Vodafone helps smartphone novices off the Starting Blocks

Media Release

8 October, 2013

Vodafone helps smartphone novices off the Starting Blocks

Vodafone has today launched a free app designed to help encourage seniors make the transition to smartphones.

"Starting Blocks" is available from the Android app store and introduces users to smartphone basics with eight simple, interactive lessons.

SeniorNet Chief Executive, Grant Sidaway says he's delighted to see efforts being made to make the move to smartphones simpler.

"While our kids and grandchildren take the smartphone starting blocks like tapping, swiping, scrolling and even locking the device for granted, it can be a whole new world for seniors unfamiliar with mobile technology.  Some can be put off buying a smartphone because of the fear of not knowing how to use it.  It's not that they don't want one – but it can be quite daunting."

Grant continues: "Starting Blocks will give seniors and those unfamiliar with smartphone technology the confidence they need to embrace it – and to stay connected to their friends and family."

When the app is opened, users get a brief tutorial on tapping and scrolling – the two skills required to use it.  Other lessons include basic touch, gestures, power, the back and home buttons and inputting information.

Vodafone’s head of mobile, Zac Summers, hopes Starting Blocks will encourage more Kiwis to pick up a smartphone.

“Although over 56 percent of Kiwis own a smartphone, this figure is much lower for the over 50s*.  With Starting Blocks, users learn at their own pace and repeat lessons until they're ready – all from the comfort of their own home."

Zac adds: "Smartphones are for everyone, and we hope Starting Blocks will give seniors the confidence to use mobile technology to its full potential.”

Vodafone has a history of developing services which help customers use technology safely and encourage participation, including Blacklist, which allows customers to block unwanted text messages to reduce cyber-bullying; DriveSafe, which automatically replies to texts to let people know you’re driving; and Guardian, which helps parents keep their children safe using smartphones.

The Starting Blocks app was recently recognised by Vodafone globally, winning the social participation category at its Smart Accessibility Awards** in 2012. 

ENDS

* Google research (June 2013) conducted by IPSOS MediaCT showed 54 percent of New Zealanders own a smartphone.

Horizon research (March 2013) showed those aged 75 years or older have the lowest rate of smartphone use at 20 percent, followed by those aged 65-74 at 25.7 percent.
** The Smart Accessibility Awards are supported and co-organised by AGE Platform Europe, the European network that promotes the interests of the 150 million people aged 50-plus in the EU, and by the European Disability Forum (EDF), the NGO that represents the interests of 80 million Europeans with disabilities.
The Smart Accessibility Awards are part of the Vodafone Foundation’s ‘Mobile for Good’ programme, which supports initiatives around the world which use mobile technology to drive positive social change. The awards are helping to extend the smartphone revolution to as many communities as possible.
About SeniorNet:
SeniorNet is a community training network that supports and motivates people aged 50+ to enjoy and use technology in their everyday lives.
SeniorNet brings older adults and technology together in a friendly, fun and stress-free way. It's for people over the age of 50 who'd like to learn more about technology and what it can do for them. Small, well organised classes, with volunteer tutors, about the same age as their students, run courses not only on introduction to computers and surfing the Net but also a vast range of subjects.
There are 86 Learning Centres established throughout New Zealand.  Each is run by a management team who organize all aspects of their Centre.  A Federation of SeniorNet Societies was established in 2006 to support the learning activities of Centres with resources and funding.
ENDS

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