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Jitterbug Touch 2 smartphone designed for 'aging Americans' available now for $140
Sure, there are plenty of smartphones to choose from nowadays, but for some people it's more important to have a device that's very easy to use rather than, say, one that looks great and performs extraordinarily. Here's where GreatCall's just-announced Jitterbug Touch 2 comes in. This Ice Cream Sandwich-based smartphone isn't tailored for the new generation per se, but rather for folks like grandma and grandpa -- or, as the company puts it, "aging Americans." Much like its predecessor, the second-gen Jitterbug Touch is loaded with specs that likely won't wow many, including a 4-inch, 800 X 480 display with Qualcomm's MSM8625 1.5GHz CPU, 512MB RAM and 4GB of internal storage. However, GreatCall doesn't want this to be the focus; instead plans to lure people in with Jitterbug's utterly simple UI and suite of health / medical apps.
GreatCall Wireless simplifies smartphones with the Jitterbug Touch for $169
Senior friendly feature phone maker GreatCall Wireless announced the availability of its first smartphone, the Jitterbug Touch, on Wednesday. Based off of Sprint's Kyocera Milano, this below entry-level device sports a full slide-out keyboard with large buttons, a 3-inch QVGA 240 x 320 display, 512MB of RAM, a 3.2-megapixel camera, 512MB of internal storage, a pre-loaded 2GB microSD card and a copy of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) -- old by most standards, but pretty impressive for a phone aimed at the elderly. Regularly priced at $169 off contract, GreatCall is offering the Jitterbug Touch for a thrifty $149 for a limited time. While this handset's specs may not rival that quad-core beast that you've been eyeing, it may be ideal for someone looking to cut their teeth in the fast paced world of smartphones.
GreatCall outs Samsung-made Jitterbug Plus, for folks who want a phone without all the smarts
Adding features to a senior-friendly phone kind of defeats the purpose, but a sleeker design, improved battery life and boosted speaker? Sure, we'll take it. That's what you'll get with the new Jitterbug Plus, a bare-bones mobile phone for users who really only need to make and receive calls, and perhaps check the occasional voicemail. Manufactured by Samsung, the no-frills r220 includes an incredibly straightforward interface, with clearly marked Yes and No button options and large, backlit keys, including a panic button that puts you in touch with a 5Star Urgent Response agent. This latest model also adds a very basic 1.3-megapixel camera, which lets you post photos to Facebook with the touch of a button (you'll need to forgo the Instagram filters, though). The Jitterbug Plus is available now in red or silver for $99 at retailers like Best Buy, Radio Shack and Fry's, along with the company's online store, however pricing is expected to jump to $119 shortly after launch. Overall, the device appears to be a great choice for seniors, though CNET called the phone "overpriced" in its review, which you'll find at the link below.
Unofficial Rock Band catalog search app arrives on iPhone
Here's a hypothetical situation you or someone you know has probably experienced at some point in your life: You and a friend are out at a restaurant or bar, and Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" comes on the radio. You remark how this is one of your favorite Rock Band songs, but your friend replies that this song, criminally, is not part of the Rock Band catalog. You argue about this point all night, ruining your dinner, drinks and, ultimately, friendship. There's another way -- a better way, friends. A new, unofficial and free iPhone tool from developer Three Brothers Apps titled "RB Song List" lets you scan through the game's downloadable catalog on the go. Using this app, you could have resolved this hypothetical argument in seconds, and then spent the rest of the night talking about why the hell "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" isn't available on the Rock Band Store.
Cellphone inventor Marty Cooper uses a Droid.... and a Jitterbug
Sure, you read reviews and take recommendations from friends before you buy a new cellphone, but have you ever stopped to consider what the inventor of the cellphone uses on a daily basis? C-SPAN has, and recently took the opportunity to ask the man himself, Marty Cooper, that very question during a wide-ranging interview. While Cooper said that he has used an iPhone previously, he recently passed it on to his grandson in favor of a Motorola Droid, which he says he chose because he wanted to get more experience with Android. But that's not all, Cooper also revealed that he carries a Jitterbug as well for when he just wants to make phone calls. Surprising for a pioneer of mobile technology? Not exactly, as Cooper actually co-founded Jitterbug with his wife, who he credits with inventing the phone. Head on past the break to watch the complete interview.
