Information on cell phones and other mobile services designed for our senior citizens.
Monday, June 25, 2012
New Cell Phones for Seniors: Jitterbug Plus for Great Call
The Jitterbug has been a major force in the cell phones for seniors and a new one is about to enter the fray. Samsung has revealed the next-generation Jitterbug before GreatCall has a chance to formally announced it.
A look at the phone indicates that it will sport the traditional Jitterbug look with its clamshell design and large buttons on its keypad.
Here are a few images of this new cell phone for seniors to give you a batter look:
As you can see, its simplified design makes it ideal for the use of elderly mobile phone consumers.
The features offered by this device include a 2.2 inch color display (240x320 Pixels) inside and an external color screen that measures 1.3 inches (128x128 Pixels). This cell phone for baby boomers is also equipped with a 1.3MP camera.
Here are the rest of the features and specs for the Jitterbug Plus for Great Call:
speakerphone
voice dialing
messaging
phone book
hearing aid compatible (HAC): MT/T4
internal memory::1GB (EFS) + 512MB (RAM)
battery with up to 25 days standby time and up to 3.1 hours continuous usage time
5-Star service
Dimensions (inches): 3.86 x 2.01 x 0.77
Weight (ounces): 2.86 oz.
Frequencies and Data Type: 800/1900MHz
GreatCall has not yet announced this phone so pricing and availability are still unknown. It will be available in red and silver.
What do you think of this phone? Is it worthy of being the next Jitterbug cell phone for the elderly?
We have featured a number of cell phones for the elderly in this blog so we figured its time for a post that will warm your hearts. I ran into a few videos while looking for new phones to feature so I thought I should post them here.
These clips feature cute videos of grandchildren trying to communicate with their grandparents via a mobile phone. I know that talking with grand kids and other family members is one of the most enjoyable moments for a senior citizen. So here are the videos showing cute kids talking with their beloved grandmas and grandads on the cell phone. I hope you enjoy them:
Here is baby Ella gets a call on speakerphone from her proud Sheets Grandparents from South Carolina:
And here's a video of young Annabelle talking on the cell phone to her grandmother in Lancaster, CA:
Enjoy this clip of another young girl giving grandpa a call:
Here is a young boy calling Grandma Bea on a BlackBerry:
We hope you enjoy these videos. You can find plenty of them on YouTube and other video websites.
Stay tuned to this blog every week as we feature more phones and other topics related to mobile phones for grandparents.
T-Mobile 665: A Cell Phone for Seniors that Excels in Making Calls
The folks at Cnet described the T-Mobile 665 as a phone that "makes calls and not much else." That label sounds like a negative description of a phone where super powerful smartphones are being launched every month.
However, this description is fitting for a device that can fit the needs of the elderly. Senior citizens require a phone that can make phone and not much else. These consumers need phones that are simple and uncomplicated. Plus a phone that focuses on making calls is usually a cheap device that fits into the lifestyle of folks who are 65 years or older. This prepaid phone from T-Mobile is currently available for $49.
Every year, US carrier's and cell phone manufacturers release phone that just comes with the basics. These phones are headed for markets that include teens, new cell phone users, and seniors. The T-Mobile 665 falls into this category. It's features are limited but it's focused on the essentials. Flashy features and capabilities such as Wi-Fi, mobile TV, 4G LTE, and others are cool but they lose their value to consumers who are only after the most basic of features and the lowest of price.
The 665 comes in a clamshell design with a 1.7-inch, 262,000-color display. This cell phone for seniors also comes with an extra-large keypad that is designed for easy dialing and texting.
Here are some images of this mobile phone:
The other features for this phone include:
2-megapixel camera
Bluetooth
FM radio
speakerphone
a microSD slot for cards up to 8GB
included Accessories: battery, wall charger, and user guide
What do you think of this cheap phone? Can the T-Mobile 665 serve as a cell phone for the elderly?
Stay tuned as we look at more devices and help you to see if they are suitable cell phones for seniors.
