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Activity tracker app calls for help if wearer is under attack

A Hack for Her team designed the app which syncs with a Microsoft Band to help users report domestic violence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Band Aid app, designed for the Microsoft Band activity tracker, monitors changes in the wearer’s heart rate, skin temperature and position to alert emergency responders, friends or family if the wearer is injured or under attack.

The Band Aid website says the app was designed to sync with a Microsoft Band to help users discreetly report domestic violence.

“By wearing a Microsoft Band the user will allow our application to track their gravitational juxtaposition and heart rate to detect stress,” according to the website’s description. “When stress is identified, a pop up will appear on the band screen to offer help at the tap of the wrist.”

An eight person Hack for Her team developed the application. Hack for Her is an organization that raises awareness of the opportunity and benefits of building experiences that treat women as first-class customers.

Future features under consideration include applying machine learning to detect if the user needs help, partnering with domestic violence centers, and integrating with social media sites.

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