The Doro PhoneEasy 740 looks much like Doro's other devices -- with big buttons and simple menus, it's reassuringly easy to use. This is a phone for elderly people who might otherwise find mobiles frustratingly fiddly or complex.
It might look like the most basic feature mobile you could imagine, but the 740 is actually Doro's first 3G smart phone, running atop Google's Android platform.
The PhoneEasy 740 is due to launch this summer. There's no word yet on pricing. I got hands-on with the device at Mobile World Congress. Read on for early impressions.
Software
You'd never guess there's a tiny Gingerbread-flavoured Android lurking inside the PhoneEasy 740 -- and that's a good thing. Pure Android is nothing if not infinitely customisable, which for a less tech savvy user, has the potential to be infinitely confusing. The 740 cunningly conceals all this complexity with Doro's simple software wrap, called the Doro Experience.
If you've used a Doro phone before, you'll be familiar with the look and feel of the software, although this interface is new for the PhoneEasy 740.
There are big, clearly-labelled icons emblazoned with functions such as 'Messages', 'Call' and 'Photo', along with arrows signposting when more functions are just off screen. So far, so feature phone. But Doro has added an 'app store lite' to the 740 called the Doro Selection.
This includes some apps made by Doro, such as DoroFriends, which draws in a simplified feed of information from Facebook friends, and a magnifier app that helps people read small-print documents.
Third party apps are also being allowed but will be vetted by Doro. The company says it's not trying to build a store with thousands of apps in it, a la Android Market, but rather will only be rubber-stamping apps that are definitely relevant to its audience and are easy to use.
Hardware
The PhoneEasy 740 has both a touchscreen and a slide-out keypad. The company says its users are keen on the tactile feedback of buttons, which is why it has opted for a slider form factor, rather than a wholly touchscreen device. The handset is quite chunky so it feels pleasingly substantial in the hand.
Doro users appreciate a tactile keypad, hence the inclusion of a slide-out pad.
The screen is 3.2 inches so it's not massive, but it's still big enough for the icons to be clearly legible. The keypad has large keys, with white lettering on a dark background. The slider action seemed smooth and easy to operate.
On the back is a 5-megapixel camera and an emergency button for summoning help. The phone includes GPS connectivity, which can provide location info in an emergency. GPS can also be used by apps, such as 'Point the way', which helps someone find their way home.
Also on board are 3G and Wi-Fi, meaning this really is a fully-loaded smart phone.
Tablet and PC version
Doro has made a tablet version of its Doro Experience software, which it was also demoing at its MWC booth. This includes a simplified email client.
It said it hasn't decided whether it will make a tablet itself, but it's making the software available for other companies or for people to install on an existing tablet.
Also being demoed was a PC version of the software that can be linked up to a webcam to make it easy to send video messages.
Here's the PC version of the Doro Experience software, which includes simple email.
Also coming out of Doro's software shop is a web-based manager client that can connect to any device running the Doro Experience interface. It can be used to remotely install apps or upload photos. The basic idea is that if your elderly grandparent can't figure out how to get a particular app installed, you can do it for them from home. The client also means you could load the family holiday snaps onto their device remotely and they'll be waiting to be viewed in the Gallery menu.
Outlook
The Doro PhoneEasy 740 looks simple but it's actually very clever because it makes complex and powerful mobile technologies straightforward enough for almost anyone to use.
Doro's feature phones aren't cheap, so the PhoneEasy 740 is probably going to be fairly pricey. But it could be a great investment for an elderly relative who is interested in the digital world but frustrated by how difficult it can be to get to grips with.
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User reviews3
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artcab 20 April 2013
Comment: 1.For starters this slider phone exudes quality and has a lovely weighty feel to it
2. A very clever, though not very colourful overlay of Doro's in-house operating system. With none of the faff and difficulty you get with other makes running Android.
3. Android has been tamed by this very easy to use system, which is just as suitable for every age group - not just senior's.
4. For most it is easy but you may need to check out what Doro's 'experience' means. It means you can use their system for downloading apps, but there are not very many of them.
5. The menu system is deliberately simple - it works amazingly well - but they should build in choices of colour backgrounds and flash wallpaper. They should also tweak the start-up time, which is far too long.
6, The camera is very good but has a shutter lag - but you get used to it and compensate for it. Lots of camera adjustments - flash, zoom, and a side on-off button for convenience.
7.Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Easy to set up too!
8.Works with any browser in any part of the world
9.Assistance (emergency) button on the back which would be a very good feature for any female who found herself in a compromising situation - Or anyone who found themselves lost or ill. It sends up to 3 emails directly to 3 different people - prewritten!
10.There is no video on this phone and to me this is a BIG mistake! However, it will not be long before video is introduced as its a basic requirement for young and senior. Although I have no authority to say so officially. But surely it must come?
11.The internet and web browsing is superb and there is a Wi-Fi connection as well as the usual network contract data plan.
12.Flight mode, magnifier, Calculator, Alarm, Daily reminder, Calendar, Radio, HEADPHONES SUPPLIED.
13.Email and conventional text messaging - all very easy to set up.
14. Battery life seems reasonable - all day at least. Much more if you use it less often.
15 It has a neat charging dock which is pretty cool - I like this very much.
My only downside side with the marketing of this phone is that its entirely acceptable for anyone
to use and I find DORO'S sales pitch patronizing and condescending. For instance they are assuming all seniors need simplicity, which is rubbish, and if they were making a phone for seniors they would realise that a slider phone is the last design they should use for people who have stiff fingers or have the shakes. My friend found it almost impossible to slide the phone up and I instantly thought about clam shell, which this phone should have been.
They have actually gotten a superb piece of kit which lacks apps but that's all it lacks, and as such is a very high quality phone experience.
When they put video on it and make all the Android apps available they will have a real winner.
I find apps a particular nuisance on a phone so I carry a dedicated device - an Apple I-pod touch.
I also prefer taking vid's with a proper camera so these things don't worry me that much.
The main point here, is that the Doro 740 exudes quality but is unfortunately just missing out without video and the ability to have access to android apps - if you need them.
This phone is a superb experience other than my few grumbles and Doro should start marketing to the younger market too as I'm sure when they sort out the apps and video everyone will want one of these phones.
I give it a 9 - narrowly missing a 10
My conclusion is that the phone should have be clam shell for seniors because of the reasons stated. The phone is not necessarily for seniors although most will like it, some will find the slider difficult to use. Don't dismiss this phone for seniors only. TAKE A CLOSE-UP LOOK - its a pretty cool piece of kit, and feels a quality product. I LOVE IT! and it comes very close to ideal. I am 76 years old but would have bought this had I been 30.
Tony.j 15 April 2013
Good: Just right for those who want Android simplicity
Bad: Don't know yet-will let you know!
Comment: Well done Doro,you have found a good marketable product. I intend to purchase in due course. Anthony James
Sparkle 30 December 2012
Comment: Release of this product in the UK was delayed due to an error with a couple of sim cards. A new date should be announced next month. As of October this year, the suggested retail price was £290.00.
It looks very good and I would definitely consider getting one, but
I would want to know more about it, eg, personal experience of customers, and I would want more options than just buying outright.
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