Kodak revolutionized and modernized photography, but the company has no such ambitions with its first branded smartphone. Instead, it's banking that its name and history will convince seniors to take a brave jump into the touchscreen world.
Gizmag had a chance to go hands-on and learn about Kodak's anticipated Android phone at CES 2015, where we learned that our readers probably won't own one, but they might set one up for those who do.
The Kodak IM5 is actually made by the Bullitt Group, which also makes the rugged CAT phone. But rather than being rugged, Kodak's phone is meant to ease the transition between flip phones and that first real smartphone.
The Android phone uses oversized icons and a simplified home screen with quick link buttons for a dedicated app store, messaging, calls, photos, camera, web, email, printing, a flashlight and a magnifier function. The camera app also allows for simple edits and a button to print a photo with a single tap.
Most uniquely, the IM5 also comes with remote management software that allows a tech-savvy friend or relative of the owner to provide help and troubleshooting from any PC or tablet. It's a little like the instant help feature on Amazon's Fire devices, but rather than a call center worker, the call for help goes to a pre-selected helper (lucky you?).
The IM5 is a dual SIM device with a 5-inch 1280 x 720 LCD IPS display, a 13 megapixel camera and a 5 MP selfie shooter. It runs Android KitKat on a 1.8 GHz MediaTek octa-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. Notably, it's lacking an LTE radio, but it's targeted for launch in Europe initially soon, with a global release via eCommerce sites in the second quarter of this year.
Kodak's first Android will sell for €229 in Europe and eventually for US $249 online. That's around £185 or AU$335.
