Post by Mystic Wanderer on Sept 5, 2015 12:30:35 GMT -6
This may have needed to go in the Science and Tech forum, but it is also "news" that people should know about, so...
There is an app that people can download for free to notify friends/family to accompany them as they walk to their destination for personal safety when they are alone.
It was created by five students from the University of Michigan to use as students walked alone on campus.
It is now available to the public, due to high demand.
I think this is pretty good idea, especially for women who may have to travel alone, although I do wonder if it could become a way for hackers to follow along and see where people live; that's the only downside.
Read more about this app here: Source Link
There is an app that people can download for free to notify friends/family to accompany them as they walk to their destination for personal safety when they are alone.
It was created by five students from the University of Michigan to use as students walked alone on campus.
It is now available to the public, due to high demand.
I think this is pretty good idea, especially for women who may have to travel alone, although I do wonder if it could become a way for hackers to follow along and see where people live; that's the only downside.
The user can send out several requests to different phone contacts in case people are not available to be a companion or not with their phones at the time.
Those contacted then receive an SMS text message with a hyperlink in it that sends them to a web page with an interactive map showing the user walking to their destination. If the user strays off their path, falls, is pushed, starts running, or has their headphones yanked out of their phone, the app detects these changes in movement and asks the user if they're OK.
If the user is fine, they press a button on the app to confirm within 15 seconds. If they do not press the button, or a real emergency is occurring, the Companion app transforms the user's phone into a personal alarm system that projects loud noises to scare criminals from the scene, and gives you the option to instantly call the police.
Those contacted then receive an SMS text message with a hyperlink in it that sends them to a web page with an interactive map showing the user walking to their destination. If the user strays off their path, falls, is pushed, starts running, or has their headphones yanked out of their phone, the app detects these changes in movement and asks the user if they're OK.
If the user is fine, they press a button on the app to confirm within 15 seconds. If they do not press the button, or a real emergency is occurring, the Companion app transforms the user's phone into a personal alarm system that projects loud noises to scare criminals from the scene, and gives you the option to instantly call the police.
Read more about this app here: Source Link
