Coffs Harbour engineer Ian Kinny has developed a Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy device which pairs with a compatible smart phone. The device features a single button, and is small enough to fit on a necklace or belt-clip. One click of the device’s button and the partner app on your mobile sends a pre-configured SMS to designated ‘help’ contacts, containing the user’s approximate GPS location as a Google Maps link.
Unlike other systems, the user doesn’t need to pull their phone out. A discrete click on the button is all that’s needed. It could be used for older folk who live independently but might need help in the event of a fall, or for lone workers who face personal security risks. Of course, it can be used in non-emergency situations as well.
Do you need to desperately get out of meetings quite often, and need a good reason? Configure the eButton to SMS a friend to have them call you, and instantly you can walk out of those tedious meetings.
The eButton device works up to 20 metres away from the user’s mobile phone, so as long as it’s in a pocket, bag, or otherwise nearby, it should work just fine. The device itself weighs just 12 grabs, and is 30 x 60 x 11mm in size; nice and small.
Because it works with your mobile, there’s no need for a third party service provider; simply buy the eButton (for $29.95) and the companion app ($1.99 for iOS and Android) and that’s it for life.
Bear in mind that, for the time being, poor iOS users won’t be able to use this as seamlessly; users will need to press a button on their phone to actually send the emergency SMS. If you’re a reader of Ausdroid, this shouldn’t be a problem for you, and if you’re thinking of an eButton for your friends, family or others, make sure they’ve got an Android 😉
20cm away or 20m?