The ClearSounds AC100 ClearDigital Amplified Cell Phone for the Elderly
After combing the web for another cell phone that can help elderly users, I found another device that might be able to fit the requirements of senior citizens. The ClearSounds AC100 ClearDigital is an amplified cell phone that makes it ideal for seniors with hearing difficulties. But what other features does it have that can cover the remaining needs of folks who are 65 or older? Let's take a close look at this device to find out.
The AC100 is a simple phone. One can easily surmise that by just looking at it. It's a good device for folks who find modern cell phone technology daunting. Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth, mobile GPS are all great features but they are wasted on a cell phone for seniors. That's because they can be too complicated and are on the bottom end of a senior's priorities when buying a phone. These features also come with added cost that might burden folks who have retired and no longer have a steady source of income.
This amplified cell phone for seniors comes with a backlit screen with adjustable contrast and large text size for users who have difficulty with seeing fine print. The simple design of this phone also include an easy-to-read backlit keypad with big buttons for easy dialing. The buttons have large numbers so they can be clearly seen by users with poor vision.
As mentioned before, this handset is suitable for hearing impaired users. It can amplify sounds up to 25 decibels and features tone amplification up to 10 decibels gain. It also has a flashing visual ringer and a strong vibrating ringer to alert a user of an incoming call.
Like other great mobile phones for the elderly, the ClearSounds AC100 ClearDigital Amplified Cell Phone comes with features that help to deal with emergencies. It comes with a large one-touch emergency dial button that can instantly contact a trusted friend or family member in an emergency. There are also 4 one-touch memory dial buttons that allows users to call quickly.
Here are the rest of the features that can be helpful toward senior users:
Hands-free speakerphone
Built-in Flashlight
Automatic redialing
1-year limited manufacturer's warranty
Here's some pictures that gives you a closer look on this handset:
Unfortunately, this phone is a bit pricey. it is being offered for $149.95, which is a lot more expensive than most cell phones for the elderly.
That's it for this post. Stay tuned as we feature more phones for the elderly.
Phones from prepaid carriers like Virgin Mobile are often ideal for senior citizens because they are usually simple devices with easy-to-reaches price tags. We have featured a few phones from Virgin Mobile and it's about time to look at another cheap prepaid phone from this company.
This time we will examine a bar style phone called the LG 101. We have looked at a number of flip style phones and a different design should provide a bit of variation for folks who are trying to find a phone that will fit their tastes.
First let us look at the price for this phone and see if it is indeed accessible for the elderly who have limited source of income. At the time this post was published, the LG101 cost $14.99 without any contracts. This price includes free shipping, free activation and a 30 day guarantee.
So what about the plans? Well,. Virgin mobile has plenty of cheap ones with enough minutes that can cover a senior's normal monthly consumption. For example, the $20 talk plan provides 400 minutes per month.
Now let's take a closer look at the device itself. We'll begin with the design. The LG 101 sports a candy bar-shaped body with glossy and black plastics. Admittedly, the color screen is a bit small at just 1.5-inches with 128-by-128-pixel resolution. with an affordable price its hard to put too much expectation on this phone specs-wise.
Fortunately, the navigation features of this phone makes up for its lack of display size. It offers a five-way control pad with six raised function keys and rectangular, raised plastic number buttons on its keypad. The design makes it easy to dial numbers and users can make a call quickly using one hand.
Some of the senior-friendly features offered by this phone include a speakerphone and a 800mAh battery with decent life. Voice quality on this device was also decent. The features are very limited but that's part of the simplicity that makes it ideal for seniors.
Here are some videos and images of this device to give you a closer look:
That's it for this post on a Virgin Mobile phone for seniors. Visit us regularly for more phones that are ideal for the elderly.
Mobile phones are becoming more advanced every year. That is the trend of technology and mobile telecommunications is no different. manufacturers attempt to cram as many features into a handset that should be slim enough to appeal to users. A new launched cell phone would usually have a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, GPS, email, web browsing, and 3G. However, the most technologically advanced devices are not fit for seniors. There are discussions of smartphone for seniors but the fact remains that low-tech devices are the best fit for the elderly.
Why? Well, I think it is due to the fact that seniors want the simplest devices because they are easy-to-use and cheap. The elderly can learn how to use low-tech cell phones in a matter of minutes. Basic phones specialize in making calls and usually come with keypads that feature large buttons. The best ones also come with emergency buttons that provide one click access to persons that can provide immediate help.
