Mumbai: A new app for Microsoft Band, introduced during the “Hack for Her Hackathon” event in January, allows the smart band to alert emergency services by dialing 911 if it detects any sign of domestic violence.
According to reports, the Band Aid app monitors skin temperature and heart rate to detect a rise in stress level, and determine whether there is a chance of domestic violence.
When a level of pre-defined stress is detected, a subsequent notification pops up on the band, giving the wearer an option to call 911 with the help of the connected smartphone.
The report pointed out that the app was created to help individuals discreetly trying yo report domestic violence during an emergency situation.
“By wearing a Microsoft Band the user will allow our application to track their gravitational juxtaposition and heart rate to detect stress. When stress is identified a pop up will appear on the band screen to offer help at the tap of the wrist,” the official description of the app reads.
The mechanism is based on skin temperature readings along with a complex algorithm that can help detect high levels of stress. As the heart rate becomes more elevated and sporadic, it indicates increased stress levels.
Other than the aforementioned functions, the app also offers custom actions such as calling friends, as some individuals do not want to contact emergency services directly.
Upcoming updates of the app are speculated to adopt machine learning to improve stress detection and offer integration with local centers to ensure help for victims of domestic violence.
