Fujitsu to bring senior-aimed Raku Raku smartphones to US
updated 05:39 am EST, Fri December 28, 2012
Android phone for elderly users to boost Fujitsu exports
Fujitsu is planning to bring its line of easy-to-use Android smartphones designed for the elderly to the US and Europe. Aimed at seniors and the infirm, the Raku Raku range has seen success in Japan, thanks to its simplified interface and various pre-installed applications designed to make communicating easier.
Running on Android 4.0, the Raku Raku uses large and easily readable fonts throughout its user interface, and allows for only a small number of apps to appear on the home screen. Just like the company's first handsets in the Raku Raku line, released five years ago, noise cancellation and automatic volume controls are included to help the hard of hearing, as is an app that slows down the speech of incoming conversations.
The company is expecting the Raku Raku to sell well abroad, and has estimated that overseas sales will rise from 8 million units in the 2012 financial year to 10 million by 2014, according to the Asahi Shimbun. Though it did demonstrate its Arrows Tab at CES last year, Fujitsu apparently has no plans to market the luxury smartphone overseas, with company president Masami Yamamoto claiming “We don't have the luxury of spending huge amounts of money to promote a brand, like Samsung.”
It was not clear when the Raku Raku lines would reach US and European shores, nor how much they would cost.
