Hi,
In the times of crisis, you call for help but may not remember a thing...there are apps that are being produced / upgraded frequently to address the distress call. One such good thing to happen to us was http://www.fightbackmobile.com - a app launched by Tech Mahindra for the world. This uses GPS, SMS etc to communicate to your predefined numbers, emails & your FB account about the alert.
Another app that I just chanced upon is HelPls (pronounced Help Please), the basic (or should I say major) difference is that you dont need to activate the app by digging into your phone but all you got to do is shake it and it does the needful. Details as below:
HelPls comes with a
number of unique features like social circles and the ability to alert
others without the use of Internet, something most other apps require.
The free app which is available for Android has a lot to offer. The
interface is fantastically designed with a big red button in the center
and the various ways to alert others around it. One can set up to 4
contacts to be alerted and the app will also send an email and post to
your Facebook page.
HelPIs requires data connectivity only at the installation phase and most of the features except social circle work without it.
So say you’re in trouble, what exactly does HelPls do.
Unlike other safety apps, which would require you to dig among your
apps to start the app, this app can be launched by just shaking the
phone vigorously. It works even if the phone is locked. One then clicks on the bright red button for a couple of seconds and your location is sent to multiple contacts.
The first is an SMS to 4 of your friends or family, which lets them know that you are in trouble.
The SMS would give details about your precise location with the help of a link to a map. HelPls also enables voice recording of up to 60 seconds
(duration can be changed in settings). This recording is sent to the
email id entered on the application.
The app also dials an emergency contact number or Police (#100) by
making a call automatically through your mobile phone within no time.
The person on the other end of the line can hear the situation you are
in.
The app posts help messages on your Facebook along with your
location. A useful feature since definitely someone will see and can
seek help on your behalf. This does not even require a data connection.
There is no Twitter integration for now but the developers plan to add
it in the near future.
One of the most unique features on the app is Social Circle which
allows a “Helpls” app user to lend a helping hand to other “Helpls” app
user in need. If someone is in distress it sends out an alerts/push
notification to other “Helpls” user in proximity (within 5km radius) for
help.
This feature shares the name, mobile number and location of person
seeking help as a push notification. Once other users receive the
notification they can choose to help the person in trouble. This feature
does require an Internet connection and is useful as the proximity of
someone close willing to help will be high and these people will get
there faster than anyone else.
When we tried out the app, most of the features worked as advertised.
The SMS, email and notification on our social networks happened
instantly. Shaking to open the app did involve a bit of vigorous
shaking. An iPhone app is expected to be released over the next couple
of weeks.
With a unique set of features this is could be a really useful app and we recommend you give it a try.
Download HelPls for Android
Be safe, be helpful and be good!
Cheers!!!