The UK is the largest telecare market in Europe with an estimated 1.7 million connections. Market penetration amongst seniors is 13%, compared to the average in Europe of 5%. The market is fragmented and mainly analogue although undergoing a digital transformation, on the back of BT’s stated intention to switch off the analogue network by 2025.  Doro will add value being the market leader within digital telecare and from its experience driving the digital transformation of the Swedish market. “For Doro it is a natural step to acquire a well-positioned telecare services company in one of the largest markets in Europe, fully in line with our strategy and continuing our transformation to a complete technology enabled care services provider”, continues Robert Puskaric, CEO of Doro Group.

Welbeing is one of the leading telecare companies in the UK. The company services around 75 000 connections from various locations of which 21 000 are private customers. Organic growth has been significant, thanks to strong management and a track record of winning tenders and commercial bids. The number of employees is approximately 180. Revenue for the financial year ended September, 2017 was GBP 7.6m (approximately SEK 90m) of which the main part is from services. The acquisition will be consolidated into Doro Group from 1 June 2018, and is expected to have a negligible effect on earnings per share for 2018 including transaction costs.

“Our two businesses are a perfect match, Doro creates safety and security for all stages of a senior’s life, with complete technology enabled care solutions that allows seniors to live life independently. Welbeing’s long-term local experience in supporting and reassuring customers and their families, is a value-adding complement, empowering people to stay safe and independent in their homes. Doro develops solutions for use on digital networks. This experience will be invaluable considering BT’s intention to switch off its PSTN and ISDN networks by 2025”, concludes Steve Smith, CEO of Welbeing.

Doro will initially pay approximately 130 MSEK for the acquisition of Welbeing, equal to eight times estimated EBITDA for the financial year 2017/2018. 85% of the acquisition price will be paid in cash and 15% in newly issued shares in Doro AB. In addition, the sellers are entitled to receive an additional consideration if Welbeing’s EBITDA for the financial year 2017/2018, which ends on 30 September 2018, exceeds the estimated EBITDA. The final acquisition amount will be calculated and published after the end of Q3-2018.

The shares will be issued pursuant to the authorisation granted to the board of directors by the annual general meeting on 27 April 2018. A total of 449 313 shares will be issued, entailing a dilution of approximately 1.89 per cent of the total number of shares and votes in the company prior to the share issue. The price per share has been set at SEK 43.60, equal to the volume weighted average price of Doro’s shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the period 17 April 2018–30 May 2018.

Doro was advised by JZ Capital Partners in Stockholm.

For more information, please contact:

Robert Puskaric, President and CEO Doro Group, +46 (0)46 280 50 05

Steve Smith, CEO Welbeing, +44 (0) 1323 636218

Doro, the phone and technology provider, today announces SmartCare by Doro, a cloud-based technology care solution tailored for the needs of seniors. SmartCare by Doro connects sensors in the home to the cloud, in order to automatically alarm and notify relatives or care providers if changes in behaviour occur or if the senior needs assistance.

The solution aims to address societal challenges created by the growing senior population, such as the cost involved in social care as more seniors living at home require support from either care providers or relatives. According to a survey conducted by Doro, 25 per cent of UK adults have some duty of care towards a senior person and 62 per cent of these say they are often worried that something might have happened to them (such as suffering a fall or hurting themselves).¹

For most seniors, their mobile phone is the only tool for reaching out for help if an accident occurs, but seniors don´t always have their phone at hand. This creates a strong demand for new and trustworthy solutions to help, support and stay in contact with seniors at home.

Technology to increase quality of life for seniors and their family and friends

SmartCare by Doro comes with a home gateway and smart sensors which are connected to the unified cloud service, My Doro. From there, it can connect the sensors with smartphones and units that belong to care providers, relatives and seniors. The system is self-calibrating to individual behaviour and can detect and automatically share alarms with relatives or care providers in real time. SmartCare by Doro is based upon an open architecture system to cater for connectivity with third party sensors and devices.

In practice, this means that if a person falls on the stairs at home, the sensor automatically detects the fall. It then notifies relatives, the Doro Alarm Receiving Center or other third-parties, who in turn can contact the senior or call for action from care providers or emergency services. Thanks to the My Doro cloud service, relatives and care providers receive notifications, warnings and alarms on activities in the home such as “the refrigerator has not been opened in the last 24 hours” or “the front door hasn’t been closed correctly”.

Robert Puskaric, CEO and President of Doro, says: “The launch of SmartCare by Doro is a milestone and an important strategic move for our business. We know that seniors want to stay at home and be independent for as long as possible and SmartCare by Doro is developed with this in mind. By offering complete systems and devices that make life easier for both seniors and their supporting family and friends we aim to extend the time seniors will be able to live at home and also contribute to a sustainable development of social welfare.”

