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.

{Via: Andronica}

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:


AT&T Directory Assistance Exemption Program
Verizon Wireless 411 Assistance
T-Mobile 411 Directory Assistance

Will you apply for this helpful service?

Stay tuned as we discuss other services for the elderly and other topics hat are related to cell phones for senior citizens.

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.

Here are some images of this phone to let you get a close look at its design:

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.

Now let's look at the other aspects of its design with images from Engadget:

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?