If the popularity of the resurrected Nokia 3310 tells us anything, it's that swathes of people still want simple phones. Read more: Simple mobile phones and feature handsets put to the test
There's also the argument that only because someone is new to tech doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to use flagship handsets, albeit it with a little training, and this is where British start-up Zone V comes in.
According to the firm's research, nearly half (46 per cent) of UK adults over 50 who own a smartphone say they are difficult or complicated to use. In a bid to close this digital divide, Zone V wants to make smartphones more accessible rather than dumbing them down.
"For too long the ageing persons’ market has been inadequately served by exciting developments in smartphones," said disability and inclusive product consultant Mary-Anne Rankin. "As we age, eyesight changes and our fingers aren’t as nimble as they once were. I meet people every day who have a real passion for the latest tech with a bit of a ‘wow’ factor, but often find that buttons are too small and fiddly and screens difficult to read".
The V Software, powered by Samsung Knox, is designed to work on Samsung phones, including the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge and Galaxy Note 4, as well as a number of mid-range handsets.
The add-on software makes text larger and easier to read while existing menus are replaced with larger icons and more intuitive navigation.
It also includes sensory vibration feedback to confirm when icons and keys have been selected, and alternative menu colours, such as white-on-black, are designed to make the screen easier to read, especially for those with visual impairment. Apple's iOS offers similar tools built into its software.
The Zone V software costs £39.99, or £1.99 a month from the Google Play Store.
Zone V is overseen by the original 3310 designer Frank Nuovo and former concept creation guru at Nokia, Peter Ashall. The pair previously launched luxury smartphone brand Vertu.
"Today’s mobile industry is full of companies competing to be the first to launch the latest and greatest technology, but there are still far too many people in the world who feel that technology isn’t for them," said Frank Nuovo, creative director at Zone V.
"I’ve always been passionate about designing things that people love to use. Zone V is unique because, for the very first time, we’re allowing everyone to be able to communicate their way. And I mean everyone - we’re not leaving anyone behind."
The company has also launched the V Case for the Samsung Galaxy A3 which provides a magnifying lens that slides over the camera to form a magnifying glass, along with a detachable hand loop designed to make the phone easier to hold.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A3 review
It also packs additional front-facing speakers. The case costs £79.99 and the company has plans to make future versions available for other Samsung phones.
"We have had a brilliant response to the large and clear text, simpler menus and charger that’s easier to plug in, so we know we’re launching something that directly meets the needs of a sizeable group of people," said Peter Ashall, CEO at Zone V.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
