2degrees launches first ‘Senior' phone

2degrees today launches its first ‘Senior' phone which is specifically designed to provide simplicity, safety and peace of mind for those in their golden years.

The Alcatel OT-536 features extra-large talking buttons, hearing aid compatability, SOS emergency text buttons, a fall alarm, radio, LED torch and an additional alarm which can be set as a reminder to take medication.

2degrees Senior Product Manager Joe Cavanagh says the phone, which is believed to be the first of its kind on the New Zealand market, is not a smartphone but is still smart in its features.

"As phones get increasingly more complex and packed with features, there's still a real need to provide low-tech, easy-to-use, inexpensive mobiles that assist people in their everyday lives.

We know the baby boomer generation and beyond are keen to embrace technology, but want simple phones with easy functionality. The Alcatel OT-536 has been designed to do just that while at the same time providing a real sense of personal security," he says.

Mr Cavanagh says one of the phone's unique features is that users can store up to five key contacts in the phone. In the case of an emergency, the phone will automatically text all five people and call the first person on the list at the touch of a button.

With extra-large buttons, the handset has a voice recognition function that can be turned on to tell people what button has been pressed, making it easy to use and reassuring for users who may be unsure if they are dialling the right number.

Retailing for $149 the Alcatel OT-536 is exclusively available from 2degrees stores and online at 2degreesmobile.co.nz/shop