Google launched its latest app on December 5 called the Trusted Contacts. The app is a step by Google to counteract in emergency situations using smartphones. It reinvents the concept of emergency contact point. The tech giant released Trusted Contacts app on Monday to preserve your safety in dicey situations. What are these situations? Well, anything from a walk in a sketchy part of the city to a full-fledged natural disaster!

(Download Trusted Contacts HERE)

Currently it is only available on phones operating with the Android OS. It allows the user to give certain contacts in your phone, your exact location immediately. The location is determined with the help of the heavily used Global Positioning System.

What's New About Trusted Contact App-

Yes, there have been several apps before which do the exact same thing. However, Trusted Contacts also indicate to your emergency contacts when you are stuck with a bad cell signal (unable to send the distress signals). It also displays when your battery is dead.

"This thing really can be a powerful sensor to make sure you're okay," said David Tattersall, product manager at Google, holding up a phone during a briefing last week. "We're actually going to help some people, and potentially save some lives."

Companies have been utilising the advanced technology to assist people in emergency times. They utilise their vast network and support system to help people and their family. For instance, Facebook's Safety Check feature is activated on a local basis during natural disasters or emergencies.

This feature allows people to post and communicate on social media about their safety. Google has also put a crisis response webpage and map in place for such emergencies.

How The App Works

You can select certain people from your contacts list using the app. The limit is up to 50 people. You can choose a parent, a spouse, a friend or even a reporting manager- that's your choice. These contacts also have the app installed on their phones and they can see if your phone is "active" or not. Being active means to be able to receive proper reception. The app also lets them know when your phone is offline and when were you last active.

If you are amidst a natural disaster or not active for a long time, you can ping your contacts with your location indicating your safety. Even these contacts can ask your location on their own. You can accept or reject these requests.

However, if 5 minutes pass without your reply to such request, the Trusted Contacts app send your location automatically to the emergency contact. If in case your phone goes offline when this time frame expires, the app send the last known whereabouts.

One location is shared, your contact can view your position on a map and also track your movement. Another great thing- when you are sharing your location, a massive banner shows on your lock screen with a map. This is done so that you don't forget you are being tracked.

Privacy Concerns

Google has stated that Trusted Contact app is voluntary in nature. You can modify the settings in the app at any time and you will receive email alerts for the same. One major drawback is that this app is only available for Android phones. Google is developing an iOS version of the same but the final release date is not clear.

Have you tried the app? Let us know!

Keep watching this space for more information on the iOS version release!