BlindShell have just released version 3 of their very popular Classic range of handsets. These handsets are ideal if you’re looking for a smart phone with buttons that’s easy to use, but offers a range of smart phone functions that you can control using the keypad. Please find a list of what’s new below.

  • The Classic 3 is the same size and layout as the Classic 2 but comes in two new colours, blue and gold.
  • Start-up times have been greatly improved. The Classic 3 now starts up in less than 30 seconds. The phone is also much more responsive when typing and carrying out various tasks.
  • Ram memory has been increased from 2GB to 3GB.
  • Internal storage memory has been increased from 16GB to 32GB.
  • You can now install third party apps from the Aurora app store. This app store contains many apps that are available on the Google Play store. When you install a third party app, the screen on the Classic 3 becomes a touch screen, so you have the flexibility of navigating either using “explore by touch” by moving your finger around the screen, or navigating through the app using the phone’s physical buttons. BlindShell do not guarantee compatibility with third party apps. We have tested Facebook and BBC iPlayer on the phone and both apps seem to work fairly well. However, accessibility can vary vastly across third party apps, so you may encounter situations where parts of certain apps are not accessible. It is not possible to install your own APK files at the moment, though BlindShell are considering this as a feature in the future.
  • The Classic 3 now has a new AI assistant called Luna. You can ask Luna for facts, conduct searches on the web, open apps, and ask it to complete various tasks for you. Responsiveness and functionality is still being added/improved, so certain functions may not work immediately on launch.
  • It is now possible to copy and paste text. To access this function, you can press and hold the top left-hand button. If the option to copy text is available, you can press the Confirm button. A text box will be shown on screen which allows you to edit the text before copying to your clipboard. You can navigate through the text character by character or word by word. When finished, press Confirm, and the text will be copied ready for you to paste. The paste option can be accessed by pressing and holding the top left-hand button.
  • You can now create SMS templates for phrases that you use often and send them to single/multiple recipients.
  • You can create quick text replies which can be sent when you reject an incoming call.
  • Support for conference calling has been added. This functionality is known as three way calling in the UK.
  • A quick menu has been added which you can access by pressing and holding the top left-hand button. At the time of writing, this menu contains options to adjust speech settings, set the screen brightness, and options for copying/pasting text in certain applications.
  • When using an external keyboard, you will find an option in the keyboard section in settings to select which keyboard layout you’d like to use.
  • BlindShell have created a unique messenger program called Tandem. The Tandem application allows you to communicate seamlessly with friends and family members, even if they do not own a BlindShell phone. When the other person installs the Tandem app on their iPhone or Android phone, you will be able to call, message and communicate with them directly. This is especially useful if you find WhatsApp difficult to use. Tandem supports voice calls, video calls, and text/voice messages. All your data is encrypted whilst using Tandem.
  • It is now possible to remotely control a BlindShell Classic 3 mobile phone using the Tandem app. If you require technical assistance, another BlindShell Classic 3, iPhone or Android user can take control of your mobile phone (with your permission) to assist you.
  • BlindShell have made it extremely easy to migrate data from Classic 2 handsets to the Classic 3 using Wi-Fi direct.
  • It is now possible to turn off the phone by pressing and holding the Back button when on the main screen.

The phone is priced at £599. This includes a 2 year warranty, 64GB memory card and flip case as standard.

To learn more about what the Classic 3 has to offer, please visit our BlindShell Classic 3 page for further details.