14 DAY TRIAL // Google's newly launched Trusted Contacts app is not your usual security Android app. The search giant targets a specific type of Android users, so don't expect Trusted Contacts to be a very complex app supposed to protect your phone/tablet from unwanted intrusions.
Trusted Contacts is a personal safety application that allows users to share their location with loved ones anytime, anywhere, but especially when emergencies arise. The app will work even when the phone is offline or you can't get to it.
If you want to know more details about Trusted Contacts, read on. First of all, as soon as you install the Android application, you will be able to assign the “trusted” status to your closest friends and family. These persons will be able to see your activity status.
Whenever you find yourself in a location where you feel unsafe, you can immediately share your location with your trusted contacts. Moreover, if your trusted contacts are worried about you, they can choose to request to see your location. Obviously, you can deny sharing your location with them if everything is fine.
However, if for some reason you are unable to respond to the request within a time limit, your location will be automatically shared with your trusted contacts. Here is how the app works in day to day life, as explained by Google:
“Elliot heads out for a hike on his own, telling Thelma he’ll meet her for coffee later. About an hour in, Elliot realizes he’s strayed off the path and lost service. When Elliot doesn’t show up at the coffee shop, Thelma starts to worry.
Because Trusted Contacts works even if a phone is offline, Thelma requests Elliot’s location and in five minutes can see that his last known location was in the middle of the canyon. Thelma calls the nearest ranger station, they send out a rescue party, and find Elliot in a few hours.”
The application even allows you to invite a friend to virtually walk you home if you're feeling unsafe. Simply open Trusted Contacts and share your location with one of your friends.
Now, your friend will be able to virtually walk you home. As soon as you reach safety you can simply tap the banner at the top of the screen for the lockscreen to stop sharing your location.
Trusted Contacts is now available as a free download via Google Play store. It should be fully compatible with all devices running Android 4.1 and up.
