Doro introduces the 8030 – a smart phone for older people. Offers remote support

While most of the hype is around high end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S7, specialist manufacturer Doro is pleased to reveal details of its new 4G smartphone for the over 65 market.

The Doro 8030 comes with a user interface which cleverly uses verbs to drive the user’s required actions, rather than icons, So rather than relying on the user to search for a specific application icon it uses actions such as ‘Call’, ‘View’ or ‘Send’ and then prompting with ‘Who’ or ‘What’.

Also on board is loud sound, Hearing Aid Compatibility and soft touch coating for a better grip. Doro’s cloud enabled app My Doro Manager is pre-installed, allowing trusted family members and friends to offer the user help and support remotely, without being physically present.

Research from Doro shows that demand for smartphones in people aged 65+ continues to rise steadily at around 11% year-on-year. Smartphone ownership among seniors is now nearing 40% and this figure will continue to rise through 2016, as 60% of those aged 65+ intend to purchase a smartphone at their next upgrade.

The Doro 8030 is the second LTE (4G) device to join the Doro handset family and will launch exclusively with O2 in the UK. The phone will be available through O2 stores nationwide and also online. The Doro 8030 comes in a black finish with a steel trim and will be priced at £99 on Pay As You Go.

“We’re delighted to be Doro’s launch partner for the 8030 and think it’s a perfect phone for first time smartphone users,” says Ben Bevins, Head of Portfolio and Launch at O2 in the UK.

“We’ve seen fantastic results from Doro’s previous phones and, thanks to their unparalleled insight into their target market, think the 8030 will continue to build Doro’s audience in the UK.”

Chris Millington, Managing Director at Doro UK and Ireland adds: “This new device is a breakthrough – it is a combination of our award-winning design principles and innovative interface. I firmly believe the Doro 8030 will be a true revolution in the smartphone space as this is our most ‘human’ and forward-thinking device to date.”

Doro has also unveiled a range of 3G clamshell phones – the Doro 6520, 6525 and 6530. All offer connectivity with social media such as Facebook and Twitter, along with an email client and a web browser.

The highest spec phone of the trio is the Doro 6530. This device has GPS technology to facilitate Doro Connect & Care. This technology takes the company’s successful My Doro Manager remote assistance concept a step further, allowing a network of friends and family to be contacted when the user needs help or support with tasks such as going food shopping, a problem in the home or taking to a doctor’s appointment.

The three devices all offer many user benefits to help people get more from their phone. In addition to a 2.8 inch colour display there’s Hearing Aid Compatibility, amplified sound and HD Voice.

The two top models, Doro 6525 and Doro 6530, both feature an external display clearly showing to the user who’s calling and enabling the user to decide whether to take the call or not without even opening the phone.

Doro has also added talking numeric keys to its feature phones enabling the user to hear which number has been pressed – a helpful and reassuring function for the user.

Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, one touch torch, FM radio, well-spaced keys and direct dial buttons for key functions. Pricing and availability to be announced soon.