Peter Marsden, Managing Director UK and Ireland, Doro, says: “The ageing global population is putting pressure on care services, but technology solutions can ease the burden. SmartCare by Doro will enable seniors to safely live at home for longer, with peace of mind for their family, friends and carers. The open architecture nature of SmartCare by Doro will take connected devices beyond entertainment and lifestyle systems in the home, to being potentially life-saving pieces of technology.” 

Through previous launches, the Doro Connect and Care® offering and the remote control of Doro smart phones via mydoromanager.com have given Doro great insights and experience in providing products that support and help seniors in their everyday life, whilst giving relatives peace of mind. With SmartCare by Doro, the company now takes the next step to become a complete technology provider for seniors and their relatives.

SmartCare by Doro will be demonstrated at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. 

Doro, the global leader in telecom products for seniors, today announces two new phones at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The new Doro 8035 is an easy-to-use smartphone with a step-by-step start up guide to help users tailor the phone based on their needs, without compromising on the advantages of a smartphone. The Doro 8035 has loud and clear sound and remote access capabilities, enabling friends and family to assist the user if difficulties occur. Doro also launches a smart feature phone, the Doro 7060, a flip phone with support for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and smart apps.

Doro 8035: the smartphone with a dual interface

The Doro 8035 offers two different navigation modes and interfaces. When switching on the phone for the first time, a step-by-step start up guide helps the user to find the right navigation system and interface based on their needs. With Easy Mode, users with little or no experience of smartphones use an interface that is easier to learn and understand, yet still comprehensive enough to provide all the key advantages of a smartphone. The Enhanced Mode is more like a classic Android launcher, but enriched with Doro DNA, such as large and contrasted icons and text, and an “I want to” button.

As well as the key Doro DNA features appreciated by seniors around the world: loud and clear sound, easy to hold, robust and with physical buttons, the smartphone boasts a new in-call ‘boost’ feature. This lets users of the Doro 8035 press the ‘I want to’ button to increase call volume by 6/7dB. The 8035 is the first phone in the Doro portfolio to possess such a feature, further aiding seniors who are hard of hearing.

The Doro 8035 also comes with the TeamViewer feature, which offers full remote control and access in order for friends and family members to support the senior on-screen, no matter where they are. Remote control is also available via mydoromanager.com, where the user, or family and friends, can get access to the smartphone via a desktop and adjust the settings or backup photos for example. The Doro 8035 will be fully integrated with the SmartCare by Doro solution and provide enhanced safety features when outside the home. The device will be available in metallic blue, making it a stylish addition to the Doro portfolio.

Robert Puskaric, CEO and President of Doro, says: “We know that many seniors want to take the step to use a smartphone to get access to the same communication tools and apps that their younger relatives and friends use, to not miss out on anything. By launching the new Doro 8035 we want to connect generations.”

Doro 7060: a smart feature phone

The Doro 7060 feature phone is a next generation, 4G, easy-to-use clamshell phone with VoLTE support, meeting the anticipated migration from 3G to 4G networks. The new phone has a large 2.8 inch main colour display and a 1.44 inch colour external display with caller ID. The Doro 7060 is a smart feature phone, meaning it has support for online tools and apps, and like the 8035, it will also incorporate the new in-call ‘boost’ feature. The device features large and well-separated high-contrast keys, with a shortcut key for the camera, as well as the Doro assistance button. . The black and white Doro 7060 can connect via both wifi or mobile data, and will be available from June in the UK.

Doro research has found that the use of smartphones among seniors (65+) is growing, but nearly half (46 per cent) feel insecure when it comes to technology. Seniors have specific needs due to various age-related impairments: 82 per cent have vision related problems, 29 per cent have hearing loss and 42 per cent experience problems with gripping or handling. Mass market smartphones often lack support for these specific age-related needs, which slows down smartphone adoption among seniors and makes it difficult to take advantage of the communication tools and apps used by their younger family members and friends.

In addition to the usual Doro features appreciated by seniors, such as loud and clear sound, adjustable text size, an intuitive interface and assistance button, owners can make the Doro 8040 accessible to friends and family through the web portal: mydoromanager.com.

Mydoromanager.com is a convenient web service with TeamViewer integration that makes owning a Doro phone even simpler. It guides the user through processes including adjusting settings, adding contacts, locating the device if lost, making it ring or locking it. With the owner’s knowledge and permission, friends and family can also log-in to the device remotely to provide assistance should they need to. 

Doro research has found that one in four (29 per cent) seniors fear being a burden to family when asking for help with communication technology. In launching the Doro 8040, Doro is addressing this concern whilst building confidence in the user. The ability for friends and family to seamlessly integrate with the owner’s phone will allow them to get started with their device more easily and stay in contact with loved ones.

The default user interface itself is action-based, featuring commands that take the user step by step through the task they want to complete. For instance to send an item, the device will ask the user what it is they want to send, to whom, and how they want to send it – whether by SMS or email. The physical design of the Doro 8040 has also been upgraded from the Doro 8030; it is much sleeker, with a sunken 5” screen to protect it from becoming scratched whilst on the move, and a soft-touch back coating that avoids the device slipping out of grip. It also features redesigned physical keys to make it easier to navigate the interface.

