DoCoMo Raku-Raku touch screen mimics real buttons
This senior-friendly Android 4.0 phone comes with buzzing virtual buttons and a dedicated call support center.
You'd think there aren't any Japanese left whose fingers aren't incessantly caressing a smartphone touch screen, but NTT DoCoMo begs to differ.
The giant carrier will launch the Android 4.0 Raku-Raku Smart Phone on August 1, targeting novice touch-screen users, with a display that mimics the feel of old-fashioned buttons.
When a menu item on the screen is touched, it gets highlighted. The user then has to push more firmly to confirm the choice. The handset responds with a click and slight vibration.
Services available on the phone include 1Seg TV broadcasts, emergency disaster bulletins, and mobile wallet functions. It will come with a flat-rate packet service for 2,980 yen ($38).
The Raku-Raku has a 4-inch TFT LCD, an 8-megapixel camera, simplified menu choices, and large fonts. DoCoMo didn't say it's aimed at older users, but that seems to be the case.
It also has a dedicated phone support center available at the touch of a button.
And if the colors are any indication, it's available in gold, navy, and pink.