iBall Asaan – Hands-on review [Video]

iBall Aasaan, a phone targeted for senior citizens, does one thing and it does it extremely well. It makes the life of finding numbers on a cell phone easier. With 80% of the real estate going to the number keys alone, no one can miss punching the numbers. The small screen suffices the display needs of outgoing and incoming numbers and 160 character long text messages.

In addition, Aasaan has four useful hardware keys. A volume toggle, a FM radio on/off switch, a torch on/off switch and a phone lock switch. Of these the most important one is the torch light switch. Typically the torch function is hidden somewhere in the menu. On the contrary, and Aasaan being a senior citizen phone the torch switch is easily available on the right side of the phone. Torch works even when the phone is locked.

SMS feature on Aasaan is another added attraction. It supports two languages – Hindi and English. It would be interesting to know of iBall has plans to launch phones in other regional languages. That would kick up their sales curve, if it hasn’t already.

SOS feature

Tucked in the Phonebook menu item, SOS Number option can be used to save five numbers. Once the five numbers are entered, the SOS facility will become activated. This can be used by pulling the orange button down (found at the back of the phone). A big siren will go on and the phone starts calling the first number on the SOS list and moves on to the next number if you cancel or if the other person cancels. This happens until someone picks up the call on the other side or if you pull back the SOS button to its original position.

In addition to the calls, an SMS with a canned message is sent to the SOS Numbers. Very thoughtful.

iBall Aasaan is a very useful and practical phone for senior citizens. If you are looking for a phone for your mom or dad, then this is it.

Hands-on video :