Emporia Telecom has launched its latest feature phone, the Emporia TALKactive, with the phone to be sold exclusively through the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
The clamshell handset has been designed specifically for blind and partially sighted older people with the phone featuring voice assist.
Emporia’s latest model is an adaption of its ACTIVEglam phone that launched in the UK last year and is priced at £125.
It comes with 4G connectivity and has additional spoken menus, buttons, SMS text to assist users with sight loss.
Other features include a 2MP camera and a charging cradle, so users don’t have to insert the USB-C into the charger port.
As will all Emporia handsets, users will receive print instructions inside. This model will come large print instructions, braille or audio, produced by Emporia and RNIB.
Commenting on the launch, Emporia UK and Ireland MD Chris Millington said: “Although smartphones have accessibility functions, the majority of blind or partially sighted users are older and unaccustomed to touchscreen technology prior to losing sight.
“Designed with much care and consideration, the TALKactive offers simplicity and affordability and is vastly easier to handle for a majority of retirees who haven’t grown up with mobile technology at their fingertips.”
RNIB senior retail products manager Jennie Mather adds: “It was great to work closely with emporia during the development stages of the phone to really tailor features specifically for people with sight loss.
“This accessible, easy-to-use feature phone will enhance day-to-day life, and RNIB is proud to be its exclusive distributor.”