Price is also a major issue that can be solved by low-tech phones. Since these devices only provide the essentials, they are offered at a price that is reachable for senior citizens. Folks who are 65 or older do not have a steady source of income so they may not be able to spend hundreds of dollars on a telephone.
Advanced features like touchscreens, Wi-Fi, HD cameras, NFC, 4G LTE and GPS add to the cost of a phone. Seniors also do not have these advanced features in their priority so simple mobile phones with basic technology is the way to go. It does not make sense to pay for features that you do not use so handset with low technology are best suited for grandparents.
These complex features also make a phone more difficult to use and navigate. A phone that can make calls in a few steps is the best device for the elderly because they are much simpler.
Here is a list of several low-tech cell phones that are ideal for seniors. These handsets have already been featured in this blog so click on them if you want more information:
New Cell phone for Seniors: Samsung Gusto 2 From Verizon Wireless
It's been some time since we posted a senior-friendly phone from Verizon Wireless so I think it's time to feature a handset from the carrier's line-up. After all, it's the largest US carrier with a significant number of elderly subscribers and offers one of the best cell phone plans for seniors.
This time we will look at the Samsung Gusto 2, a new phone that is set to become available for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. This handset is also available with online retailers who may offer a more favorable price for seniors and other consumers.
The Gusto 2 is a sleek clam shell style cell phone with simple features. In fact, simplicity is being marketed as one of the strengths of this phone. Verizon's official press release for the device calls it as a device where "Simplicity Meets Style." Well, style is not a priority for a cell phone for senior citizens but simplicity certainly is one of the most important attributes. The elderly do not need a phone that can send emails or work as a 3G hotspot. They need a handset that can reliably make and receive calls or send a few text messages.Well, the Samsung Gusto 2 is a good device for consumers that only want to focus on making calls to friends and family. it's a basic device with a simple menu that can easily allow users to dial numbers.
Speaking of dialing numbers, this cell phone sports a contoured keypad with large buttons that make it easy to press numbers. The directional keys can be customized to provide quick access to contacts plus the one-touch shortcut keys can be programmed to quickly get in touch with emergency contacts.
It also offers a Sound Alert Mode, which changes the volume automatically to high and reads contact information aloud when a call or message is received. This features id useful for senior users with weak hearing.
A few images:
Here's a list of the features that contribute in making this phone suitable for seniors:
2-inch main display
speakerphone
adjustable display font
voice-enabled menu and submenus
This phone also offers a few bonus features which are not really needed by seniors but are nice t have on your phone. It provides Bluetooth technology, 1.3-megapixel camera, mobile Web, and VZ Navigator.
What do you think of this device? Is it good enough to top the best cell phones for seniors in the market?
Nokia recently announce a device that it declares as its "most affordable handset." The new Nokia 103 was announced with a price of only $21 (16 euro) before taxes making it one of the most affordable cell phones in the market and in history.
A low price is one of the traits that makes a cell phone suitable for the elderly and with its affordable price does the Nokia 103 make a good mobile phone for seniors?
Well, first let me explain why this handset is offered at a very cheap price. Well, one look at the Nokia 103 will tell you that it's an affordable device. The phone looks like it was introduced a decade ago. This device basically trims its features to the most essential that are needed by users who simply want to talk and send email messages.
This device fits the needs of seniors because it focuses on the basic and most important functions like making and taking calls. Senior citizens do not demand a lot from their phones so this device seems like a good fit. The elderly does not usually need features like Bluetooth, email, 4G, or a media player hat increases a phone's price.
Here's some images to give you a nice look at this super cheap phone:
The phone's display is a bit small but the buttons look nice and large. This phone also include a few modern touches especially on the hardware. The 103 sports a durable anti-scratch cover that should protect it from drop and bruises. It is also equipped with long-lasting battery with a talk time of up to 11 hours.
Here's a short list of the features for this phone:.
built-in flashlight
FM radio
speaking clock
MP3 grade ringtones
The Nokia 103 is clearly a good phone for seniors. However, I'm not sure if any US carrier will pick it up. Let's hope that US consumers can get it from online retailers.
