GreatCall and Samsung Unveil Jitterbug

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GreatCall, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announce "Jitterbug", a unique combination of handset and service with unprecedented simplicity. Jitterbug is targeted towards baby boomers and their parents who seek the freedom that cellular technology offers without the complexity of current handsets and service. The announcement comes on the 33rd anniversary of the introduction of the first portable cell phone by Martin Cooper in New York City on April 3, 1973.

GreatCall was founded by industry veteran Arlene Harris, who has been called "The First Lady of Wireless". Prior to founding GreatCall, Harris was founder and CEO of the SOS emergency phone, a highly regarded cellular phone service for older, safety-oriented consumers. Cooper, who is Harris' husband and business partner, worked with her to help Jitterbug achieve a simplicity that makes cellular service accessible to new classes of consumers.

Samsung and GreatCall make a natural partnership for creating Jitterbug and bringing it to market. Samsung developed the Jitterbug handset with GreatCall's conceptual idea, using its sophisticated technology and inspired leadership to make Jitterbug as simple as a cell phone experience can be. The phones feature larger buttons, easy-to-read text, a comfortable ergonomic shape and an ear cushion for better sound quality. Jitterbug personalized services include an easy way to retrieve messages, a live operator for call-related support, and toll free secure access to a personal phone list from any phone.

In addition to a conventional 12-button direct dial model, Jitterbug also offers a model with three oversized buttons. This model is especially useful to very low use, safety-oriented users, especially older or disabled consumers. A user has the same live operator call-related assistance button. A direct dial 911 button calls for traditional emergency service. The other button can be custom programmed for the service a person most wants readily at hand, ranging from tow service to reception at their assisted living center or an in-case-of-emergency number.

The GreatCall partnership is a key example of Samsung's strategy of working with its partners to understand the needs of each distinct segment of mobile phone users and then to use the most sophisticated technology to create devices to fit those needs.

GreatCall approached Samsung to design the Jitterbug handset because Harris and Cooper believed that Samsung was uniquely qualified with the necessary sophisticated technology and the visionary leadership needed to participate in the creation of a total service experience. In return, Samsung saw the opportunity to go beyond simple handset design to achieve a larger goal of serving an entire "well-being" role for baby boomers and their aging parents.

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