In offering a dual interface, the 8040 caters both for customers that are unfamilar with smartphone technology, but also those who are used to a standard smartphone interface but want to take advantage of Doro’s key DNA features alongside the new Enhanced Mode. Enhanced Mode features large and clear icons, customisable shortcuts and widgets and a vertical menu navigation more similar to typical Android interfaces.

Robert Puskaric, CEO of Doro Group, comments: “With the full integration of our web-based portal, mydoromanager.com, we have addressed the needs of the senior and taken the device to the next level.  It will change the way seniors interact and connect with loved ones. The Doro 8040 is our best smartphone yet; truly and fully adapted for the user.”

Peter Marsden, Managing Director, UK and Ireland, Doro, says: “The 8040 is the first Doro smartphone that caters both for those that are unfamiliar with smartphone technology, and those who have used smartphones in the past but are keen to take advantage of Doro’s renowned DNA features – all thanks to the Enhanced Mode. Now, seniors with smartphone experience can enjoy loud and clear sound and easy to see icons through a multi-faceted interface. This is an important upgrade from the Doro 8030 and an exciting addition to our product portfolio.”

The Doro 8040 with Enhanced Mode will be available in the UK and Ireland in November with selected partners.

To get more information please visit:

Europe’s average population age is advancing at roughly two days a week, whilst almost a quarter (24.3 per cent) of the UK’s population is expected to be aged 65 or older by 2039. Paired with the fact it is also very common now for retirees to continue to work and travel during this stage in their lives, it is important to provide seniors with technology that is accessible. Doro is meeting demand amongst this age bracket for technology solutions by offering a range of products and services that suit this audience’s lifestyle. With a Doro mobile device, seniors know that should something unforeseen happen, they can still receive the help and support they need. Doro Care achieves this with the following handsets and features, which are designed to work with Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs).

• The Doro Secure® 628: an easy-to-use flip-phone with large text, separated keys and sound that reaches a higher-than-average volume. The handset offers SMS, 2 MP camera and direct memory keys
• The Doro Secure® 580IP: a simplified, durable and splash-proof handset. The keypad has four direct contact buttons, offers SMS, extra loud sound and is Hearing Aid Compatible
• The Doro Alarm Application (DAA): this makes some Doro handsets, including the Doro Liberto® 825 and the Doro 8030, compatible with Alarm Receiving Centres
• The Doro Secure® 480: a personal safety wristwatch featuring sophisticated tracking and communication capabilities to enhance the user’s safety. If distressed or in need of help, the user can contact the alarm receiving centre
• The Doro 3500: is a Bluetooth alarm trigger compatible with new Doro products.

Functions in Doro Care include safety timers for activities involving risk and an “Are you okay?” function, a question request which is sent to Doro users through an application. It sends an alarm should no response be received from the message recipient. Through use of the Doro IP protocol and GPS, Alarm Receiving Centres are able to request the Doro users location, create safe zones through geo-fencing and have automatic alarms sent should someone travel outside of set parameters. These features are all designed to automate the process of checking in with family members, whilst helping seniors feel confident using the technology. Doro wants all its customers to benefit from the extensive Care portfolio, and help them to lead an active and mobile life, whatever their age.

Robert Puskaric, CEO of Doro Group, comments: “The population demographic change requires new ways of delivering social care. Doro’s smart technology for seniors that wish to live at home has led to more mobililty thanks to the know-how from our consumer portfolio, and when coupling these two, we find a perfect match.”

Chris Millington, Managing Director UK & IE, adds: “It is our vision to support users and their family through our devices and services. Every Doro Care product leverages Doro’s extensive knowledge and experience of ease of use, ensuring that those who are more vunerable can confidently use their device, removing any barrier to a mobile solution. In addition Hearing Aid Compatibility, adjustable tone controls, direct dials, improved UI and ergonomic design all add to the users confidence.”

Doro develops telecom products and services for Seniors to lead full and rich lives: to do things they want to do more easily as well as the things they thought they might never do. The global market-leader in senior mobile phone, Doro offers easy-to-use mobile phones and smartphones, mobile applications, fixed line telephony with loud and clear sound. Within Doro Group, Doro Care offers social care and telecare solutions for elder and disabled persons for independent and safe living in their own homes. Doro AB is a Swedish public company and its shares are quoted on the Nasdaq OMX Stockholm exchange, Nordic List, Small Companies. Total revenue of SEK 1,959 million (EUR 205 million) was reported for 2016.

The Doro 6050 is equipped with an action-based UI in response to a similar and successful version installed in Doro smartphones, allowing users to choose from a traditional menu or one that simplifies further with action based commands to take the user step by step through the task they want to complete. For instance to send a photo, select ‘send’ and the device takes you through the process of choosing a photo, the person they want to send it to and how they would like to send it – whether by SMS or email.