That is it for this post on the cheapest cell phone as a handset for the elderly. stay tuned for more post on affordable mobile phones for seniors.
AT&T's LG A340: Eco-conscious Cell phone for Seniors
The LG A340 recently became available at the AT&T website. It was a quiet launch with no press release or other fanfare that usually accompany high-end phones and devices. This is probably due to the fact that the A340 is a basic phone that does not come with the complex features that are to be expected within today's crop of modern cell phones.
Other tech sites might frown upon or disregard a phone that does not even merit an announcement or press release but not at this blog. This site focuses on simple handsets that provide features and functionality that favor the elderly so the simplest phones are often the best phone to blog about. Well, let's look at this new AT&T cell phone for seniors and see if it can make benefit folks who are 65 or older.
The is reasonably priced at just $19.99 with a contract. That's not a bad deal for a new flip phone. This handset sports a dual color display. The main screen measures 2.4-inches with 320 x 240 pixels. It has good size and sharpness for users with weak eyes. This phone also comes with TTY support and hearing aid compatible (M3/T3 rating) so its usable for folks who have hearing difficulty. The keypad for this phone is also user-friendly. The buttons are separated so it's not difficult to dial numbers or create text messages.
The LG A340 is also targeted towards environment-conscious users. This cell phone for seniors has a body that is made from 17% recycled materials. it also ships with an energy efficient charger that draws less power than traditional chargers
Here are some images of the AT&T LG A340:
And here's a list of the features for this mobile phone for seniors:
3G network
1.3-megapixel camera with video capture
GPS-based navigation
Bluetooth 2.1
speakerphone
900 mAh battery with 3 hours of talk time, and up to 10 days of standby time
20 Unique Ringtones + Vibrate and Silent Modes
That's it for this post. Stay tuned as we look at more phones that can be used by seniors.
How to Change Your Android Smartphone into a Cell phone for Seniors
We have blogged a few times on the possibilities of Android smartphones for seniors entering the US market. However,it was recently brought to our attention that some existing Android phone can actually be transformed into a simple phone that can be easily used by the elderly.
This can be made possible via an application called Phonotto. Simple install this app on your Android phone and you will have a device that is suitable for the elderly.
This application is being advertised as a "Simple Phone for Seniors Android App".
It's basically an application that aims to convert a smartphone in the simplest phone for seniors. It provides an interface that features a chunky, simple design with large buttons for easy phoning and texting. Here's an image of the buttons that Phonotto provides:
But that's not all. This app also provides other ways to make an Android smartphone easier to use for consumers who have weak eyesight. For example, the large home screen is optimized for elderly people and people with weak vision.
Users will have no problem with learning how to use this app because it has a simple wizard for sending SMS and it automatically loads on startup.
Here are more images of the Phonotto app and its easy-to-use interface:
And here's a video that illustrates how to install this app and how it can be used:
What do you think of this app? Do you think it can be useful? Well, I think this provides a way for old Android phones to be recycled by being handed down to seniors or donated to programs that provide phones for the elderly. Since the app makes a smartphone manageable for seniors, it widens the options of senior citizens who are looking for a phone.
Stay tuned for more post and features on the apps, services and mobile phones for seniors.
Sprint's Kyocera DuraPlus: A good Rugged phone for Seniors?
The phones in Sprint's Direct Connect network provide a nice selection if you are looking for a mobile phone for a person who is 65 or older. The carrier's Direct Connect service provides instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling nationwide and other features that can benefit seniors. For example, we have featured the Kyocera DuraCore as a possible option for the elderly.
A new phone for Sprint's upgraded push-to-talk platform may also be a good choice for seniors. The new Kyocera DuraPlus feature simple and easy to use features in a rugged body that can stand up to dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, and humidity. It can even resist blowing rain and can be immersed in up to 1 meter of water for half an hour.
Can a phone that is certified to Military Standard 810G be suitable for seniors? I think that they can because durable devices are good for any consumers especially the elderly. A rugged phone can keep on working after being dropped several times and can keep on working for years. A cell phone get's broken easily will need to be replaced and getting replacements cost money. A device that stays working after being dropped by frail hands will be beneficial for folks who do not have a steady source of income for buying new phones and replacements to ones that break easily.
