Several major cities around the world are experiencing a dramatic surge in crime rates, which perhaps explains why personal security apps are increasingly becoming more popular to smartphone users. In a bid to provide an added security to people - particularly those who always go home alone late at night - a group of five students from the University of Michigan has just unveiled a smartphone app that literally gives a companion - a virtual companion.
Dubbed Companion: Never Walk Alone, this new application was developed to allow the users to reach out to their family, friends, and even police.
Through this app the users' companions can keep an eye on them while walking alone at night.
Users will simply need to key in their destinations. They will then select their companions from the list contacts. It is worth noting that the users' companions do not need to have the app for them to be reached out.
"Companion works in the background. Simply start a trip and place your phone in your pocket. Focus on staying safe, not setting up a timer or keeping your finger pressed down," reads the app's description.
The app description states a live map will be shared to the users' companions to keep track of the progress of the trip.
In addition, the application has also the power to instantly send alerts to the companions in case the following events happen to the users: headphones are pulled out of the smartphone; phones hit the ground; users do not make it to the destination on the dot; as well as when users begin to run.
The developer claims the app has also the capacity to check with the users what happened, and if the app does not receive any response for 15 seconds to confirm they are fine, it will automatically send notification alerts to their companions via the app's 'Smart Trigger.'
Additionally, the developer has made it easier for the user to connect with the authorities - since the app incorporates a feature allowing the user to call 911.
"Both men and women from all demographics have emailed us saying they'd love to use the app," said Lexie Ernst, co-founder of the app. "Lots of parents want to use the app for their children, and some people want their elderly parents to use it, too, to make sure they don't get lost."
This made the group decide to make the app available to the public.
Reports say Companion: Never Walk Alone is available for both Android and iOS devices.
To date, people from Australia can already sign up for the application over the Internet.
