ZoomSafer’s Android application is easy-to-use software for your smartphone that eliminates the temptation to text while driving and also keeps you safely connected via hands-free services. ZoomSafer’s Android app reduces the risk of getting a ticket or causing a crash, and it enables you to stay connected with friends, family and colleagues in a safe, legal and hands-free manner while driving. It also provides a message of social responsibility to anyone who tries to text or email you while driving since the app automatically responds back to unanswered messages to let contacts know you are driving and will get back to them when you are done.
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ZoomSafer’s Android app detects when any Bluetooth® device you choose (either installed in your car or third-party) activates to detect when you start your car. When your Bluetooth® device activates, ZoomSafer’s Android app sees the pairing and activates “safe drive mode,” allowing hands-free use of your phone without distraction. If your car does not have Bluetooth technology built in and you do not have a third-party accessory (car kit, PND, etc.) or, we can supply a Bluetooth enabled car-charger for $29.99.
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Approximately 15% of all cars currently on the road have installed Bluetooth® technology in them – and within the next few years, as many as 50% of vehicles will. However, if you don’t have an existing Bluetooth connection, there are many choices of headsets, car kits and personal navigation devices (PNDs) that all provide hands-free access via Bluetooth connection. Any type of Bluetooth solution/accessory can be used to launch safe drive mode for ZoomSafer.
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First, double check “Basic Options” to make sure that the Bluetooth® pairing option has been selected. If that is okay, check to make sure that the Bluetooth pairing is “Trusted” by going to the Bluetooth set-up function on your phone.
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There are two ways in which ZoomSafer works with a Bluetooth® pairing. First, it uses the state of the pairing (‘active’ versus ‘not connected’) to automatically turn “safe drive mode” on and off. Once in “safe drive mode,” ZoomSafer ensures that access to keyboard and screen are restricted but allows/ensure hands-free calls (inbound and outbound) go through the hands-free Bluetooth® solution or accessory. Watch this short video to see ZoomSafer in action.
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When ZoomSafer’s Android app detects that you are driving, it automatically:
Yes. For the Android Beta, ZoomSafer does not restrict your ability to make and receive phone calls – it only ensures that they are done in a hands-free manner. Enterprise customers can restrict phone calls by policy.
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For the Android Beta, we’ve configured the ability to make calls in one of two ways: either by using your voice dialing capabilities or by pressing the “Phone” key on the lower left of the screen to get access to the native phone application. Allowing users to use their phone dialer is configurable but we chose to enable it for this Beta. Please follow all of your state and local laws when using your device.
Your inbound text and email messages are delivered quietly to your phone while you are driving. The messages sit behind the locked ZoomSafer™ screen and they await your undivided attention as soon as you have stopped driving. A customized auto-reply can be sent to any inbound email or text message as well as to unanswered calls. To configure these options go to “Basic Options” in the ZoomSafer™ application on your phone.
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Yes. Simply go to “Basic Options” in the ZoomSafer™ application on your device and make your desired edits for each reply option (email, text and phone calls).
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No. You can use “Basic Options” on your device to manage which of the inbound services (calls, texts, or emails) you want ZoomSafer to automatically respond to on your behalf.
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For unanswered calls, ZoomSafer attempts to send a text message back to the calling party number. The caller will not receive the text if he or she is calling from a landline phone. Also, if the calling party number is not a mobile phone number, you may also receive an error message back from your mobile carrier saying that you tried to send a text message to a non-mobile number – you can ignore and delete this message.
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You can always call 9-1-1. If you do, the software will automatically exit all aspects of ZoomSafer for a period of 60 minutes. This is required in case your call is dropped and the emergency response center needs to call you back.
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Yes.
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In the normal course of operation, ZoomSafer will automatically launch and exit safe drive mode based on the status of your in-vehicle Bluetooth profile – turn on your car and ZoomSafer launches; turn off your car and ZoomSafer exits.
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Circumstances may occur where you are in your car and parked but with your engine still running and therefore ZoomSafer will be active. To access your email or text messages when you are parked, simply press the “suspend” option and select either 1 or 5 minutes. This will tell ZoomSafer that for the next 1 or 5 minutes to allow you to use all the functions on your device. Once this time has expired, ZoomSafer will kick back in and put you in safe drive mode.
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If you are in your car and parked but with your engine still running, you can simply press the “suspend” option and select either 1 or 5 minutes. This will tell ZoomSafer that for the next 1 or 5 minutes to allow you to use all the functions on your device. This will tell ZoomSafer that for the next 1 or 5 minutes to allow you to use all the functions on your device. Once this time has expired, ZoomSafer will kick back in and put you in safe drive mode.
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You should only use the Suspend option when you are safely parked in a parking lot, drive way or other place where you are clearly out of the way of other cars.
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Simply navigate to the ZoomSafer application and click the ZoomSafer icon. Then click Basic Options. Here you can manage your Auto-Reply options, the text for your Auto-Replys as well as your preferred in-vehicle Bluetooth profile which is used to automatically start and stop safe driving mode.
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Because we give you the ability to manage “basic” preferences including Auto-Reply selections (Email, Text and Phone) and to customize Auto Reply text as well as selecting your preferred BlackBerry profile and Bluetooth parings for launch of safe drive mode. A complete set of Policy Management options is available to enterprise fleet managers within the FleetSafer Mobile Enterprise Portal.
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ZoomSafer’s Android app is in beta and is available for North American Android devices running OS 2.2 (Froyo) or higher.
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Once registered, ZoomSafer will send you an email to your phone with a single use download link. Simply click on the download link and follow the prompts. The steps to download are:
After successful installation, you will be prompted to choose an active Bluetooth pairing for your trigger.
Yes – downloading the software will only work if you open the email directly on your phone.
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Sometimes our download email goes into your spam folder – check there first. If it’s not there, send us an email atsupport@zoomsafer.com and we’ll be happy to take a closer look.
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In most cases, the entire download process takes 1-2 minutes. We’ve seen the process take longer when users are in areas with limited coverage or low bandwidth.
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Once ZoomSafer is installed, the icon will appear wherever applications normally appear on your phone after download. Many of our users move the ZoomSafer onto their Home screen after download.
Almost no effect. Because ZoomSafer’s Android app leverages the devices inherent capabilities to pair with a Bluetooth device you should see very little battery life issues.
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If you’d like to leave the beta, simply delete the app from your phone. We’d appreciate it if you would send us an email at support@zoomsafer.com including your name, email address and phone number telling us why you decided to leave our beta for Android.