The ADT FindU application uses the built-in electronic componentry of a smartphone (Blackberry, Windows Phone 8, Android and IOS) coupled with cell tower triangulation, Wi-Fi hotspot triangulation and GPS satellite positioning to accurately locate an individual via their cellular handset.
Martin Ochien’g, ADT’s Marketing and Strategy Director, said that depending on the phone model, the process of getting a satellite fix can take anywhere between 30 and 60 seconds.
To activate the app, simply double-tap, shake or swipe the screen. A customisable sensitivity meter or thumb-swipe option (not available on IOS) helps prevent accidental activations.
On receiving an alert, the ADT Monitoring Centre will contact the individual to assess their needs and dispatch the appropriate emergency services team to respond. The app continuously refreshes itself every 15 seconds to update the location of the individual, ensuring ADT always knows where the person is.
According to Ochien’g, while there are other applications on the market that provide a location service, none are supported by a full-house response component.
He says: “We have recognised that the true value in a location service is having someone come and help you when you need it. For this reason we have pooled the resources of our Armed Response team, with those of the National Sea Rescue Institute and Emergency Medical Services and/or mountain and wilderness rescue groups.”
The app enables the automatic upload of live video and audio to the Monitoring Centre. Staff there can then view what is happening, respond accordingly and not aggravate an already volatile situation.
The app also allows three configuration options:
“Personal Mode allows the user to customise the display. Deterrent Mode makes it very obvious that the phone is being tracked with sound bombing and a strobe light that are initiated upon a second activation. ‘Stealth Mode’ slips the application into the background upon activation so it is not visible on the phone that an alert has been sent and that the phone is being tracked,” said Mr Ochien’g.
The introduction of this app helps ADT to extend their ability beyond the premises where it is currently focused.
“Should a phone get lost or stolen the owner can log onto www.adtfindu.co.za and select the relevant option. The next time the phone connects to the internet – even if the app is not switched on – an alert will appear on the operators’ monitoring stack and we will be able to assist in locating the handset. This may also lead us to the criminals who stole it,” said Mr Ochien’g.
To find out more about the ADT FindU app, or to sign up for the app visit www.adtfindu.co.za
The FindU app aims to protect you in any dangerous or threatening situation, read more on how it could have helped:
Houserobbers caught in the act
Ruthless scammers exploit desperate job seekers
