Not everyone wants all the bells and whistles that come with so many of today's mobile phones. Being a bit of a gadget geek, I personally like a lot of the new phone features, but I know not everyone does. Let's face it, other than the Jitterbug, there is really no cell phone aimed at the 50+ market. There is now another alternative.
"Today, a cell phone designed specifically for older Americans called ClarityLife™ was unveiled at the CTIA wireless conference. It’s the first simple mobile phone, designed for people with vision and hearing loss that also serves as an emergency response device. On the back, there is a one-touch red heart button that, when pressed, will call and send text messages to five contacts until someone is reached who can help. It’s developed by Clarity, the leading provider of amplified telephones for people with hearing loss and company who has been developing products for the world’s aging population for the last 25 years."
Las Vegas, NV – April 1, 2008 – Clarity, a leading supplier of communications solutions for older Americans, today launched ClarityLife™, an easy-to-use mobile phone that also serves as an emergency response device. Unveiled at CTIA Wireless 2008 conference in Las Vegas, this simple, two-in-one device provides seniors with the freedom to stay connected with loved ones and the peace of mind to know help is available with just the push of a button.
ClarityLife is a mobile phone designed specifically for seniors and does not require a long term contract. It features a large display with prominent buttons to help people with vision issues. It amplifies incoming sound up to 20 dB to help those with hearing loss. And it is equipped with a one-touch emergency response button that will call and send text messages to five pre-programmed numbers, instantly calling seniors’ loved ones in the case of an emergency.
“Mobile phones have not been designed to meet the needs of the millions of aging Americans,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. “For more than 25 years, Clarity has been developing products for the world’s aging population, and we saw a tremendous need for a mobile phone that marries simplicity, security and amplification. ClarityLife offers features that are essential to seniors today: it’s easy to use and read, it amplifies sound, and it plays a vital role in an emergency.”
ClarityLife’s one-touch emergency response button is located on the back of the phone. Seniors in need of assistance can press the red heart button and the phone will quickly call up to five contacts who could help. A siren sound lets users know the emergency response feature has been activated. The mobile phone will then cycle through the five contacts until someone is reached.
“Safety is a serious concern for seniors and their children,” continued Trads. “People want to know that their parents are safe and they can call for help in the event of an emergency. With ClarityLife, help is as close as the button on the phone. It provides families with peace of mind like never before.”
In addition to the one-touch emergency response, the mobile phone includes several other senior-friendly features. ClarityLife’s oversized 4-button operation allows seniors to easily place and receive calls. Its large back-lit screen is twice the size of an average cell phone and its magnified text helps seniors with vision issues. ClarityLife also allows users to select the top eight contacts they call the most, so they can easily view and navigate names and numbers.
Furthermore, Clarity leveraged its unique expertise in the hearing loss field to make ClarityLife easy to use and helpful to the millions of seniors who have difficulty hearing. ClarityLife amplifies conversations up to 20 dB and is hearing aid compatible. It also features a strong vibrating ringer, a flashing orange LED to signal incoming calls and a helpful flashlight. And, it allows users up to 180 minutes of talk time on a single charge.
“With ClarityLife, we are bringing our expertise in telephony for seniors and hearing loss to the mobile phone market,” said Trads. “Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues among seniors. As more and more seniors turn to mobile phones, there is a need for a product like ClarityLife that improves conversations for people with hearing loss and is also extremely simple to use.”
ClarityLife is scheduled to be released later this year. People can reserve a ClarityLife mobile phone now at www.clarityproducts.com. ClarityLife will be available for purchase through special needs distribution, Hearing Health Professionals, audiologists, specialized retailers and other distributors. If you are interested in learning more about ClarityLife, please call 1-800-426-3738 or visit www.clarityproducts.com.
About Clarity
Clarity® is a leading supplier of amplified telephones, notification systems, assistive listening devices and other communications devices for the hearing loss and deaf markets. A leader in sound amplification, Clarity’s patented technologies, Clarity® Power™ and Digital Clarity Power™, provide customized solutions for customers who otherwise could not communicate easily and effectively with the outside world. As more people begin to address their hearing needs, Clarity will continue to provide effective technologies that are simple and easy to use. For more information about Clarity and its products, please call 1-800-426-3738 or visit www.clarityproducts.com.
But does it HAVE to be so damn ugly???
Posted by: Going Like Sixty | April 02, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I agree! Why not make it a bold blue, or metallic green? Something a little more palatable to the eyes.
Posted by: Josee | April 02, 2008 at 01:47 PM
God I wished they'd had a phone like that a few years ago for my elderly Mom. I had a heck of a time with her and the cell phone. Those little buttons when you have crippled hands are murder. Too late now though but it will be good for others...ciao
Posted by: rositta | April 02, 2008 at 05:25 PM