access to new apps before they’re available to everyone else. So TestFlight is your exclusive access to the latest version of Amara —often featuring features that no one else has seen yet.

Why two steps?

Apple wants to make sure your iPhone stays secure. That’s why you should first install TestFlight—the “bridge” between your iPhone and the Amara beta. Then install Amara via TestFlight.

It sounds complicated—but it’s not. We’ll walk you through it step by step.

Step 1: Install TestFlight

1. Open the App Store The blue icon with the white "A" on your iPhone.
2. Tap "Search" Atthe bottom right, the magnifying glass in the toolbar.
3. Enter "TestFlight" in the search bar Tap the search bar at the top.
4. Select Apple's TestFlight Identifiable by the orange propeller icon. Developer: Apple
5. Tap "Download" or "Install" If prompted, confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
6. Done! TestFlight will appear as a new icon on your home screen.

Step 2: Get the invitation link from us

Once TestFlight is installed, send us a quick WhatsApp message:

"TestFlight is installed — please send an invitation."

We will send you your personal invitation link. Please do not share it with others—it is for your use only.

Step 3: Install Amara

1. Open WhatsApp and tap our link Your iPhone will then automatically open TestFlight.
2. Tap "Accept" "Amara" will appear in TestFlight — tap "Accept".
3. Tap "Install" The download will begin.
4. Please wait a minute Amara is installing in the background.
5. Open Amara Amara is now on your home screen—just like any other app. Tap it—let's get started!

4.What does the week look like?

It all happens in the WhatsApp group

We always post our questions and assignments in the shared Amara Experts WhatsApp group —not individually to you. That way, you can also see what others think.

How often?

• A short question or task once or twice a week
• A maximum of 30 minutes per week—usually much less
• No set hours — you respond whenever it's convenient for you

What kinds of questions do we ask?

• Quick questions: “Have you used the app this week? What stood out to you?”
• Screenshot comparisons: "Which of these two views do you prefer—A or B?"
• Quick Polls: "Which feature would you most like to see next?"
• Small exploration tasks: “Try out the new reminder feature—how did it affect your day?”

How do you respond?

It's simple: Just post your reply directly in the group. Or, if you prefer, send us a private message at +49 151 29790231.

There are no wrong answers. We want your honest opinion—not the “right” one.

5.When will I receive my expense reimbursement?

On the 1st of every month, we’ll send you a $30 gift card—whichever you prefer: Amazon, dm, Thalia, Rewe, or a general-purpose gift card that you can redeem at many different retailers.

In addition, you will receive:

• A welcome package in the mail as soon as you join
• Small gifts to mark milestones (after 3, 6, and 12 months)
• Birthday and Christmas greetings with a small token of appreciation
• Invitations to exclusive events

You'll receive your first expense reimbursement shortly after you join. Everything else will then happen automatically.

6.Do I have to pay taxes?

The short version: In the vast majority of cases, you don't have to pay taxes on anything.

The expense allowance is classified as “other income” under Section 22(3) of the Income Tax Act. Up to €256 per year from all other sources of income is tax-free.

Our €360 per year exceeds that amount. This means that if you have no other income, you should report this amount on your tax return (if you file one). In practice, most retirees pay little or no tax on this amount.

Will this affect my pension?

No. As of 2023, there is no longer an income limit for the standard old-age pension. Your pension will not be reduced.

If you receive a disability pension or survivor’s pension, please contact your pension insurance provider briefly to be sure.

We are not tax advisors. If you are unsure, you should contact the Income Tax Assistance Association or a tax advisor. We can provide you with an annual summary if you wish.

7.What if I don't have time?

No problem. We don’t expect a 100% participation rate. Vacations, illness, family obligations, or just a quiet week—that’s only human and perfectly fine.

If you'll be away for an extended period (e.g., several weeks of vacation), please let us know so we don't worry. A quick WhatsApp message is all it takes.

8.Can I stop at any time?

Of course. Your participation is voluntary—from start to finish. You can withdraw at any time without giving a reason.

Just send us a quick WhatsApp message or give us a call. We’ll then remove you from the group and delete your data—with a final, heartfelt thank you.

No "Why are you leaving?" interrogation. No penalty clause. No complicated forms. Just say goodbye—and see you soon.

9.What happens to my data?

Privacy is very important to us. So, to put it simply:

What we store

• Your name and address — for sending gifts
• Your WhatsApp number — for communication
• Your date of birth — for birthday wishes
• Your feedback and app usage data — analyzed anonymously

What we DON'T do

• No disclosure to third parties (except for the voucher provider for shipping purposes)
• No ads, no newsletters
• No storage of bank details—we simply don’t need them
• Do not publish personal quotes without your express consent

Your rights

You can request information about your data, ask for it to be deleted, or withdraw your consent at any time. A quick message is all it takes.

10.Where can I get help?

Any question, any time— we're here for you. Whether the app is acting up, you're having trouble with TestFlight, you have a question about the agreement, or you just want to chat: drop us a line.

There is no call center or chatbot. There is always a real person from the Amara team on the other end.

There are no stupid questions. Really, there aren't.