Lifesaving handset

Emporia LIFEplus mobile phone | by Monticelli

emporia lifeplus phoneAlthough the Emporia LIFEplus mobile phone cannot be used to surf the net and play games on, it does possess its own unique wow factor. Its unique selling point is an easy-to-find dedicated panic button on the back.

Boasting this red button which, once pressed, rings a pre-selected number to deliver a distress signal. But if no-one answers, the phone will automatically dial in sequence the next number on the owner's designated list of up to five numbers. However, 112 - the world's emergency number - is preset should the owner not have programmed the panic button numbers.

Following the successful launch of other handsets from the Austrian manufacturers, the LIFEplus is the latest product blending lifestyle practicality with a fashionable look. Essentially, Emporia's phones target elderly users and those who have hearing and/or sight difficulties.

With quick access shortcut buttons and excellent supporting features, this personal safety dedicated handset is equipped with large fonts on a huge monochrome LCD orange-lit display specifically adapted for a highly visible screen. The signature big buttons also make it very easy to dial numbers and write texts.

This modern mobile is the perfect accessory for its particular target audience, which allows users to keep in touch with family and friends, have access to a variety of emergency functions, set a personal alarm clock and even use the flashlight as a torch.

Now the elderly, or those who have difficulty with modern technology on smaller phone models, have the opportunity to move into the mobile market in style with the LIFEplus phone. This is the smallest, lightest, trendiest and easily the best looking of Emporia's stable of innovate handsets.

On first sight of this specialist mobile, and after handling its bulky metal casing, you get the impression that you own a retro phone. When you explore the smooth feel of the LIFEplus, the functions initially seem limited to just telephone calls and text messages. But delve a bit further and there are plenty of outstanding extras, many controlled by the switches and slides on the sides.

There is the facility to set a very loud ring volume and a super-powerful vibration function, suitable for those who require such functions including those with digital hearing aids.

But the personal emergency call feature has to be the killer factor that sets this chic handset apart from its rivals.

Created specifically for easy management, there are even futuristic-style visual alerts for incoming calls that are indicated by a green flashing LED. 

But this sleek mobile is not compact and pocket-sized. The handset boasts a highly fashionable slider function that extends to 175mm from the closed size of 118mm. However, you do not have to slide open the handset each time you make calls, as it is possible to programme the buttons for numbers called most often.

On the plus side, by weighing a massive 138g means that this particular phone will be difficult to misplace around the house or office, making this handset a perfect portable emergency alarm. This latest offering from Emporia gives the target audience exactly the kind the cutting edge technology that is individually important to them offers it as a simple-to-use phone and with metal housing completes a chic elegance.

Unique selling point | Panic button

Good Points | Easy to use, see and hear thanks to its clever design

Bad Points | Back-to-basic phone features and quite bulky

Website | www.emporialifeplus.com

Cost | Around £150+

For more information | Visit www.emporia.at

Emporia LIFEplus factfile 

ABOUT |
Characterized by a simple operation, enormous buttons and a large display.
The earpiece and ringer volume can be adjusted to be very loud.
The built-in emergency function allows for immediate help with one keystroke.

SPECIFICATIONS |
Antenna | Internal
Battery | Li-Ion 3.7 V/1200mAh
Dimensions | 11.2cm x 5.8cm x 1.8 cm
Display | 2.7 inches
Earpiece volume | Adjustable up to a very high volume
Extras | Alarm clock and flashlight
Incoming call | Green flashing LED       
Network | Dual Band GSM 900/1800
Phone book memory | 200 names & numbers
Ring melodies | Polyphonic
Ringer volume | Five different choices
Screen backlight | Orange
Screen | FSTN, 128 x 160 pixels
Standby time | Up to 250 hours
Talk time | Up to 180 mins
Text messages | Facility to send a single SMS to more than one number
Vibration | Extra strong vibrator
Visual alert | Three colours (amber, green & red)
Weight | 138 g

EMERGENCY FACILITIES
DIMF detection for confirmation of the emergency call.
Emergency numbers can be pre-programmed, and dialled automatically via panic button.
Function available to send a text message to emergency numbers.
Integrated flashlight/torch.