SMS Replier Pro Thwarts Texting and Calling While Driving

source: blogs.edmunds.com, 8/6/10

There's no shortage of apps designed to thwart texting while driving (TWD), and SMS Replier Pro from Iconosys joins their ranks for those with Android devices. When enabled, SMS Replier Pro uses a phone's built-in GPS function to detect when a phone inside a car is traveling above 15 mph and automatically sends a default text reply that reads, "I'm driving. I"ll call or text you back as soon as I come to my destination," when a text or call comes in.


The SMS Replier Pro app is only available for Android phones and sells for $9.95 either on the developer's website or via the Android Market. Iconosys claims that the app will be available for BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones by next week, and for iPhones shortly afterward. While the app is primarily designed to address TWD, it can also be used for times when an owner doesn't want to be disturbed, such as at the movies or in a meeting. And while the app automatically kicks in on the go, in static situations it can be set to auto-respond.

In addition to the default driving reply, there are 20 other preset replies, such as "in class, "in meeting" or "busy." Users can also enter their own customized messages, such as "AFK" ("away from keyboard" in text-speak). Of course, you don't need an app to avoid texting while driving. You can choose to turn off your phone or ignore it while behind the wheel for free.
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SMSReplier (www.smsreplier.com) is a mobile application developed by Iconosys Inc. (www.iconosys.com) Let's help to stop texting while driving, one driver at a time!

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Texts Be Gone

source: nytimes.com, 8/9/10

There are a number of text-blocking smartphone applications available that prevent the sending and receiving of texts in inappropriate situations, such as driving or attending class. Those products include tXtBlocker and ZoomSafer, among others.

Recently I’ve been looking at a new one: SMS Replier, from Iconysys. The app, available for Android, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones, acts like an e-mail automated response; when someone sends a text to a phone with SMSReplier, the sender receives an automated message indicating that the receiver cannot respond at the moment.

SMS Replier is highly customizable. You can choose from among a wide variety of preloaded responses, or create your own. You can personalize each response and add the sender’s name, if it’s in your address book. The program can also distinguish between texts and voice calls; if someone phones you and SMSReplier is activated, they will receive a text message stating that the receiver will call, as opposed to text, later.

The $19.95 app, which includes a year of free updates, also automatically turns on when driving, and stays on when you stop at red lights or stop signs. If you are simply a passenger, you can turn SMS Replier off, but as a safety precaution  it will automatically turn on again in 150 minutes. An algorithm, which is still under development, can also distinguish whether you are driving a car or simply riding in a train or bus. While I couldn’t test this feature (there are no trains where I live and scant buses), the app’s developer, Wayne Irving, said it will be highly accurate when available in a few weeks.

Other features include the ability to block responses to certain individuals, for example, a spouse who is tired of receiving automated messages every time you are in a meeting. Conversely, you can also create a list of five individuals whose texts will always get through, ensuring that you will never miss a message from your child — unless you have more than five children.

In testing, the app worked exactly as described. While the company sent along instructions, I ignored them and figured out the program myself, which proved to be a simple task.

SMS Replier is a useful, low-cost way to avoid the temptation to look at your smartphone whenever you hear that seductive “new text” tone — and possibly save your life in the process.


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SMSReplier (www.smsreplier.com) is a mobile application developed by Iconosys Inc. (www.iconosys.com) Everyday it helps to save lives, don't you think it is time you start saving some?


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A little comparison. Android vs Apple

Lets have ourselves a little comparison.

Phones that use iPhone OS©

iPhone

Phones that use Android OS©       

Commtiva Z1

Vega Android Tablet

Dell Streak (UK)

Motorola Motus

Dell Mini 3iX (Claro)

LG GW880

Camangi WebStation

Zii Egg

HTC Lancaster

AT&T Heron

Google Nexus One

AT&T Dell Aero

Droid Incredibl

HTC Hero

Haier H7

HTC Evo 4G

Dell Mini 3iX (Claro)

Sony Ericsson Aino

Motorola Flipout

Sony Ericsson X10

myTouch 3G Slide

HTC Hero

HTC Dream

HTC Aria

HTC Wildfire

HTC Desire

HTC Dragon

HTC EVO 4G

HTC MyTouch 3G

HTC Bravo

HTC Legend

LG GW620 

HTC Magic

Samsung Galaxy S

Dell Streak (O2)

Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet

GeeksPhone One

Huawei U8230

QiGi i6 Goal(TechFaith Lancer)

HTC Tattoo

Motorola Droid X

Motorola Cliq

Motorola Dext

LG Eve GW620

LG Ally

Motorola Charm

Motorola Motoroi

Motorola Devour

Motorola Cliq XT

Motorola Milestone XT720

Motorola Calgary

Motorola Morrison

Motorola Droid

Motorola Backflip

Motorola Opus One

Samsung Captivate

General Mobile Dual-SIM DSTL1

Samsung Galaxy I7500

Samsung Galaxy Spica GT-i5700

ODROID

Acer A1 Liquid

Samsung Moment

Samsung Behold 2

Sony Ericsson X10 Mini

Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro

T-Mobile Pulse

T-Mobile G1

T-Mobile Garminfone

                                                                                   

is there even a comparison?