In addition to all the usual features appreciated by seniors in Doro handsets, such as loud and clear sound, adjustable text size, well separated keys and an assistance button, the Doro 6050 is now equipped with an additional external screen that shows who is calling, what the time is and displays notifications that a message has arrived.

Key features for the Doro 6050:

• New intuitive user-interface and added software functions for users to select their own interface, depending on their needs

• Easy-to-use 3 Megapixel interpolated camera with flash and enhanced lens
• 2.8 inch internal and 1.3 inch external LED display with Caller ID to make taking calls easier• Dedicated direct keys for favourite contacts, SMS, camera and torch
• Soft touch surface for a better grip so it can be handled safely
• Extra loud and clear sound with Hearing Aid Compatibility so that, even in noisy environments, senior users are able to hear and understand every conversation
• A blacklisting function that enables users to easily block unwanted tele sales or other annoying inquiries.

Doro research* has found that although an increasing proportion of seniors are considering buying a smartphone, there is still high demand for feature phones, with almost 40 per cent of seniors saying they plan to buy a feature phone as their next mobile. When choosing their next phone, seniors are looking for an assistance button (66 per cent), loud and clear sound (55 per cent) as well as extra large keys (53 per cent). Doro has addressed the needs from its audience in the new Doro 6050 feature phone, providing the required hardware and software options for senior users.

London, 27th September 2016:

The Doro 6520 will replace the Doro PhoneEasy® 612 that Carphone Warehouse has seen great success with in recent years. Offering even more than its predecessor, the Doro 6520 is a stylish 3G device with enhanced loud and clear sound. It also has internet based functions including browsing, email and Facebook with all the usual Doro simplicity for the best user experience. The Doro 6520 will be available in two colour options – graphite/white and a Carphone Warehouse red/white exclusive, £49.99 on PAYG or from £8.50 a month.  

Doro’s newest smartphone - the Doro 8030, a 4G Android device will also join the product range – this is the successor to the highly acclaimed Doro Liberto® 820 Mini. The 8030 device has a new interface that thinks like the user – using verbs instead of apps to drive actions. The addition of LTE provides the retailer with a device better suited to the ‘pay monthly’ tariffs available to Carphone Warehouse and in particular its own network, iD, adding even more value to consumer’s options £99.99 on PAYG or from £11.50 a month.

The Doro 8030 will also be the focus of Doro’s Q4 TV advertising campaign. This stunning smartphone will be available in a black/steel finish.

The 5516 is a new Doro device and is a great value bar phone with 3G connectivity. It is a universally accepted bar style phone, for people who want to primarily call and text, regardless of age. It comes with an extra large 2.4 inch screen for viewing texts and photos easily. The Doro 5516 will be available in graphite and from £6 a month with Carphone Warehouse.

Chris Millington, Managing Director of Doro UK and Ireland, commented: “We are pleased to have three new Doro devices listed with Carphone Warehouse – not everyone in our core target market is the same and with this collection, we have a range that caters for all and delivers exceptional value.”

Andy Webb, Buying Director of Carphone Warehouse, commented: “We’re really excited to be bringing the latest Doro range to our stellar line-up of handsets. The Doro 8030 is their most intuitive device to date and it’s the first time we’re bringing these devices to our pay monthly range on our own iD network, from just £6 a month. Doro continues to bring affordable yet feature rich devices to the market, and combined with our unbeatable deals and flexible tariffs we believe we have some of the strongest customer offers we’ve ever had for our Doro customers.’

The devices will be available from 29th September in stores and online. For more visit www.carphonewarehouse.com

Age is just a number – yet there are still so many clichés and pre-conceptions associated with age. Many people have the misconception that people aged over 65 don’t live life to the full or have fun anymore. This is sad and simply not the case. We want you to help us prove, through photography, that people of all ages can live amazing lives full of positive experiences.

We want everyone to get involved! Take pictures of your family, a loved one, friends or just someone in life that inspires you - and help us prove the cynics wrong. Age is Good!

Entries will be judged by our judging panel of independent experts including:

Matthew Graham - Digital Photo magazine

Sunetra Chakravarti - Mobile Choice magazine

Fiona Hicks - Reader's Digest magazine

Mary Frances - Life & Living magazine

Chris Millington – MD of Doro UK & Ireland

Entries close on 31^st October at 5pm UK time. The four category winners will then be announced on 9^th November.

So how do you enter?

There are four categories in the competition and you can enter as many individual categories as you like.  In fact why not enter all four?!:

1.Love and Friendship

This category celebrates all the inspirational and influential friends / partners that join life’s journey with you. From man’s best friend to the one person who knows you better than anyone else, photos in this category should capture the moment someone feels a strong sense of love and an unbreakable bond with another.

Some inspiration for this category: a life-long friendship, school friends, people reminiscing, a loved pet, sweethearts, a wedding anniversary, the look of love between a couple, laughter, a hug, holding hands, reflection on childhood years.

