The power of mobile phones go way beyond merely making and receiving calls. They have become multi-dynamic and multidimensional tools, especially in the hands of capable users. They can carry all sorts of applications, ranging from entertainment to education and security apps. In our highlight this week, we have Olaleshe – a mobile application which can be used in any case of an emergency.
Overview
Olalashe is a location-aware distress alerting mobile application. The word Olalashe means “brother” in Maasai. It is the kind of application that can be used to receive emergency messages from spouses, kids and relations in any case of danger. It helps to increase the assurance of safety knowing that they have a simple, technical and efficient way of calling for help.
Problem It Solves
The problem of personal security is one which can never be over-emphasized. Olaleshe is a geo-alert application developed to enhance the ability to easily call for help in a case of emergency or danger.
Unique Feature
It works in an efficient manner such that with the push of a button, a user in trouble can send a preset SMS or email alert to their preset emergency contacts. The message would include their location that is sent to emergency contacts. It has a single-click widget button which could be located on your home screen for quick access.
It could be useful in alerting authorities or family members, in case you find yourself in peril. At the press of just one button, multiple pre-selected people get sent an SMS and/or email with a preset message which includes your location. It allows you to do the following: Enter your In-Case of Emergency (ICE) Contacts; choose these Contacts from your phone book; Send an SMS that you are in trouble with a link to your location to all your ICE Contacts.
Value Proposition
With the way it was designed, Olalashe can help increase the sense of security of people by enabling them get help much faster, whenever they need it. In the future, security groups such as neighborhood watches or community policing may form around applications like this. The application was developed by a Kenyan – David Lemayian of Capefield Ltd.
Olaleshe won the best application in the social/communication category in the 2011 Google’s Android Developer Challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa and is currently available on the android platform presently as a free application on the Google play store.
Potential Coverage
Security is a huge deal anywhere in the world. As such, applications such as Olaleshe have the potential for use right across the world, more so in places with high crime rates and little or inefficient policing.
Critique
It is currently available on the Android platform, but it is hoped that with the kind of problem it solves, it would be expanded to other platforms such as iOS, Blackberry and Windows. I also hope it would someday include a tracker, which updates location feedback that could help in the case of a victim being moved to a different location.
