Best Buy Launches Smartphone for Senior Community

Best Buy is set to begin selling a new smartphone for seniors called Lively Smart, reports CNet . The $150 product is promoted as a simple-to-use phone outfitted with health and safety features that comes with a long-lasting battery; large text; and video chat, camera, and global positioning system functions. David Inns, Best Buy Health's president of active aging, said Lively Smart helps "meet the needs of our customers." Health and safety add-ons also are available in three optional monthly package deals. The $20 monthly package includes an urgent response button so the Lively team can confirm the user's location and situation and dispatch help. The $25 monthly package offers urgent response; urgent care calls with doctors and nurses; and "Lively Link," which sends an alert to friends and family if the user calls urgent response. Finally, the $35 monthly option includes all of the previous services, plus a personal operator who can help schedule Lively Rides through a partnership with Lyft. Users also will pay $40 a month for mobile usage, while unlimited texts are zero-charge with the two top health and safety packages.