Google’s Trusted Contacts app can help users in emergency

The government of India has asked all smartphone makers to add a similar feature on all smartphones launched in India from January 2017 onwards. The feature can be installed through an app or can be a physical panic button that can trigger message alerts by pressing just a button. A few phone makers such as Intex and Videocon have already made some inroads by offering the panic button feature in their smartphones.

While not exactly a button on the phone, Google’s Trusted Contacts is a unique mobile app that helps Android users in case of emergency by sending alerts and details about the phone’s location to their friends or family members who have been listed in the app’s contact list as trusted contacts. The advantage of Google’s Trusted Contacts is that a user doesn’t require any specific smartphone to avail its benefits, but can install and use it on any Android smartphone. The app uses the phone’s GPS system which means it can provide location details even if the user is offline. Trusted Contacts is available as free download on the Google Play Store.

How does it work?

It is easy to set up. Names in your phone book will automatically show in the app and you can add up to 50 people in the Trusted Contacts list. The people in the Trusted Contacts list also need to download the app on their smartphone. Once the app is configured on the smartphone of a trusted contact, they can see the connectivity and battery status on the user’s phone.

In case you are heading out and want to keep your trusted contacts posted about your whereabouts, you can prompt the app to automatically share your real-time location details with the trusted contacts, who can see it on their Trusted Contact app or Google Maps.

If you couldn’t respond to a location request by one of the trusted contacts, the app will automatically share your location with them after 5 minutes.

Is it worth giving a shot?

It worked well with both Android 5.1- and 6.0-based smartphones The main limitation is that both parties need to have the Trusted Contacts app on their phones to take advantage of its features. Overall, the app is easy to use and can come in handy for women, children and senior citizens travelling on their own.