Fujitsu smartphones are almost unheard of outside of its home country, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Japanese electronics maker is a bit behind the times as far as its push for global smartphone dominance goes. But judging by its latest devices, ‘behind the times’ is exactly where it wants to be, with the launch of the world’s first ever “smart walking stick”, alongside a smartphone that’s specifically targeted at senior citizens.

The Next Generation Cane is the world’s most advanced walking stick, incorporating GPS technology to help old people find their way, while monitoring their heart rate and temperature to make sure they’re not overdoing it. Meanwhile, the GPS tracking means that concerned relatives can also keep track of the cane’s location, simply by syncing it to their computer at home.

Fujitsu showed off a prototype version of the smart cane at this week’s MWC. The company says that its stick is targeted mainly at older people, although it says that it could be used by any vulnerable person. The stick, which offers 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, is meant to serve as a reassurance for both the user and their relatives or carers. It transmits data back to a host computer, so that whoever’s at home can monitor the user’s location, heart rate and so on. Should the user deviate from their pre-plotted course, the stick vibrates to warn the user, while an arrow appears on the LED display atop the handle to show them which direction they need to be going. Moreover, if the cane detects an irregular heart rate, it can be programmed to automatically call for an ambulance.

The Stylistic S-01, which was first announced last week, offers a number of interesting features that are designed to make it more user-friendly for older people, many of whom would be decidedly uncomfortable trying to fumble their way through something like an iPhone or any of the high-end Android mobiles. First off, the device itself is designed in such a way that it’s easier to handle than other phones – it’s decidedly chunkier than most other models with its 130 x 64 x 10.9 mm dimensions, it sports a curvy design and comes with a rubberized grip – all of which makes it easier to handle.

One of the more interesting capabilities is the device’s emergency alarm, which gives off a loud noise when activated to alert people that the user is in trouble and needs help. As well as setting off an alarm, it can also be set to automatically dial pre-defined contacts, which might help to put the minds of worried family members at ease.

Where the Stylistic S-01 really stands out though is with its software. It runs Android, but it’s quite unlike any version of Android you’ve seen before, with a simplified user interface that hides away all the complicated stuff, bringing to the fore only the most important functions, such as making calls, sending messages and accessing the internet. The main homescreen sports a small number of large, clearly-labelled icons that decrease in size as you scroll down to functions that are used less. There’s also dozens of question marks throughout the interface, which, when pressed, display guides that help walk walk users through the phone. Other helpful features include the ability to change the audio frequency to make it easier for older ears to hear, a “My Number” button to help those who can’t remember their own number, and clear labels like “take a picture” and “back” used throughout rather than confusing icons that younger users are familiar with.

All in all, its clear that the designers have put a lot of effort into the Stylistic S-01, and this smartphone will certainly be a lot less daunting for those taking their first tentative steps away from a regular telephone.

So far Fujitusu hasn’t announced a release date for the Next Generation Cane, but it says that the Stylistic S-01 should be available in Europe by the summer, with the US to follow later in the year.