KDDI's Mi-Look cell phone helps track elderly relatives
Technology ( 14 )
TOKYO —
KDDI has announced the release of the Mi-Look cell phone, which is intended to help worried families keep track of elderly relatives or those with memory loss issues. The cell phone-like GPS-enabled pedometer, designed by Kyocera, features a waterproof body and just three main buttons in a bid to make operation as simple as possible.
KDDI said the Mi-Look sends automatic updates pertaining to distance traveled and current location, so that concerned families can keep track of vulnerable relatives. It is also equipped with a pull-cord that activates an emergency alarm. If activated, emails containing GPS data about the
Mi-Look’s current whereabouts are automatically sent to designated email addresses, KDDI said.
The Mi-Look also comes with a dock that is equipped with a sensor that registers each time a person walks by. The dock contains a microphone and speaker for hands-free calling, which can be set to automatically answer incoming calls. KDDI said the Mi-Look also features memory slots for storing up to 20 addresses and can make outgoing calls.
According to KDDI, the monthly service plan is expected to cost 1,095 yen. The Mi-Look is scheduled to go on sale in September for around 20,000 yen.
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14 Comments
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-1
some14some
Promising Business for KDDI but additional fiscal burden for families.
-3
hoserfella
some14some's quick analysis sheds light on 2 facts that most people wouldn't see the first time reading this short article. 1. Au may (or may not) have increased sales. 2. It will cost consumers money to buy. I think the man belongs at Harvard business school with that insight.
0
ihavegreatlegs
sure could use this in Florida
-1
jonobugs
I'm not sure of all the details, but 1095 yen doesn't seem much for a monthly plan. I'm wondering if that isn't on top of another fee. In any case, the plan sounds wonderful for keeping track of elderly people and if it's easy to use, maybe they won't have problems calling when they need help. However, if they feel it will keep track of wandering, forgetful people...what makes them think that these people will even remember to bring along their cell phone? If they want to do that, maybe they should start marketing those leg GPS devices. Strap it on and you can keep tabs on them. Kind of like prison though....
-1
MsM72
I want the pink one! Wonder if they'll be available in Australia... :)
-1
Disillusioned
But! What makes them think a person with memory loss will remember to take their phone?
-1
Kronos
Assuming the elderly do not forget the mobile phone to begin with.
-1
USNinJapan2
Now all they have to do is build the companion-system into our cars so that it alerts us to the presence/proximity of one of of these phones. That would cut down the number of old folks that get hit/ run over at blind intersections and on pitch-dark country roads.
-1
gogogo
the stalker phone
-1
smithinjapan
Can I track my parents in Canada? No? Sounds like a pretty useless sell for a crappy phone. No doubt they already have an app that can do the same thing for iPhone and better; it can track people anywhere if they are so willing.
-1
some14some
that's why Japanese Families will buy and KDDI will make huge profits.
-1
Carcharodon
that photo is not the Mi-look! its one of Au's new tough screen smartphones! the Mi-look is totally different. google it..
-1
Carcharodon
youtube.com/watch?v=MMwPi-IY8rg& this shows it much more accurately and succinctly
-1
Seawolf
Carcharodon - you're right, this article is laughable. But at least that Smartphone in the pic got 3 buttons, same as the "real" Mi-look, lol
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