I posted this in regards to enhancing a protective details security plan. If you are protecting a client that has a smart phone, having a SOS Link set up on it could definitely help out. Especially for stalkers or during the early phases of kidnapping. I am not sure about the language transmitter though, and I don’t think that would be enough to stop anyone. But taking video and recording sound as soon as the SOS Link is pushed on a phone is very handy, and puts that information into the right hands. That information could be crucial to the investigation of trying to find a person within the first 48 hours. Even the GPS function will be nice, all the way up until the bad guys detain the phone. Interesting stuff and the various applications being made for these phones is amazing. –Matt
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SOS Link Gearing Up to Turn Smartphones Into Personal Security Devices
SEATTLE, June 17 /PRNewswire/ — Beta testing commenced today on SOS Link, an innovative new application that transforms smartphones into powerful personal security systems. Currently being tested on the popular iPhone 3G, SOS Link combines a patented smartphone application with web-based wireless service to provide the world’s first mobile personal security system.
When faced with a potential threat or emergency, a smartphone user simply presses the SOS Link icon and aims the camera. Instantly, an audio warning sounds in English and Spanish, while the camera takes continuous photographs of the incident, emailing them instantly. Once the warning broadcast is complete, audio is recorded and emailed. All emails are sent to a secure database and up to four designated emergency contacts. Emails arrive in as little as 15 seconds. An automated telephone call and voice message back up the notification process.
Unlike conventional video surveillance systems, SOS Link uses wireless continuous image technology. This patented image capture and transmission method combines high throughput, low bandwidth requirements, and data encryption to provide a perfect image solution for smartphone applications.
The new SOS Link solution, believed to be the first of its kind, offers multiple benefits. The audio-warning component alerts the community to an emergency while deterring perpetrators. Photographs and audio recording provide timely, accurate, and unbiased evidence of the incident, which could prove invaluable to authorities. Instant email and telephone alerts mean victims’ emergency contacts are notified immediately, so they can prepare and respond quickly.
SOS Link President Steve Petherick expects the new application will have wide appeal. “As our society becomes more mobile, there’s a need to add a new layer of security around our personal space wherever we are,” he says. “SOS Link is part of a larger solution addressing threats, crime, and harmful situations to individuals.”
The test period will continue for 45 days and involve up to 100 users. Commercial application for the iPhone 3G using OS2.2 and 3.0 is expected to be available in September 2009. Development of the application for the RIM Blackberry, Palm Pre and other smart phones is underway.
Those interested in purchasing the application when it is released are encouraged to register online with SOS Link at www.soslink.com.
SOS Link is a division of EvidencePix, Inc. a private research and development company based in Seattle, Washington, with offices in Santa Ana and San Francisco, California and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Company holds patents and patent pending technologies for a number of applications and services.
Website here.
Story here.