My Thoughts on the Jitterbug J.mov

NOTE: In the video, I forgot to explain about GSM & CDMA in relation to having this new Jitterbug-like phone running on both GSM & CDMA networks. Please read below to find out the missing information about my idea.

The Jitterbug is a phone designed for seniors, but it has huge potential for the visually impaired. Accessibility features for us include the following: HUGE font on the screen, high contrast, text-only menu navigation with simple yes/no questions (no confusing icons to find, or soft keys to deal with), and also voice dialing. I purchased a Jitterbug for my grandmother. Being visually impaired, I love the phone. The one issue I have with it is the Jitterbug service. For a younger person, the phone is great, but the service is limiting. Too limiting. You can go to www.jitterbug.com, and check "Rate Plans" and "Service Store" to find out the rates for various plans and associated services. The way cell networks work is as follows. There are two technologies: CDMA, and GSM. Without getting into the technical nitty-gritty, CDMA is the network technology used by Verizon and Sprint, and GSM is used by AT&T, T-Mobile, and also the rest of the globe. Due to the wide-spread global usage of GSM, Verizon has seen the potential that this has for business customers, and has thus created their line of World Phones. These phones have both a CDMA and GSM radio in them. The GSM radio is able to work in America, and Europe. However, due to software lock-down, it only supports the European phone frequencies. That aside, this proves that you can have two radio technologies in a single device, and make it work. Why am I bringing this up? Simple: we need a more youthful phone for designed for the visually impaired. Here's my idea: Take the Jitterbug's hardware, and alter the styling a little to make it more youthful. When I say youthful, I'm referring to people in their late teens to early twenties, not necessarily the under 18 crowd, though it could appeal to them as well. Some additional features should be added. These include a calendar, using an interface similar to that on the current Jitterbug's menu system, and audio read aloud for menus, calendar, contacts, etc. Not a single item should be left out. At the moment, phones that are accessible without screen readers are only accessible to a certain point. Case in point, my LG Voyager. I can't access the calendar through speech, which is annoying. Also we should design a device that could run on any network. How? This is where the dual radio technology used by Verizon comes into play. With GSM and CDMA radios, three of the four carriers could be used with the phone out of the box: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. This way, the phone would be truly open, and perfect for younger people who have visual disabilities.

Link to CNET Jitterbug J Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-jitterbug-j-gray/4505-6454_7-3366...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Jitterbug
• accessibility
• vision
• cell phones
• GSM
• CDMA

[anonymous794613]

You gonna register your copy of Screenflow, bro?

[rml695]

@anonymous794613 I no longer use that. Instead, I use QuickTime's screen capture feature that was in Leopard onward.

[shoesmadeinchina]

I like ur lawnmower music.

[rml695]

@shoesmadeinchina I'm sorry?

[dylanSAURIOL55]

This thing looks like a toilet seat, that alone is stopping me from buying this.. plus i got an iphone4

[rml695]

@dylanSAURIOL55 You can't judge a book by it's cover. This is a great phone for people with low vision. Also, for those with no vision, and proof of disability, Jitterbug offers FREE operator assistance.

[jst601]

I'm not old, just old fashioned. This "basic" phone is perfect for me. As hard as it is for some to accept, there are people 20-50 who have no need or desire for phones that do a million things.

[just5com]

@rml695 You can also check out the Just5 Easyphone. This also works great for seniors, technophobes, and people who prefer to use a simple phone. You can get an unlimited plan with this provider.

[bcgg2009dlc]

Okay, Well I have now heard both reviews of the two Jitterbugs (older and the newer generation) Personally, I think that for individuals with both dexterity issues as well as low vision and Older individuals as well, this Jitterbug, (older or newer). is a pretty good deal. Another fine presentation. You can definitely tell that Tech-talk is one of yer passions. You light up like a firefly every time you discuss it. Great job on tis video as well rml695! Keep-em Coming!  :~D (smiles :))