Consumer Cellular Intros Doro PhoneEasy 618

With all the smartphones out there, I always forget about the dumb phones or basic phones that are really out there. Smartphone are great but sometimes I think they can be overwhelming and sometimes I just want to make a phone call, and I think many people feel the same way as me. Sometimes I think about just getting rid of my smartphone altogether and getting a basic phone. Anyway, Consumer Cellular has just announced the Doro PhoneEasy 618, which is just a basic clamshell style phone but yet it can do photos and text messages. The camera is a 3.2mp and it even includes a flash which surprised me.

Consumer Cellular (www.consumercellular.com), the number one rated cell phone service for the third consecutive year and exclusive wireless provider for AARP members, introduces its newest offering geared toward seniors: the Doro PhoneEasy® 618, available now through Consumer Cellular and in January at Sears stores. The launch marks the U.S. debut of the award-winning Swedish manufacturer’s updated flip phone, now complete with a simple camera and MMS functionality to enable users to capture, send and share photos anywhere in the world.

The Doro PhoneEasy 618 replaces its predecessor, the Doro PhoneEasy 410, with plenty of upgrades, most notably a 3.2-megapixel camera and MMS picture messaging. The camera features an 8x zoom, has a built-in flash, and is easy to use with an intuitive menu and a dedicated key.

The Doro PhoneEasy 618 also provides more people with the opportunity to communicate via MMS. In just a moment, photos can be sent to and received from friends and family. Plus, for those who find it challenging to write text messages, the Doro PhoneEasy 618 allows users to record a voice message and send it using just a few keystrokes. Lastly, an external display and caller ID feature was added to this model, allowing users to see who is calling without opening the phone.

“Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, and this phone does just that for the millions of consumers who want to stay connected through conversation, text and images, but may find a standard cell phone difficult to use,” said Consumer Cellular CEO John Marick. “We’re excited to continue our exclusive U.S. partnership with Doro to offer an easy-to-use phone that meets the needs of many of our subscribers.”

The updated Doro PhoneEasy 618 doesn’t lose any of the features that made its predecessor popular with seniors. Designed specifically with active seniors in mind, the phone accommodates reduced dexterity, hearing loss and decreased vision. Developed in partnership with the Swedish design company Ergonomidesign, the Doro PhoneEasy 618 retains its ergonomic design that incorporates a large screen and raised buttons, soft touch coating for better grip, adjustable text size and contrast, and a one-touch “SOS” call button to alert loved ones in the case of emergency. The phone is compatible with Bluetooth technology as well as hearing aids, offering clear sound, a higher ring tone volume than standard mobiles, and adjustable frequency of volume amplification to accommodate various types of hearing impairment.

“We have found that although seniors still tend to be wary of technology, their attitudes have greatly improved in recent years as phones – like those in the Doro PhoneEasy line – have incorporated features and functions tailored to their needs,” said Jerome Arnaud, president and CEO of Doro. “Our goal is to help bring all generations together, and with its camera and MMS functionality, the PhoneEasy 618 allows users to share more with their friends and family than ever before.”

The Doro PhoneEasy 618 is a clamshell flip design camera phone and is available in black, silver and burgundy. Main features include:

External caller ID display

3.2-megapixel camera

2-way speakerphone

300 entry phonebook

Emergency call button

Hearing aid compatibility rating M3/T4

Large color display

Direct memory keys

Ability to hide unwanted functions

Soft touch coating for better grip

SMS text messaging

MMS picture messaging

Bluetooth® technology

FM Radio

Priced at $60, the Doro PhoneEasy 618 is available by calling Consumer Cellular at 888-345-5509, online at www.consumercellular.com, or at Sears stores nationwide in January 2013.