App on the slopes

"Safe & Sound" is the name of the app that keeps an eye on young drivers. And helps to control the two biggest sources of danger for new drivers: speed and smartphones. Parents and child install the app. When the keys are handed over, the two apps are paired via Bluetooth.

When the son drives off, the app activates the "Do not disturb" function and thus keeps the driver away from all phone, text message and social media influences. Spotify, the basic music app for young people, can still be used - but switches to a playlist that parents can create for this purpose if the speed is exceeded. With tracks that are embarrassing to young people's ears.

Of course, this sounds first and foremost like a funny advertising idea. But the app is real and can here can be downloaded. The fact that there is only an Android version is not surprising in view of the app's heavy interference with smartphone operation. Technically speaking, the whole thing is not rocket science and presumably works perfectly: the app accesses the road data from Google Maps and, thanks to GPS, knows where the vehicle is and in which speed zone. And at what speed it is traveling.

While the Spotify story seems to be primarily a creative agency effort, the speed-dependent deactivation of smartphone functions definitely makes sense. Unless someone is mature enough to keep their hands off their beloved phone while driving without any technical assistance. (hae)