Burner now lets Android users have disposable phone numbers, gives iOS app a refresh
Many months have gone by since we first heard about Ad Hoc Labs' Burner application, which brought a new kind of disposable digits service to folks with an iPhone. Well, starting today, those with an Android handset can also snag throw-away phone numbers via the newfangled app on Google's flavorful platform. Naturally, Burner for Android will perform in a similar fashion to its iOS counterpart, allowing users (that are in the US) to seamlessly choose from an array of different plans that'll determine how many minutes / texts any given number is good for -- don't worry, we're sure you'll come across one that's perfectly suited for your business.
Customers on Apple's side, meanwhile, can expect to experience some improvements within the app thanks to a recent update. Burner says its iOS offering has been enhanced in a number of ways, including "smarter" notifications as well as the ability to keep easier track of conversations by way of favoriting and archiving. And although this particular sector may be looked upon with uncertainty, Ad Hoc Labs CEO, Greg Cohen, says his team is just happy to be able to provide "an important tool for users to protect themselves by adding an extra layer of anonymity to their phones." Craigslist, anyone?
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Burner App by Ad Hoc Labs Now Available on Android
Burner for iOS Also Gets Significant Upgrade and Now Free to Download
Los Angeles, CA – April 10, 2013 -- Burner, the mobile privacy app by Ad Hoc Labs, is now available on Android in the Google Play Store and is now free for download on both Android and iOS. The Burner app puts users in control of their mobile identity and is a first step toward solving the growing problem of mobile privacy.
Burner has also made significant upgrades to its iOS app. New features include customizable voicemail greetings; the ability to manage call history by starring, renaming or hiding conversations; improved notifications of in-bound calls, missed calls, and voicemails and other enhancements. In addition, consumers can now refer Burner to friends to earn credits for their account.
"We're really excited to launch Burner for Android. Android is a huge market opportunity for us, and along with making Burner for iOS free, is a key step in making Burner available to everyone" says Greg Cohn, CEO Ad Hoc Labs. "As privacy is becoming an increasingly hot issue in the mobile space, Burner is an important tool for users to protect themselves by adding an extra layer of anonymity to their phones."
Burner enables users to obtain disposable numbers for voice and SMS communication. A user can have as many numbers as he or she wants, use each as a private line on iPhone or Android, and "burn" the number whenever he or she is done. Named one of Time Magazine's Top 10 Apps of 2012, Burner is beneficial as a privacy layer in many situations, from posting contact information on social media, facilitating transactions on classified sites, online dating, professional use by teachers, doctors and lawyers, and more.
"Burner provides that extra layer of security people wish they had when meeting and dealing with strangers on the Internet," says Burner user Josh R., a 30-year-old chef from Houston, TX who has found the app especially useful for posting on Craigslist. "It's so nice and convenient to sever the connection from annoying people who hold on to and misuse your number even after a posting is long gone."
Jeffrey Z., a teacher from Danbury, CT, uses Burner to create a buffer between himself and his students when he offers his contact information. He says, "I would not want students to have my personal phone number for any reason-I think we all know how teenagers can be."
Once a user downloads the free iOS and Android app, he or she can create a "Sample Burner" for free. Additional numbers can be purchased via credit packages starting at $1.99. There are also extension options available for purchase.
About Ad Hoc Labs, Inc.
Ad Hoc Labs is a mobile software company focused on creating tools to give consumers tighter control of their personal information and empower them to make smarter decisions about privacy. The company was founded by Greg Cohn (formerly of Yahoo! and several prior startups) and Will Carter (formerly of Nokia, and whose previous efforts include several early and innovative mobile and location apps). Ad Hoc Labs is located in Los Angeles, CA and is part of a burgeoning movement of startups working on mobile privacy awareness and solutions for consumers.
