Call of Technology

From meals made in minutes to hands free car washing, in today’s society people always seem to be looking for the quickest and easiest way to do everything and thanks to the world of technology they are. On the contrary, what if someone wasn’t raised in the generation of computers, satellites, or cell phones? Many people think this idea seems absolutely absurd; however, to millions of senior citizens who are baffled or simply intimidated by the complicated and ever changing world of technology, this question is all too familiar. Thankfully, the company GreatCall recently teamed up with Samsung cell phone industry and released a cell phone called the Jitterbug which has taken steps to help the aging consumer answer the call of technology. With two different choices of phones, the Jitterbug Dial and the OneTouch, GreatCall has significantly simplified the typical cell phone, and with its drastically increasing profit, the creators Arlene Harris and Marty Cooper have proven that everyone can use technology to make their lives simpler.

It is hard to deny the fact that the older one gets the more difficult things become. With the majority of today’s cell phones involving tiny screens, with even smaller buttons, and all the extra gadgets that do everything but shine one’s shoes, it is easy to see why the aging consumer is not only intimidated by cell phones but even physically unable to use them. However, every detail of the Jitterbug phone was designed to be comfortable and practical to the aging population. The customers are given the option between the two different Jitterbug phones. Both phones have no-glare, oversized buttons. Also, these two phones include contours that make it much easier to hold, and even a cushioned ear pad that enables better listening capabilities. Another quality both of these phones share is the elimination of a menu button because there is no menu; rather, they have a simple, easy to read on-off button. Both Jitterbugs also simulate a dial tone when it is ready to have a call placed. Finally, both Jitterbug phones have pre-programmed phone numbers, so the customer is able to access anyone on their contact list with a simple push of the button.

The Jitterbug Dial does offer some different features compared to the OneTouch. Unlike the OneTouch, the Jitterbug Dial looks like a typical cell phone; including, the numerical keypad. However, different from the standard cell phone it uses “yes” and “no” buttons rather than the usual “send” and “end” buttons. When the customer orders the Jitterbug Dial they then can program up to fifteen names and numbers into the phone, but more can be added at a later time by pressing 0 to reach a GreatCall operator. When placing a call the owner can press the up or down button to display the contact list one name at a time. The phone then will ask if they want to dial. By simply pressing “yes” or “no”, the owner can dial or go back to the contact list. The other option the owner has is to dial any number manually. It is easy to see how the Jitterbug Dial is better used by someone who has fewer physical limitations and more exposure to cell phone technology.

On the other hand, the OneTouch is even simpler because it completely eliminates the numerical keypad. In place of the keypad it provides the customer with three easy to use buttons: operator, home, and 911 emergency. When the owner presses the operator key, a GreatCall operator answers the phone, referring to the owner by name, and then asking them who they would like to call. The owner then simply states a name from a pre-programmed list that was made when they bought the phone and then the call is connected. The owner can put up to fifty different numbers on their program list. It is obvious to see how these features are perfect for the aging generation who never used anything but a home phone; as well as, those with physical limitations such as failing eye sight and arthritis.

As of November 18, 2006, the Jitterbug has sold over 10,000 phones at a price of $147 each. “Monthly service plans include a $10 per month plan