2.Strength, Challenge and Achievement

Age is just a number and years do not limit what the human mind and body is capable of - preconceptions are there to be challenged and disproved! This category aims to commend moments that demonstrate strength and achievement and defy expectation.

Some inspiration for this category: a physical activity, sport, a creative achievement, the joy of overcoming a barrier to something, a reaction to an achievement, a proud face, perhaps even learning a new skill.

3.Belonging and Completeness

Life is to be enjoyed and shared, and this category exists to showcase special and joyous moments caught on camera that reflect a sense of completeness and feeling part of something.

Some inspiration for this category: the first meeting with a new grandchild, a complete family portrait, a special occasion, a family reunion, reconnecting with an old friend, communicating with family overseas, different generations together, a community of neighbours.

4. Happiness and Zest for Life

Too often, there is a negative stigma associated with age, portraying senior generations as ill, miserable, depressed and lonely.  This is NOT always the case.  This category aims to celebrate all those retirees that live active, fulfilling and happy lives.  These photos should help to overcome and disprove these negative connotations. We want to see the zest for life that many people over 65 have.  Photos that show how life in retirement can be fantastically rewarding.

Some inspiration for this category:  laughter, relaxation, a first date, a holiday, the spread of smiles amongst friends, a quirky personality, a fashionista, engagement with digital technology, tears of joy, courage, determination and a positive outlook.

PRIZES

There will be four category winners who will each win a subscription to Digital Photo magazine, as well as a Doro Liberto® 825 smartphone – one of the latest smart devices in Doro’s portfolio with an 8MP camera – so the winners can capture memories of family and loved ones on their new device.

HOW TO ENTER

Send your entry via email to Doro UK’s press team at Mash PR – doro@mashpr.co.uk - entries received by email must be received by 5pm on the closing date and the submission must include the following information in the email body:

Category:

Title:

First name:

Family name: 

grating greater functionality & support features. This refined version will be launched in mid-October after being showcased at IFA (market depending).

Using the updated application, chosen relatives or friends can create a ‘circle of care’ for someone who may need regular assistance in everyday life. The app allows the senior & those in the circle to maintain contact, add tasks & appointments, share pictures & offer or request some help – everyone in the group is then alerted & will receive updates of who will be responding to each specific request. This secure group can also see & help with device usage & have the ability to spot potential issues that the user may have – like missing calls, having the volume set to low or having too many e-mail drafts that haven’t been sent.

This support & assistance continues through the new MyDoroManager.com web portal. The tool guides the user through the set-up of their new device & personalises the settings to their exact requirements. It provides tutorials to encourage set-up of new functions or applications & also helps the user to migrate contacts & content from their old Doro feature phone to their new smartphone, saving precious content like pictures to their computer or laptop at the same time. In addition, a relative may also use the tool to provide their family member with remote help by logging into their device from wherever they are, to change settings, resolve problems or provide instructions, live for their loved one. 

MyDoroManager.com also comes with the ability to locate the phone & make it ring to make it easier to locate at home, lock the device if it has been lost, or request a GPS location to know where the user is – all in an easy to use, simplified structure that everyone can use.

These two new tools combine to build confidence for users & add real value at every step into the s

martphone world - no matter the users’ ability.

Chris Millington, Managing Director of UK & Ireland commented: “Getting a Doro phone means the user gets guidance & support at every step. Both Connect & Care® & MyDoroManager.com will help seniors to easily get started with their new Doro smartphone whilst bringing them support & help from their relatives. Combining the power of Connect & Care® with the tools of MyDoroManager.com & with Teamviewer integration, it really brings the family together across generations for the first time. We know that combining a circle of care with technological support truly changes the smartphone experience & will help our customers to live life to the full.”

Doro users & their friends & families using the current version of My Doro Manager will be prompted at the next update to download or update Connect & Care® to be able to access the new streamlined service.

Connect & Care® will work across all Doro smartphones from mid-October, (market depending). The Connect & Care® application, for relatives & friends of the user, can be downloaded onto any iOS or Android device.

The update will be announced & demonstrated at IFA in Berlin.

For more information visit www.doro.co.uk

London, 02 September 2016:

In a world of smart technology many people in Doro’s target market, people aged over 65, are still looking for an easy to use feature phone. Doro aims to cater for everyone & therefore continues to produce products designed for a range of audience needs, enhancing their live life attitudes.

The Doro 5516 is a stylish 3G device that will appeal to a wide audience - because of its good looks, innovative features & classic design. This stunning handset comes with an extra large, crisp & clear, 2.4-inch screen - which allows for easier viewing & better enjoyment of the phone's content.

The device also comes with direct keys, a 2MP camera with flash & hearing aid compatibility. It includes online functionality with emails & internet browsing for viewing whilst out of the house.

The Doro 5516 is compatible with the new My Doro Manager portal, which allows users to manage their device online.

