Microsoft UK unveiled plans for a "Senior PC" at the recent Digital Inclusion conference in London. The machine, which Microsoft is developing in partnership with charities Age Concern and Help the Aged, utilizes a simple and intuitive interface that caters to older users. The machine targets over 17 million UK citizens who are described as "digitally excluded". The "senior pc" will include software that manages prescriptions, and simplified processing tools.
Microsoft is also working on an ad-funded PC and one that uses a "social software licensing model".
"In partnership with Milton Keynes council, this machine will come preloaded with a 'digital literacy curriculum' - a step by step guide to how to get online, be safe and perform simple computer tasks," the BBC says. "Initially it will be given to a thousand households and this will be gradually scaled up to 10,000."
Computers for Boomers
Microsoft Senior PC + Ad-Funded PCs
Trend Themes
1. Senior PC - Developing a computer with a simple and intuitive interface that caters to older users presents an opportunity for designing technology solutions that cater to specific demographic needs.
2. Ad-funded PC - The development of an ad-funded PC presents an opportunity to provide lower-income communities with access to technology and digital literacy training through sponsored content.
3. Social Software Licensing Model - The development of a social software licensing model presents an opportunity to provide technology solutions that cater to the needs of the community through partnerships with local governments and charities.
Industry Implications
1. Tech - The tech industry can capitalize on the opportunity to design technology solutions for specific demographic needs to ensure that everyone can access and use technology.
2. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can consider partnering with technology companies to develop technology solutions that simplify and manage patients' health information and medication prescriptions.
3. Education - The education industry can collaborate with technology companies to provide digital literacy training and technology skills to communities in need through social licensing models and ad-funded PCs.