Since the Kyocera DuraPlus from Sprint is a rugged phone, it is built solidly. It is thick and heavy because it was built to withstand damage from a number of hazards. That being said one cannot describe it as an aesthetic phone. However, a fashionable look is not a priority for senior citizens since they do not use cell phones to show off during parties. The elderly use mobile phones to communicate with friends and family so the looks of the DuraPlus is not an essential factor when discussing it as a phone for grandparents.
This handset has a 2-inch screen with a resolution of 240x320 pixels. It's nothing special when compared to the ultra bright displays of premium smartphones but it works for the needs of seniors. It also offers a nice keypad with bulbous buttons that are easy to press and feel. However, the number keys are a bit small and it would be a lot more user-friendly if they were bigger.
Some folks may criticize this phone for not having a camera or a slot for microSD expansion. Those are valid points for most handset but for a device that's to be used by a senior, those features are not the priority. It would be nice to have those but the Kyocera DuraPlus is designed to make phone calls not take great pictures or store thousands of media.
This phone is compatible with Call Alert with Text , a Direct Connect service that allows users to send an audio alert with an optional text message to let another Direct Connect subscriber know you are trying to reach them and why. This feature is great for emergencies and other situations may a senior may need to contact someone immediately.
The call quality for this phone is good and the battery can last for days with normal use.
Here's a video that gives you another look at this cell phone for seniors:
Visit us again next week as we look at more phones, and services that are suitable for elderly users.
GreatCall Awarded for High degree of Customer Support
GreatCall is one of the few companies that is dedicated to serving the needs of consumers who are at the age of 65 or older. This company offers cell phones for seniors as well as other services and mobile applications that are designed for the elderly.
The award recognizes the MNVO's ability to put the users directly through to a trained customer service representative. The company prides itself guaranteeing get quick, responsive, U.S.-based, English-speaking service.
The centerpiece of this company's offering is the Jitterbug phone. This device is a leading mobile phone for seniors and we have featured it several times in this blog. This phone allows its users to contact a customer service operator for any type of assistance be it using the phone or an emergency. These operators are also well versed in the health and safety services, like 5Star Urgent Response, Medication Reminders and LiveNurse.
Here are a video that show how one of these service work:
That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more Jitterbug J news and other updates on cell phones for your grandparents.
Emporia recently made some waves at CES and MWC with a number of new phones for the elderly. We have covered a few of the devices earlier this year and we shall look at another one to let our readers be exposed to the latest devices that target folks who are at an advanced ages.
The emporiaConnect is a product that is slated to enter the market in the fall of 2012. This phone may reach the US market but we still are not sure. Emporia has made it known that they will expand their business in North America so this handset may fall into the hands of seniors in the US and Mexico.
Now let's look at the physical features of this phone. The dedicated page for the emporiaConnect is a bit stingy with the details but it does indicate that it will sport a 2.8 TFT (240x320) display. This obviously refers to the size of the internal camera as it is a flip phone. The images show that it will also offer a smaller external camera.
Here are some of the official images for this phone:
As can be observed, this cell phone for senior citizens sports an emergency button at its back. The website indicates that the emergency function of the phone is integrated with A-GPS. That should allow the user to be located quickly in times of emergencies.
I can also see a flashlight button, which can come in handy and a dedicated camera button. The buttons on this appear to be large and easy to press. The details on the displays also show the graphics to be sharp and fairly bright.
The description for the emporiaConnect also indicates that it will offer "loudspeakers are even hearing aid compatible." As if the emergency button was not enough, the phone also comes with a speed dial function that allows users to dial three important telephone numbers with a single tap of a finger.
Here are a couple of videos that show this device in action:
So do you what you see of the emporiaConnect? Do you think that this phone should also be available to US consumers?
Testimonials are statements made by users to share their experience with a device. The statements usually focus on how they device helped them and how it changed their lives for the better. Testimonials usually help one to understand how a device works and helps companies to convince consumers to purchase their devices.
