IBM, Universities Target Easy-to-Use Cellphones
IBM has started a two-year research programme that aims to make cellphones easier to use for groups including the elderly and the illiterate.
As growth in developed markets such as Europe, Japan and United States has stalled, the wireless industry is looking especially towards the elderly who have so far thought they could do without a cellphone, or who can’t use the one they have.
IBM said on Wednesday software developed in the programme, which also involves the National Institute of Design of India and Tokyo University, will be made available on an open source basis, and other materials developed will also be made publicly available for governments and businesses.