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How child-security apps lengthen the reach of parents
My son recently turned 3 years old. Now that he's a "big boy," he wants to explore and run ahead of me, even though he lacks the wherewithal and caution to do so. My instincts, as a first-time father, are to hold onto him for dear life. I can't hold onto my son forever. But there are steps I can take to lengthen my reach before I let go entirely. Via GPS and beacon technology, developers are creating child trackers -- security apps and hardware to address the modern parent's primary preoccupying concern: "Where is my child right now?"
Vlingo co-founder explains data-collection issues
With Carrier IQ and O2's most recent data-snooping, people's vigilance about what information cellphones transmit is increasing. Using a Galaxy Note, AndroidPit found that every four minutes, Vlingo's voice-recognition app was sending a packet of data to an unencrypted server. The packet contained your GPS co-ordinates, IMEI (unique device identifier), contact list and the title of every song stored on your device -- without proper warning in the privacy policy you agree to when starting up the app. We spoke with co-founder John Wynn, product marketing head TJ Leonard and communications manager Erin Keleher, who gave us a full and frank discussion about what's going on and the steps it's taking to remedy the situation, which we've got for you after the break.
ZOMM announces the Lifestyle Connect, keeps your trusted friends one button away
The folks that developed the Wireless Leash Plus, keeping your iPhone close at hand via Bluetooth, have taken the personal security bit of that device a step further. ZOMM has outed the Lifestyle Connect, a personal security monitor that alerts someone from your network of trusted pals in the event of an emergency with a single button push. The device works with any Bluetooth-enabled phone and can also put you in touch with a Personal Safety Concierge 24 hours a day. And does so via the built-in speakerphone on the device if your handset happens to be beyond your reach. In the event of an emergency, the round-the-clock assistant can summon the proper authorities to your GPS location. When not serving as added individual security, the kit can be enabled as a Bluetooth speakerphone for more everyday use. Featuring both classic and low energy Bluetooth, the Lifestyle Connect can last weeks on a single charge before being replenished via USB or wall adapter. For a full rundown, peep the PR that follows past the break before snagging yours in Q2 2012.
ZOMM Wireless Leash Plus speaks up for abandoned iPhones (video)
ZOMM's Wireless Leash plus is a hockey puck you clip onto your keychain and forget about -- until things start to go wrong. Tethering to your iPhone over Bluetooth, it'll start raising hell if your phone gets too far away from you. It's also a speakerphone (with a noise-canceling microphone) for taking calls on the road, a personal attack alarm, and it'll call the emergency services at the push of a button. Paired to the free myZOMM app, you can geotag your car so you remember where it is in the multi-story lot or check out the last known location of your most precious stuff. It's shipping now for $80 and a further $30 will get you a safe driving kit, not that we need to remind you that driving with a phone in your hand is a bad thing, right?
Avurt's IM-5 launcher provides serious personal security
Mace is so last century. These days, you're not really lookin' out unless you're packing a C2 stun gun, or now, an Avurt IM-5. This pistol-like device can reportedly launch "up to five PAVA filled projectiles at attackers up to 40-feet away," and will cause an assailant's "nose, throat, and eyes to burn." Notably, this non-lethal weapon has never been associated with a death, and comes in black, blue, red, or pink color schemes. The IM-5 is available for $299, which will buy you the weapon, ten "practice rounds," a carrying case and a training DVD, and any orders placed now should ship out by the month's end.[Via Gizmodiva]