Well, sellers of cell phones for the elderly also provide testimonials of their products on their websites and various advertisements. Are these statements real? Well, one can argue that statements made to help sell a product can be manufactured. But I'll let you be the one to decided about the veracity of these testimonies. Perhaps these statements can help you find a cell phone for senior citizens that is perfect for your needs.
Here are some of the testimonials for mobile phones for seniors.
A couple of quotes from GreatCall's testimonial page for the Jitterbug J and other products:
Easy, easy, easy. It was a Christmas gift, the best gift I could ever receive! I just love how easy it is to use, the operators are always so helpful and the 24/7 customer service is outstanding. I live in Las Vegas frequenting the casinos. My friends are amazed at the coverage inside, always dependable unlike the other companies phones. I have shaky hands, but the big buttons are no problem for me. Did I mention I was 80 something? Thank you so much!
This is the fourth cell phone I've owned and it's without a doubt the best! When I ordered it I expected a basic phone, as advertised, but it's much nicer than I thought it would be. The inside screen is very bright and easy to read, even when you're completely in the dark. The keypad numbers are the same way. The caller I.D. function is convenient to see on the outside display. The speakerphone is wonderful. The MyGreatcall online things are fantastic. You can check minutes used/left anytime in seconds. The Phonebook feature is the easiest way I've ever seen to put numbers in a cell phone. You don't even have to touch the phone. Just add/update/delete online and these changes are put on the phone instantly! You don't have to be a technological wizard or sit forever punching numbers on the phone to enter phone numbers. I'm now paying half as much as before (with the other phones), have exactly what I want (and not fancy do-dads I don't need or want), and absolutely LOVE this phone! Thanks jitterbug for having your act together. I sincerely appreciate it!
And here's a video that provides a testimonial for the Tracfone SVC:
Here are a few user experiences from the owners of the Doro PhoneEasy 410 from Consumer Cellular:
"Thank you for being such a great company. You make it so easy for those of us who still view a phone as a necessary convenience, but not an attachment to our bodies! Keep up the good work and thanks again."” Anne S.
I keep a cell phone in my car for special needs or emergencies only. I had a little Nokia for almost three years that I used about six times and it was difficult (for me) to do the simplest thing with. This Doro phone is a pleasure in every way. It does what a cell phone is supposed to do and is very easy to set up and use. And in spite of some of the negative comments I've read it is a very nice-looking, well made little gadget. I'm glad I ordered it. It was promptly delivered and I'm more than satisfied with it. Consumer Cellular does everything right.
Michael K., NJ
Here's a testimonial clip for the ClarityLife C900 Cell Phone for Seniors:
Unfortunately, I was unable to find any for the Just5 cell phone for the elderly. If you know some then post them at the comments. You can also post testimonials on other phones not mentioned here. Perhaps you can also share your own testimonials at the comments.
We hope that by posting the testimonials for some of the best mobile phones for the elderly that you'll find useful info and be convinced to purchase or try one of the products.
Stay tuned for more information on cell phones for the senior citizens and related topics.
Take Advanatage of GreatCall's Jitterbug Madness Promo!
The Jitterbug phones for seniors from GreatCall are some of the best options for the elderly. However, some folks have taken cheaper options as these handsets are on the pricey side as far as mobile phones for the elderly go. Fortunately, the company has recently launched a program that makes their handsets more accessible to senior citizens.
I got wind of this nice offer from Facebook where I have subscribed to the company's official page. Subscribing has paid off as I was able to find it about this good promo.
So what is the Jitterbug Madness Promo? Well, it's a program that reduces the online price of all the phones offered by GreatCall. And how much is the online discount? Well, you'll be pleased to know that the prices for all the company's cell phones for senior citizens have been cut half. There all offered with a 50% discount.
Here's an image of the company's line-up with their reduced prices:
This promo is active until May 26. I think it has been extend to that date since other ads showed that it was supposed to end on 3/19. I guess the company extended the offer because it was successful. Or perhaps not many consumers have taken the bait.
Nevertheless, this time period would be a great time to purchase a phone from the company if you have been planning to buy a cell phone for the elderly from GreatCall.
Getting a good mobile phone for seniors for half its price is a good deal in my opinion.
Stay tuned for more news, updates and phones for your grandparents.
A Smartphone for Seniors from Fujitsu is also Coming to the U.S.!
