A new South African smartphone application, Bull Horns, adds a panic button to a user’s smartphone, allowing them to dial their security company or the police automatically in an emergency situation.
Made by App Developer Studio, Bull Horns is available on both Android and Apple smartphones and is free to download and use. Other than the police and security companies, it’s designed to notify specified contacts when activated.
It allows up to five private contacts to be notified in case of emergency. The company advises adding people who live close by who can respond quickly when needed.
When the panic button is pressed, it sends an SMS to the designated contacts. The SMS reads: “I have activated and confirmed my alarm. Please do not contact me or take risks, but please do take steps to apprehend intruders.” It then redirects recipients to a Web page with additional information.
It also calls the police or the user’s security firm.
App Developer Studio MD Rob Maclean says the app’s name was inspired by the Zulu battle strategy, “Horns of the Bull”, which involves silently surrounding the enemy.
“The app was designed to notify your local community silently when there is an intruder so security companies or the police can surround the bad guys without putting you at risk.”
The app, which is monetised through advertising, comes loaded with contact details of the police and several South African security companies. In the Android version, users can add a widget to the phone’s lock screen providing quicker access to the panic button in case of an emergency. — © 2014 NewsCentral Media