Chris Millington, Managing Director of UK & Ireland commented: “This phone is a superb 3G product. Its design further enhances our feature phone portfolio.  It will certainly appeal to a far greater audience - we have achieved this through the introduction of more innovation & features. The device has the basic functions of a feature phone but also comes with the added benefit of the internet. We are positively encouraging the user to do more and enjoy a taste of digital - without having to make the move to a fully functioning smartphone.”

The Doro 5516 will be available from late October both in stores nationwide & online with O2 (exclusive blue colour) & Carphone Warehouse (graphite colour).

For more information visit www.doro.co.uk

The Doro handsets both come with the new, unique interface, which first launched on the Doro Liberto® 825 at the end of last year. The interface simplifies the journey for the user by using verbs for the users actions. For example, “call”, “view”, “send” followed by the prompt “who” or “what” as opposed to searching for a specific application – in essence the smartphone thinks like the user. The interface allows the user to mange the device with greater ease and confidence. It also makes it the perfect choice for someone with no previous smartphone knowledge.

Both handsets have a conversational questionnaire to set up the device from the call volume and text size to the Wi-Fi connection and Gmail account. The devices come complete with loud and clear sound, hearing aid compatibility and supportive service apps including My Doro Manager and Connect and Care – a new easy to use service that creates a circle of support for the user. The dock mode is also a core feature in these handsets – it turns the phone into a digital photo frame, music player or clock, whilst also charging the device.  

Chris Millington, Managing Director at Doro UK & Ireland, commented: “We’re pleased that John Lewis will be stocking these two devices and that we are growing this already successful relationship. John Lewis is an ideal brand alignment for us as it offers a shopping environment that our user group enjoy – somewhere they can relax and take time over their purchase decision. Our research has shown that other smartphones can be complicated for the user - we therefore wanted to completely redesign our interface to make it as easy as possible and for the user to perform tasks by thinking what it is they would like to do.”

Rowan Binns, Assistant Buyer at John Lewis, commented: “We are very excited to be stocking these new products from Doro. Doro are leading the way in simplifying the Smartphone experience as well as answering many of the challenges experienced by some of our Smartphone customers. Their latest interface, available on the 825 & 8030, is their most intuitive yet.”

The Doro Liberto® 825 comes with an 8MP camera and a 5” screen. Priced at £250 – available in stores nationwide and online

The Doro 8030 comes with a 5MP camera and a 4.5”. Priced at £180 – available online only.

Existing Doro models in the John Lewis range are the Doro Liberto® 820 Mini and PhoneEasy® 632. 

Users can go social & Live Life with ease

London, 23 February 2016:  Doro is excited to unveil its new range of 3G feature phones - the Doro 6520, 6525 and 6530.  These models will move the feature phone market forward and fuel a more enriching user experience. Even though smartphone penetration is growing globally – a large proportion of people aged over 65, Doro’s target market, still use feature phones and therefore is still a priority area for Doro[1].

The handsets have select elements of smart technology embedded into their inclusive clamshell designs. This includes connectivity with social media such as Facebook and Twitter, along with an email client and a web browser. Meaning retirees can still have access to and use email, a web browser and social media from their phone without having to upgrade to a smartphone.  Another newcomer to the design is the four-way navigation key, enabling easy   use of these new functions. 

Doro’s ongoing research has shown why its user group is choosing a feature phone - 30% state that having a large keypad for typing is the main purpose and over 50% state that a mobile with louder, clearer sound is the key reason behind their purchase. Two thirds also state that they want both an easy-to-use camera and an assistance button within their device. Most importantly there is still 40% of people over 65 that prefer to own a feature phone and are not looking to upgrade - primarily for its core functions of text messaging and calling.

Chris Millington, Managing Director at Doro UK and Ireland commented on the launch: “There is still a need for feature phones. Upgrading to a full smartphone does not suit everyone – many of our target group wants a well-designed device for calling and texting, with some additional digital functions. Facebook and Twitter are mainstream technology and these devices bring accessibility of this popular media to people of all ages.”

The highest spec phone of the trio is the Doro 6530. This device has GPS technology to facilitate the company’s support service offer – Doro Connect & Care – this will provide a widely accessible first step toward a truly mobile consumer telecare offering. Doro Connect & Care takes the company’s successful My Doro Manager remote assistance concept a step further - it allows a network of friends and family to be contacted when the user needs help or support with something e.g. going food shopping, a problem in the home, taking to a doctors appointment etc. It is therefore a way to offer a greater level of direct support to the person in life, not just in the device, and offers family an even greater peace of mind. 

The three devices all offer many user benefits to help people get more from their phone. The extra large 2.8” colour displays give crisp clear viewing. Whilst features such as Hearing Aid Compatibility, amplified sound and HD Voice mean the audio experience is of an extremely high quality. The World Health Organisation[2] reports that over 5% of the global population has some form of hearing loss and the largest group affected are over 65 – which further highlights the need for high quality audio.

The two top models, Doro 6525 and Doro 6530, both come with an external display clearly showing to the user who’s calling and enabling the user to decide whether to take the call or not without even opening the phone.

