React Mobile already came up with an app that helps people notify friends and family during emergencies. But now they’re joining the wearable movement to make it even easier to call for help.
The Seattle-based company this morning launched a Kickstarter for a wearable Bluetooth safety device called the React Sidekick. The wearable pairs with React Mobile’s app and lets users send a widespread emergency email or text message just by pressing a button. The alerts, which can also be posted to Facebook and Twitter, notifies your contacts that you’re in a dangerous situation and shares your location with them.
The idea is to have quick and efficient way of calling for help, rather than having to unlock your smartphone, search for the React Mobile app, and then notify a contact.
The device, which costs $29 and can be worn on a clip, keychain or carabiner, changes colors depending on your current safety status. Green means safe; yellow means your contacts are tracking your whereabouts; red means you’re in trouble and have sent alerts to your family and friends.
React Mobile co-founder Rob Monkman first realized the need for a product that could be used as a silent alert when he was a victim of a hostage situation while in college. The original idea for the app was to offer a cheaper and more efficient solution to the blue light emergency phones found on college campuses around the country.
React Mobile hopes to raise $25,000 and if successfully funded, will ship the Sidekick devices by this December.
