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Telstra eyes off your nanna

You may not know your nanna loves her tech, maybe she doesn't know it either, but Telstra knows it and is about to release the perfect phone for grandmas, the EasyTouch Discovery.

Joseph Hanlon Special to CNET News
Joe capitalises on a life-long love of blinking lights and upbeat MIDI soundtracks covering the latest developments in smartphones and tablet computers. When not ruining his eyesight staring at small screens, Joe ruins his eyesight playing video games and watching movies.
Joseph Hanlon
2 min read
Telstra EasyTouch Discovery: check out those monstrous keys(Credit: Telstra)

When reviewing the latest high-tech gadgets, iPhones and Omnias, I'm ashamed to admit I often forget about someone very dear to me — my grandma. Luckily Telstra hasn't, in fact, its made a phone just for her.

Telstra today launched six new handsets on its Next G network including two new Blue Tick phones; the T165i 'Country Phone' and the EasyTouch Discovery, or the 'Nanna phone' as we've affectionately dubbed it.

"Our customers told us they wanted bigger buttons, bigger fonts, louder volume and a simple menu," said Glenice Maclellan Executive Director for Telstra's Consumer division.

"We've worked for 10 months designing and refining (the EasyTouch Discovery) to ensure it offers customers what they want and need to stay connected."

The Discovery features full connectivity to Telstra's Next G network services, like internet, email and Foxtel Mobile TV. As well, the phone comes bundled with an instructional DVD and a pre-installed help menu to assist customers in understanding features beyond the basics, including a guide on how to pair a Bluetooth hearing aid neckloop to the phone.

The T165i is the follow up to the original 'Country Phone' released about this time last year. The newer version sports an improved design and AGPS for navigating, but it retains the extendable antenna of its predecessor for superior reception in areas of weaker coverage.

Telstra also showed four other phones available on its network: the Samsung F480T, Nokia N96, and two Sony Ericsson handsets, the Xperia X1 and C905. The EasyTouch Discovery is available from 1 December on a AU$20 contract, or outright for $439. The T165i will cost AU$529.