Doro has also added talking numeric keys to its feature phones enabling the user to hear which number has been pressed - a helpful and reassuring function for the user. Other features that come as standard across all models include; Bluetooth connectivity, one touch torch, FM radio, well-spaced keys and direct dial buttons for key functions. 

Details and information on retailers will be announced in the UK and Ireland in the coming months.

The smartphone that thinks like you!

Evolution of the easy smartphone concept

London: 22 February 2016:  Doro is pleased to reveal details of its new LTE smartphone. The sleek and powerful Doro 8030 comes with a unique and revolutionary user interface – which cleverly uses verbs to drive the user’s required actions, rather than icons, as in all other smartphone brands. In effect this makes the phone think like the user and sets it apart from other smartphones.  

Doro has learnt through its research that other smartphones on the market can be difficult to understand for both first time and experienced users. Doro’s new interface makes this device the easiest smartphone ever - enabling the user to do more. It provides a logical step-by-step guide to delivering every task.  The device and its interface are designed to build confidence for the user and completely revolutionise the way they use their phone. Rather than relying on the user to search for a specific application icon it uses actions - for example ‘Call’, ‘View’ or ‘Send’ and then prompting with ‘Who’ or ‘What’. This enables the user to manage the device with greater ease and flexibility, based on their desired outcomes - making a new generation of users smarter, connected and always in-touch without the need for previous smartphone knowledge.

This device comes with all of Doro’s core DNA including crisp loud sound, HAC and soft touch coating for a better grip. Doro’s cloud enabled app My Doro Manager is pre-installed, allowing trusted family members and friends to offer the user help and support remotely, without physically being present.

The device’s interface and built-in support apps, such as My Doro Manager, encourage the user to live a more enriched life and ultimately benefit from owning a smartphone without needing to learn new behaviour to operate it. By engaging with the same mainstream social applications used by their friends and family - the user will feel involved and connected with the world and people around them.

Research from Doro shows that demand for smartphones in people aged 65+ continues to rise steadily at around 11% year-on-year. Smartphone ownership amongst seniors is now nearing 40% and this figure will continue to rise through 2016 - as 60% of those aged 65+ intend to purchase a smartphone at their next upgrade.

The Doro 8030 is the second LTE device to join the Doro handset family and will launch exclusively with O2 in the UK. The phone will be available through O2 stores nationwide and also online. The Doro 8030 comes in a stylish black finish with a steel trim and will be priced at £99 on Pay As You Go.

"We're delighted to be Doro's launch partner for the 8030 and think it's a perfect phone for first time smartphone users," said Ben Bevins, Head of Portfolio and Launch at O2 in the UK. "We've seen fantastic results from Doro's previous phones and, thanks to their unparalleled insight into their target market, think the 8030 will continue to build Doro's audience in the UK."

Chris Millington, Managing Director at Doro UK and Ireland commented on the news: “This new device is a breakthrough – it is a combination of our award-winning design principles and innovative interface. I firmly believe the Doro 8030 will be a true revolution in the smartphone space as this is our most ‘human’ and forward-thinking device to date. No longer is the smartphone just about apps, it’s about actions – we have eliminated the confusion when searching for a particular app, or working out how to do something. This device doesn’t require the user to have any technical knowledge or know-how – it will help to grow the user’s confidence in their adoption of smartphone technology.”

London, 18 June 2015:  Doro has expanded the reach of its popular entry-level device, the PhoneEasy® 508, with listings confirmed with Vodafone and EE.

The Doro PhoneEasy® 508 is now available in graphite from EE for £19.99, and in pearlescent white from Vodafone for £20 on pay as you go. The handset now has over 20 UK retail listings including Carphone Warehouse, Tesco Mobile, Argos and RNIB, making this handset Doro’s best-selling candy-bar phone.

Feature phones continue to be an important market for Doro in the UK, with approximately half of all seniors still looking for this type of device for their next or first mobile purchase. The Doro PhoneEasy® 508 is an attractive option for those looking for a phone that provides quick and easy voice and text communication at a very affordable price. These two key mobile functions are within the top two buying requirements of the senior user group.

This intuitively designed phone is a good example of the Doro DNA – with easy and ergonomic handling, adjustable text size and screen contrast, loud and clear sound and an assistance button on the back. As well as being a simplistic handset, the Doro PhoneEasy® 508 is Bluetooth enabled, and users can access FM radio when the headphones are plugged in. Other key features include: a torch, alarm clock and a calendar with a reminder setting.

Chris Millington, Managing Director of Doro UK and Ireland, said: “This device has done fantastically well for us since its launch and its success is further championed through these new listings with Vodafone and EE. We pride ourselves in our offering of well designed and easy-to-use phones for every ability at all price points. The Doro PhoneEasy® 508 is a great value phone, with most retailers offering the handset at the £20 price point, making it an ideal and affordable feature phone.”

