It fills me with great sadness to write about Swann's new ActiveResponse Personal Safety Alarm
The compact Swann ActiveResponse alarm offers a portable solution to personal safety, with a combination of functions to help keep people safer.
Technology is at its best when it helps solve a problem through innovation and ingenuity. But I can't help but think that Swann's new ActiveResponse personal alarm isn't the solution we need to people not feeling safe.
It's probably beyond the scope of this article to argue that better societal education and support for people in lower economic circles. And more funding for intervention and support services. And better regulation of the media, including social media (and I don't just mean a blanket ban – I mean holding owners accountable for the crap they promote on their platforms).
But failing a reassessment of humanity on the whole, the ActiveResponse seems like a reasonable response to a difficult problem.
This compact device is discreet at just 60mm tall and 15mm in diameter, is powered by a single CR2 battery offering about 12 months of battery life, and twists to lock so you don't accidentally set it off.
Paired with the Swann Security app on your phone, the ActiveResponse is set to send a free SMS with your GPS location to an emergency contact when you push the button.
This is the subtle way to use the ActiveResponse.
If you feel threatened, you can pull the ring pin on the device and it will activate a loud, 120-decibel siren that can draw attention or create a distraction. It will also send an SMS.
“We’re excited to introduce ActiveResponse Personal Safety Alarm in Australia for the first time. Swann was founded to give everyday people the tools to feel safe and protected no matter where life takes them.
The ActiveResponse Personal Safety Alarm represents a next step forward in that mission, providing timely peace of mind in the face of threats, accidents and medical emergencies that anyone may experience while on the move.
Built on the legacy of our industry-leading home security cameras and doorbells, this compact device offers consumers an affordable lifeline that fits right in their bag or pocket.”
– Alex Talevski, CEO of Swann.
Pricing and availability
The Swann ActiveResponse Personal Safety Alarm is available on the Swann website and select retailers including Bunnings Warehouse, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and more, retailing for RRP AU$39.95.
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