Jitterbug comes to Verizon's network, 'Can you hear me now' guy replaced by Wilford Brimley
We don't see much of Jitterbug in these parts, though we do love the premise: a simple handset with a nostalgic name designed expressly to not excite Grandma so much. Sure, we were disappointed when the company ditched the three-button controls for a traditional keypad, but apparently even seniors would like to call someone besides "Home," "Operator," or "911" from time to time. And now, Verizon has announced that it will be taking over as Jitterbug's wireless carrier, a move which should result in better coverage and cheaper plans -- doesn't the "greatest generation" deserve at least that much? Full PR after the break.
Jitterbug updates sole model with Jitterbug J, not just for old folks anymore
Previously billed mainly as a senior-friendly phone backed by a senior-friendly service, Jitterbug has replaced its original device with the very similar Jitterbug J -- a phone that improves on its predecessor in a couple key ways -- and has expanded its target audience to include anyone that wants a no-frills phone that pulls no punches. For $147 contract-free, you'll get new features like Bluetooth support and text messaging (we said no-frills, okay?) plus an improved UI, while unique character quirks of the original -- namely the teardrop shape and rubber cup around the earpiece -- carry over. We'll admit, the fact that it actually emits a frigging dial tone when opened is the coolest feature in years, but the lack of a WebKit-based browser is a deal-breaker for us, guys; calls us when you've muddied your business model by throwing in complicated, hard-to-use features that will appeal to the gadget freak in us, though, okay?[Via CNET]
Jitterbug issues recall to fix emergency calling in "no service" areas
When we first saw this, our immediate reaction was, "trust us, Jitterbug, we appreciate your extra-mile attitude here, but it's not your fault that 911 doesn't work without a signal." Turns out that's not quite the issue, though -- in reality, Jitterbug is recalling phones sold after March 1 of last year because they maybe be unable to place calls to 911 in areas where the company doesn't have MVNO or roaming agreements in place. In other words, the phone is showing "no service," but you've still got a signal -- and whenever a phone's got a signal, it should be able to dial the cops. Jitterbug is offering affected customers the option either of taking their handset into a local Samsung service center or mailing it in, at which point a software update will be applied. Too bad these things don't do firmware updates over the air, isn't it? [Via Phone Scoop]
Hands on with the Jitterbug
We just spotted the Jitterbug, and while there's really not too much to see, the phone does seem to serve its purpose well. The "menu" system walks you through some yes or no questions from the moment you open the phone until you're done with your call, so things really couldn't be simpler on the interface front. As for build, the phone seems particularly solid, and everything has a well-built Samsung feel. Our only caveat is that the extra heft around the screen makes the phone a bit awkward to use with one hand, but if grandma or grandpa is dexterous enough to attempt such a feat, more power to them. Keep reading for a few more pics.
Jitterbug fills the void for geriatric MVNO
With all those MVNOs cropping up for the youthful crowd, it's about time the seniors got one of their own. The new Jitterbug MVNO will feature a special Jitterbug phone from Samsung with oversized keys, a large display text, and loud audio. There will be a second version that sounds similar to the firefly offerings for children, featuring only three main buttons: one to a Jitterbug operator to help make a call, one for 911, and one to call a dedicated number like that of a relative or perhaps the Home Shopping Network. The new MVNO is powered by Sprint, but sounds to be one of the last for a while since the carrier claims it's not going to be adding many more new MVNOs, and is currently taking a break to get their current MVNOs figured and see how well they do. We'll be sad to see these heady days go of four new MVNOs a minute, but perhaps it's for the best.Read: Jitterbug MVNORead: Sprint holds off on new MVNOs
