Australian 'œSOS' software app for Nokia phones could save lives

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 08 December 2008 11:24

IT Industry - Strategy

The first thing you’ll need to get the software going is a Nokia or Symbian-equipped GPS phone.

Although there are many models available on $0 plans over 24 months, the average outright cost of such a (nowadays standard) phone is around the $500 mark, becoming more expensive if you get the latest models like the Nokia N96.

The MySpot V.3 software package costs AUD $299, with a monthly online subscription of AUD $24.95, although the price is lowered if paid annually, rather than on a monthly basis.

The main features in summary:

Your subscription plan includes online access to:

- The last location of the mobile plotted on Sensis street level mapping.

- The ability to poll the mobile via the web page at any time (SMS cost extra) to find its location.

- Receiving regular location reports at specified intervals that can be plotted as a “breadcrumb” trail on Google maps as well as appearing in a History report. “Track On” and “Track Off” may be set online.

- Setting an electronic security fence which if breached will send a notification by free email and SMS (cost extra) to a list of contacts.

- A duress alarm system that enables the mobile to send a panic message, first to a dedicated SMS number and then broadcast to a notification list of mobile numbers and email addresses, which results in an audible red alert on the Gofinder web page. A number specified on the phone is also called, and if picked up opens a two – way communication channel.  A “Condition Check” may be set, so that an automatic panic message is sent after the lapse of a specified time e.g the user can set a one hour condition check when entering a situation of potential risk, and if not reset, will result in a panic message being sent after 59 minutes.