Monday, December 5, 2016

Facebook & Google Safety Check

Facebook has a safety check to let your friends and family know that you're safe in an emergency situation. After a Tsunami and the Earthquake in Italy this came into the eye of the public and helped us realize how great of a tool Facebook is for protecting the world in times of crisis. The most recent one that popped up today was for the Oakland Warehouse Fire:  https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck/?crisis_id=1761642987430823

Today Google has announced something called Trusted Contacts (read more here https://blog.google/products/maps/let-your-loved-ones-know-youre-safe-our-new-personal-safety-app/) this uses your cell phone to let trusted contacts know your last known whereabouts.

For example: "Invite a trusted friend to virtually walk you home if you feel unsafe
Elliot stayed at the office later than normal and notices it’s awfully dark out. He opens Trusted Contacts and shares his location with Thelma. Now Thelma can walk him home — virtually. When Elliot gets home, he simply taps the banner at the top of the screen or from the lockscreen and stops sharing his location."

Sharing Location
It's great to see technology improving our lives and having two of the top tech companies compete by bringing innovative ideas and products to this world.
 
Official website