British Startup Zone V Unveils New Technology to Help the 46% of Over 50s Who Struggle With Their Smartphones

News provided by

Zone V

27 Apr, 2017, 06:02 GMT

LONDON, April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

  • Zone V launches in the UK with a unique combination of state-of-the-art software and a patented 'V-Case' to simplify the smartphone. 
  • Zone V caters for those who crave a simpler smartphone experience but don't want to compromise on the latest technology. 
This image opens in the lightbox
Brand new technology unveiled today by Zone V makes smartphones easy to read, simple to use and easy to hold. It’s been designed to help the 46% of over 50s who struggle with their mobiles. Zone V is the creation of former Nokia executives Peter Ashall and Frank Nuovo, designer of the iconic Nokia 3310. (PRNewsfoto/Zone V)
This image opens in the lightbox
Brand new technology unveiled today by Zone V makes smartphones easy to read, simple to use and easy to hold. It’s been designed to help the 46% of over 50s who struggle with their mobiles. Zone V is the creation of former Nokia executives Peter Ashall and Frank Nuovo, designer of the iconic Nokia 3310. (PRNewsfoto/Zone V)
This image opens in the lightbox This image opens in the lightbox

New inclusive technology set to simplify the smartphone has been unveiled today by a new mobile entrant. British startup Zone V has designed a unique combination of software and hardware that makes the smartphone easy to read and simple to use.

     (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/494646/Zone_V_Smartphone_1.jpg )

     (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/494647/Zone_V_Smartphone_2.jpg )

The technology, which is available to buy from today via Google Play store, Amazon and http://www.zonev.com, will support a range of Samsung handsets to meet the needs of a more mature and less-savvy mobile enthusiast and those with visibility impairment who want to use cutting edge smartphones.

The UK's Digital Divide 

Zone V was inspired by the mobile digital divide that exists in society. Despite smartphone penetration in the 55 to 64 age group more than doubling since 2012 (19% to 50%[i]), there are still millions of adults in Britain who struggle to get to grips with the latest technology.

New and extensive research commissioned by Zone V reveals that nearly half (46%) of UK adults over 50 who own a smartphone say they are difficult or complicated to use[ii]. What's more, 30% of the over 50s don't have a smartphone at all, with 26% of those saying smartphones are too difficult to even attempt to use.

The demand for simplicity 

When asked what features would assist the over 50s to use a smartphone, the response was overwhelming - 97% wanted a smartphone that was easy to read and 91% said it must be easy to hold.

Zone V's unique combination of software and hardware offers a range of new and inclusive features that simplify the smartphone, making it easy to read and simple to use, and releasing the cutting edge features of the latest smartphones to a wider audience.

V Software 

The V software completely revolutionises the Android experience to cater for the needs of a previously underserved section of society. The deeply integrated software, powered by Samsung Knox, delivers a range of features including:

  • Large text: Renowned accessibility font 'Tiresias' has been used to maximise visibility. Text on the phone is larger than on standard software and adjustable to suit the user.
  • Clear menu: Large icons and intuitive navigation replace existing menus.
  • Vibration feedback: Sensory vibration feedback confirms when icons and keys have been selected to give the user added reassurance.
  • Alternative menu colours: Schemes including black-on-white and white-on-black make the screen easier to read, particularly for those with visual impairment.

V Case 

An expertly designed, feature-packed case offers a host of additional assistance and functionality for the Samsung Galaxy A3 - with more to be added in the coming months.  Those features include:

  • Easy charger: Magnets on the case and the charger guide the cable, making it easy to plug-in.
  • Robust case: Protects the phone from knocks and drops.
  • Magnifying lens: Dedicated lens slides over the camera to form a magnifying glass.
  • Hand grip: Detachable hand loop secures to the end of the case, making the phone easier to hold.
  • Front facing audio: Additional speakers send clear audio out of the front of the phone.

Disability and inclusive product consultant, Mary-Anne Rankin said of the launch of Zone V:  

"For too long the aging persons' market has been inadequately served by exciting developments in smartphones. As we age, bits don't work as well as they used to - eyesight changes and perhaps our fingers aren't as nimble as they once were. I meet people everyday 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.  

"I love that Zone V has set out to provide people with something that's simple to use and easy to read and I was overwhelmed by the response my network had to the software and case - I think it could make a huge difference to the lives of so many people."
 

The team behind Zone V  

Zone V is overseen by former Nokia executives Frank Nuovo and Peter Ashall. Frank is famed for heading up Nokia's first global design team, overseeing the creation of some of the world's most recognised handsets including the iconic Nokia 3210. Together with Peter, former Vice President of Concept Creation at Nokia, they launched luxury phone company Vertu in the early 2000s and then reunited to develop Zone V.

Frank Nuovo, Creative Director at Zone V said: 

"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. 

"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. Over the last four years, we have been completely committed to launching something that will change people's lives - something magical and, at last, something truly inclusive."  

Notes to Editors 

Zone V availability and pricing details:

V Software only 

Compatible with: Samsung Galaxy A3, A5, S7, S7 Edge, Note 5 and others (all Samsung Knox devices)

Where to buy: Google Play Store (£1.99 per month) or http://www.zonev.com (£39.99 one-off)

V Software & V Case 

Compatible with: Samsung Galaxy A3 2016

Where to buy: Amazon or http://www.zonev.com for £79.99

For more information on Zone V, please visit http://www.zonev.com

i) Data from 'Ofcom 2015 Communications Market Report' - published 6 August 2015

ii) Populus interviewed a random sample of 4,000 UK adults aged 18+ online between 26 August and 6 September 2016.  Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.  Populus is a founder member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.  Further information at http://www.populus.co.uk. For full data tables please contact press@zonev.com

Available from today via Google Play store, Amazon and  http://www.zonev.com to support a range of Samsung smartphones.

Contact Details 

press@zonev.com // +44(0)7379-426-257