Between texting, surfing the web, playing games and music and using other apps, some smartphone users would be lucky to have any power remaining to make an actual call. And in the case of an emergency, that's a dangerous prospect.
That could explain why AT&T is introducing its AA battery-powered emergency mobile phone, the SpareOne Emergency Phone, ready for a Friday, Nov. 6, release in stores and online for $59.99. An annual service plan for the emergency unit runs $25 and includes 120 talk minutes and the SpareOne's touted Locate and Alert service, which allows users to notify five "guardians," who will receive a call, text message or email with your whereabouts, in the case of an emergency.
The phone is also equipped with features such as a flashlight, glow-in-the-dark keypad, panic siren and SOS signal built into the phone.
AT&T is aiming the SpareOne for everyone from outdoor enthusiasts, who might encounter unforseen circumstances during their excursions that make the device handy, to grandparents, who don't necessarily tap their thumbs to Candy Crush, but may need to call you in the case of an emergency.
Perhaps the best thing about the SpareOne—beside that its AA battery-powered—is it's not a smartphone and will certainly be bought with the intentions of either stashing it in a convenient spot or carrying it along—only to be used in the case of an emergency.
Not a bad idea to buy and keep on you.