The Doro PhoneEasy 740 was introduced at MWC as a possible Android Smartphone for seniors citizens. However, this may not be the only smartphone that will be suited for elderly users.
The folks at Nikkei (translated) are reporting the Fujitsu, a Japanese phone manufacturer, plans to launch an Android phone targeting seniors in the United States and Europe. This is apparently a part of the company's plan to expand its business overseas. Well, how about that? Two smartphones for seniors running on Google Android (2.3 Gingerbread) for the US? That sounds interesting.
Let's go back to the details of this story. Fujitsu has some expertise in proving phones for the elderly. The company has offered the Raku Raku cell phone, which was intended for senior mobile phone users. These phones are similar to existing simple phones for the elderly and provide features that include big buttons, shortcut keys for emergency services, and health diagnostics utilities. This phone will apparently be added to this line but will be powered by the Android OS.
Unfortunately, the details on this Fujitsu senior cell phone for the US are very slim. It is expected to feature a rugged exterior that is resistant to dust and water damage. This is good since durable phones a good for seniors since they do not have funds to purchase replacements for phones that break easily. It will probably sport a flip phone design and feature a nice camera.
Here are some images of Fujitsu's Raku Raku phones, which should be similar to their planned Android smartphone for the elderly.
So what do you think?Will we see more Android smartphones for senior citizens in the coming years?
Stay tuned for more updates on this device and other mobile phones for seniors.
Senior Cell Phone Users Should Apply for 411 Directory Assistance
I was exploring the websites of various mobile phone carrier's in search of cell phones and other products that can be of use to the elderly. I stumbled upon a service called 411 Directory Assistance and immediately saw its potential for helping seniors.
The description of these services indicates that it can be a good tool for folks who are 65 years old and above. For instance, one overview describes the 411 Directory Assistance as a service for customers who are blind, have low vision, a dexterity disability, or a cognitive disability. Another one indicates that it is meant as "dialing assistance for customers with significant visual, cognitive, and physical disabilities." Another major US carrier informs visitors that their directory assistance program is mean for folks who are "blind, visually impaired and other customers with qualifying disabilities."
So its clear that this is a mobile phone service that seniors and people with disabilities should know about.
But how do you know if you are eligible for this helpful program? Well if you a have a disability that does not allow you to read a phone directory, dial a phone number, read a 411 text message response to an inquiry or remember a phone number then you may be eligible for the program.
But how can a senior qualify for a carrier's 411 Directory Assistance program? Well, the process differs from one carrier to another. However you will be required to submit an application form along with forms of acceptable information:
For example, Verizon Wireless subscribers need to submit:
A copy of an approved Social Security Administration claim stating in detail the nature of the disability.
A copy of an approved Veterans Administration claim stating in detail the nature of the disability.
A letter from a physician on letterhead, detailing the nature of the disability.
Copy of the driver’s license or state issued identification card that specifies the disability.
Copy of the letter from your landline carrier that verifies you are currently receiving free directory assistance from that carrier for your disability.
Remember to complete requirements adequately because a request may not be processed if the disability is not clearly stated on the information provided.
Here are some links that can help you apply for a carrier's 411 Directory Assistance program:
Senior Cell Phone Comparison: Pantech Breeze III Vs Samsung SCH-r100
Yes. It's time for another battle between cell phones for senior citizens.This time we will compare the Pantech Breeze III against the Samsung SCH-r100. A competition between a flip phone and a bar style handset.
The Breeze III is a third-generation phone that has been a staple on the AT&T line-up. It's the third member of an excellent group of senior phones that have served the carrier's subscribers. However, the Samsung SCH-r100 should be a worthy opponent for this phone. It was offered by a number of carriers and is now fighting alongside the Jitterbug J in GreatCall's offering for the elderly.
Let's proceed with comparing the specs, features, plans, and other factors for these phones.
Overall Design:
Samsung SCH-r100 Technical specs:
Dimensions: (inches) 4.2 x 1.7 x .54
Weight: (ounces) 2.6 Display: 1.7 inch 128 X 160 pixels and 65K colors
Pantech Breeze III Technical specs:
Dimensions: (inches) 3.90 (H) x 2.02 (W) x 0.74 (D)
Weight: 3.6 ounces Display: 2.2 inch 320 x 240 pixels
The Pantech Breeze has a larger display with sharper resolution. It also has an extra display, which is smaller but shows the time and date.
