Videocon adds 'panic button' app across its entire smartphone portfolio

Videocon has announced to add ‘Panic Button’ across its entire smartphone portfolio, starting with the Cube 3 priced at Rs 8490. It has launched an ‘SOS-Be Safe’ emergency response app. This app will use the power button as the panic button to send an alert to the numbers added in the emergency list at the time of requirement. This move comes in support of government’s provision of a mandatory ‘Panic Button’. Earlier this year, the department of telecommunications (DoT) issued a circular notifying all mobile phone handset manufacturers to install a panic button and global positioning system (GPS) in all handsets by January 2017 and January 2018, respectively. It comes with three features namely, Walk With Me, Reach on Time and Alarm. Walk with Me lets users send an emergency alert to their family or friends. Reach on Time feature lets them set location such as home or office and their normal travel timing. Finally, the ‘Alarm’ option lets users enable/disable the power button to alarm and customize the message to be sent when notifying their emergency contacts. The app also provides the map view of the nearby police stations and hospitals. The Videocon Cube 3 will be the first smartphone to feature this app. Its a 5-inch display, with a spec sheet including 3GB RAM, 13MP rear snapper, 4G VoLTE and 3000mAh battery. Akshay Dhoot, Head- Technology and Innovation, Videocon said, “Videocon Smartphone is a consumer-first brand aiming to create indigenous devices, matching up the growing needs of consumers and smartphone eco-system in the country. Smart devices packed with powerful and utility led features are shaping the consumer aspirations and industry growth. With smartphones impacting our lives in many ways, emergency response system or panic button is certainly the need of the hour. We welcome the recent provision by government for devices with emergency response facilities as it will provide a new direction for the industry to empower smartphone users. We are confident that our latest Cube3 handset featuring ‘SOS-Be Safe’ will assist smartphone users during different kind of emergency situations and enhance consumer experience.”