SMSReplier Update 3.2 Online

What was once an already outstanding product has gotten a small—but significant—upgrade. This is an application I have praised before on this site: SMSReplier Pro. With the new update, version 3.2, comes a new home screen for the app when you’re driving. While pictures speak louder than words (which is why the image is posted for your viewing to the left), I can only say that what seems like such a simple change is in fact quite a renovation.

When you look at how a simple text can be the difference between a dangerous or safe driving experience, and in some cases, life or death, it makes sense why a main screen change to improve safety is noteworthy. Not only does it simply improve the options for the user, it makes the entire screen easier to see and use. I’m not the only one who feels this way either; respectable sources such as Hardware Geeks claim that “DriveReply is essential." Thanks to Iconosys for the new upgrade and keep up the good work! You’re saving lives with every new development.

For more information, visit Iconosys.com and SMSReplier.com

-Written by: Brandon S.
-Edited by: James M.

SMSReplier Now for Blackberry!

BlackBerry just got better with the new addition of the SMS Replier application (www.smsreplier.com). The BlackBerry has now followed the Android and Windows Mobile phones in getting this application. This application, which is developed by Iconosys Inc. (www.iconosys.com), is revolutionary in how it helps drivers to not send that text message which could be deadly. The critics are overjoyed with this application because of its simplicity and the functionality that it brings to whichever mobile device that it is installed on. SMS Replier has both customizable and default messages which you can use to set while you are away. The app also comes with DriveReply™, which uses the phone’s built in GPS to know if you are driving that way it can send a message saying that you are driving. With many of the states banning texting and driving (and the remaining on their way to banning the activity), companies are developing applications to help drivers. Iconosys is leading the industry, with their mobile applications, to protect both the drivers and bystanders who walk along the street.

SMS Replier is well worth the money it costs to buy the application. The application is ready to download for $19.95 at the BlackBerry App World. Videos will be available to learn how to download, install, and use on the SMS Replier Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/SMSReplier).

SMS Replier is updated regularly with updates which make both the application easier and better to use. Just recently the application was updated so that it uses less of the battery while it is running. Iconosys are always thinking about the user, and they aim to satisfy. SMS Replier is proof of this. It is a necessity to have on your mobile devices and should be installed on every phone.

Written by Nick R.
Edited by Brandon S.

The New Form of Gluttony?

Times have changed. Modern society demands information at the blink of an eye. Like a double-edged sword technology has provided us with the means of obtaining information faster than we can even process it. Smart phones, the leading tool in telecommunication and information sharing; have taken over the cyber world, and with that, distracted driving has become an epidemic. The thirst for information and instant communication has created a problem so vast,  it has been nearly impossible to control. Even with laws and legislations, people have found ways to hide their dirty driving habits. In 2008 alone, 6,000 people died from texting while driving. We, as a society, need to ban together to stop the unnecessary tragedies caused by texting and driving. The use of the internet as a media source is growing like wildfire, and we can use it as a tool to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving.

Textkills.com is one of the newest sites with the most up-to-date and inspiring pieces on texting and driving. This site keeps a fresh outlook on this deadly trend and promotes ways to stop it. Take a minute and check it out...it could just save your life.

-Written by: Leila Esmaeili

-Edited by: Philip McLean, James Maloney

City in Alabama Takes Texting While Driving into Their Own Hands

Huntsville City bans texting while driving

Mayor Tommy Battle

The state of Alabama may not have put a ban on texting while driving yet, but some cities are moving forward on the issue. On July 22, the Huntsville City Council became the 5th city in the state to make texting while driving illegal.

Proposed by Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle, the ordinance prohibits drivers from sending or receiving text messages, pictures, or emails while driving. A first offense means a fine of $100, up to $500 and three months in jail for three violations or more.

Even though all five city council members voted unanimously on the issue, some still have doubts on how the ordinance will be enforced, especially knowing it of secondary enforcement, meaning an officer must see drivers breaking another law before pulling them over for texting while driving.

“I see problems with this, but I am certainly not going to sit up here and vote against it because that would be sending the message that it’s ok to text,” said councilwoman Sandra Moon.

For Mayor Tommy Battle, this was the right decision to make the roads safer in Huntsville.

“This tonight is just a common sense idea, don’t be looking down taking your eyes off the road when you should be looking at the road,” he said.

The ordinance will take effect on September 22.

Source: WAAY TV, July 22, 2010; WAFF 48 News, July 23, 2010