Both of these phones offer keypads that are friendly for senior users. The Breeze III offers a spacious keypad with large and easy to press buttons, which are also separated and slightly raised above the surface. The R100 features troughs between the rows of keys to help users dial or compose messages.
Price: (reflects price at the time this post was published)
The Samsung SCH-r100 is a no-contract phone that is being offered at $39.99
The Pantech Breeze III is available at AT&T for $29.99 with a 2 year contract.
Cell Phone Plans:
Samsung SCH-r100 plans:
Pantech Breeze III Plan (AT&T Senior plan):
There you have it. We hope that the info on this post can help one to choose the best mobile phone for seniors.
Stay tuned for more senior phone comparisons and other information on cell phones for the elderly.
Tracfone Cell phone for Seniors: Samsung T245G for $15
While we wait for the arrival of the Doro PhoneEasy 740 Android smartphone for seniors, let's look at the handsets that are currently available at the market. The Tracfone line-up is always loaded with phones that are ideal for the elderly. This company already has the SVC phone but other offerings in its line-up are also worth examining.
Let's look at the Samsung T245G and see if it can compare with other cell phones for senior citizens.
Well, when it comes to price, then this phone ifs fairly competitive. Consumers can purchase this phone for only $14.99. It's also packaged with the Double Minutes for Life FREE offer which means that a subscriber who paid Airtime Minute to this phone will get doubled minutes.
Now , that you've gotten a good look at the design of this phone, let's discuss the points that make it a good phone for grandparents.
First there's its simple design and user interface. The Samsung T245G from Tracfone is easy to use in its hardware and software. It's an uncomplicated device that a user of any age can learn to master in a matter of hours.
Then it has physical traits that can aid a senior who has bad vision or poor hearing. It has a large display with colors and a keypad with large, separated buttons. Then there's the affordable price and flexible plans. This phone is certainly one of the device that you should consider when looking for a cell phone for the elderly.
Here's a video of this phone to help one see its value as a device for the elderly:
Stay tuned for more cell phones for seniors in the coming days.
Videos and Images of the Doro PhoneEasy 740 Android Smartphone for Seniors
A few days ago we did an initial post on the Doro PhoneEasy 740 based on the press release. Fortunately, other tech sites have honed in on this device and published some nice phones and hands-on videos. Hopefully, these new details on this fascinating cell phone for seniors will give us some ideas on how it can be useful for the elderly.
This phone runs on the Android OS from Google and will attempt to unite senior users with smartphones. Doro hopes to combine its expertise with senior phones and the Android operating system to form a smartphone that is still ideal to the needs and requirements of the elderly,
Let's begin with the Doro PhoneEasy 740 pictures. Here's a couple of images from Cnet UK:
The first picture shows a shot of the phone at an angle. It shows us the physical buttons on the front which appears to be really large, raised from the surface and easy to use. It shows that the elements of a cell phone for seniors being incorporated into a smartphone.
We can also see the touchscreen, which measures 3.2 inches. Now, that's fairly small among today's touchscreen handsets. But it's huge when compared with other basic phones that are offered to seniors. We also see that the fonts used on the display are large making it a good device for users with poor vision.
This image shows the handset's sliding keypad. This is great because I realize that some elderly users might not favor a device that relies purely on a touchscreen. A physical keyboard is almost a requirement for any decent handset for senior. We can see that the buttons are fairly large making the phone user-friendly for seniors.
This image shows the phone's 5-megapixel camera and the an emergency button for summoning help. A camera is not really necessary for senior users but having a good one in a phone is a great bonus. It can be used to take images of grandchildren and other interesting stuff. The emergency button on the other hand is a requirement for senior-friendly phones because it allows users to call for aid in emergencies.
Here are a video that feature the Doro PhoneEasy 74 Android Smartphone as it was showcased at MWC. Enjoy:
What do you thin of this device? Is it finally time for a smartphone for senior citizens?
