A new app, called Companion, developed by a group of University of Michigan students promises to keep users safe when walking home at night. It introduces several pioneering features that mainly let users reach out to friends and family so that they can notify the authorities if something goes wrong.
The process is simple. Once the app is downloaded on the smartphone, the user simply enters the destination to then be uploaded. Friends or family members can then be added as companions, and they are not required to download the app. They will receive a text message that includes an interactive map that shows your travel progress, in real time.
The user can hit the "I feel nervous" feature if there is a threat or perception of danger. An option to call 911 is also two taps away. In addition, there is also a built-in alarm system that will be triggered if the companion senses trouble.
"It's nice to know there's a new app that I can use just in case I feel a little wary about where I'm going," Jacob Bailes, a student at Shepherd University, told Your4state.
Even parents approve the app. A Twitter post, for instance (shown below) demonstrates the reassurance it offers for those worrying at home because of the opportunity to actively participate in the safety of family members especially at night.
@getcompanion finally an app my kids think is cool. No other app has provided me more piece of mind, seriously. https://t.co/BwDHoycDZ8
— frank douglas (@fdoug23) September 8, 2015
There are several other apps that offer some semblance of security to users, such as bSafe, StaySafe and React Mobile. What sets Companion apart is that it is the first safety app developed for students, by students, noted USA Today.
The second version of the app has been released weeks ago and it has already reached more than 500,000 downloads, according to CBS Pittsburgh. Companion is available for both Android and iOS devices.