So we have begun a monthly #DoroChallenge competition to bring families together through technology. The challenge will run for fans on the Doro Facebook page (Facebook.com/DoroUKIreland), and winners will receive a pair of Doro Liberto® 820 smartphones.

The first competition was a #DoroSeniorSelfie - a self-facing picture with the whole family, or a funny photo with a partner or grandchild/grandparent. 

We are delighted to have had so many wonderful, funny and creative entries. 

The winning picture is this #DoroSeniorSelfie entry from Jade Kendall in Southampton with four generations from her family.

The Doro Big Knit Easy Woking group will meet monthly at the Marjorie Richardson Centre to knit and socialise. Doro is providing complimentary hot drinks and cakes to those local residents of any age who wish to attend to ‘knit & natter’.   Guests are invited to turn up with their own needles & wool, or a knitting project currently in progress. 

Chris Millington, Doro UK and Ireland Managing Director, commented: “By bringing people together, with a common interest, we can help build new friendships that span both the generational divide but also the digital divide. We will be encouraging people of all ages to attend and to share their experiences digitally.  Knitters of all abilities are welcome to attend this event in Woking to enjoy a good brew and a slice of cake on Doro.”

Those who would like to join the Big Knit Easy in Woking should register their interest at the Marjorie Richardson Centre, 19 High Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 8BW.

The company has many plans for the roll out of this campaign including charitable events, celebrity involvement, task-based knitting challenges, competitions and seasonal themes.  Follow the campaign on social media to find details of future local events taking place with #DoroBigKnitEasy.

 Twitter: @DoroUK_Ireland 

Facebook: ‘DoroUKIreland’

Doro advisors were on hand to demonstrate the following key Doro products:

• Doro PhoneEasy® 612
• Doro PhoneEasy® 632
• Doro Liberto® 820
• Doro Liberto® 820 Mini
• Doro EasyPC™

Located in the Mansfield Four Seasons Shopping Centre this demonstration zone was the ideal opportunity for those looking for an easy-mobile to try live devices and receive guidance on choosing a product that meets their needs.

Doro specialises in easy-to-use mobiles and devices for seniors. Each device has been specially designed to meet the every day needs and requirements of this group. These stylish products have extra loud and clear sounds, large screens and fonts along with hearing aid compatibility, easy menu structures and an assistance button.

Chris Millington, MD of Doro UK and Ireland commented: “At Doro, we work really hard to develop products to bridge the digital divide and help seniors to communicate with ease and enjoyment. Our roadshow demonstration zone in Mansfield really was the ideal chance for those looking for help and advice about choosing a mobile phone to find the device best for them.”

There was also  an exclusive Mansfield shopper offer running in four local retailers for the duration of the Doro roadshow. Customers buying one of three Doro devices from Carphone Warehouse, EE, Vodafone and 02 store in Mansfield all qualified. 

Doro is pleased to reveal summary details of a new simple service that it will be launching in the summer to provide peace-of-mind and assurance to the families of seniors.  It will also specifically help seniors to enjoy happier lives by connecting them with local people who are ready to help, support and offer assistance.

Doro Connect & Care^® is an innovative mobile social networking tool applied to real life. It aims to help people stay better connected with their elderly relatives and also the other people who care about them too.  The service will facilitate the delivery of help and assistance – whether in an emergency situation such as a fall, or for a basic everyday household task, for example closing a window.

For seniors, this optional service is simply added to their Doro mobile phone (select models).  Its purpose is to ensure that they are fine and well, without being invasive or cramping their lifestyle.  By mobilising the service, seniors will continue to lead independent lives both inside and outside of their homes.

For family members, the service is extremely easy to use - there is an app which will be available for both Android and iOS smartphones. The service allows family members to create their own network of people willing to help provide daily care and offer assistance to their senior relative.  

Doro Connect & Care^® can be set up to keep an eye on the user’s behavioural patterns, for example movement and communication, to ensure the senior is OK.  This can provide alerts to the family if irregularities are detected – for example loss of movement or abnormal activity. The relative’s app also has the ability to set alerts to remind them to call the senior to check on their wellbeing.

There will be an opportunity to introduce volunteers, via local community groups and organisations, into the senior’s circles. Volunteers will comprise of an open network of philanthropic people who have signed up to offer ad-hoc help and assistance to seniors within their local vicinity.

Chris Millington, Managing Director at Doro UK commented on the launch: “We are currently working with our renowned partner organisations on this exciting project – specifically in terms of delivering the volunteer element.  We have found that 44% of people are willing to give some of their time to help others living within their local community[3].  This service will help to bring families and their neighbours together in a more meaningful way.  Our intelligent and innovative use of mobile technology will once again take huge steps toward bridging the digital divide between the generations.”

This exciting development follows the recent news that Doro AB had acquired CareTech.  The fusion of these two teams and their IP means Doro is delivering more care options within its portfolio of regular products.  Doro believes this is the start of a seamless consumer journey towards a truly mobile consumer-centric care solution.  Doro Connect & Care^® will pave the way for telecare services later in life if needed.