Silent Beacon, Inc., a startup from Germantown, Md., takes advantage of Bluetooth technology to provide a new kind of alert system for people who find themselves in troublesome situations, such as accidents and robberies. It’s a similar concept to LifeAlert and Lifeline but makes use and enjoys the benefits of modern smartphones.

Called the Silent Beacon, it is a small waterproof device that attaches to a keychain and is connected with an app via Bluetooth. A user simply has to click a button and it will send text messages and emails to specified contacts as well as emergency personnel. Up to three contacts can be selected using the free app, with a paid version that allows for more selections and customization of the email and text messages. The device also immediately transmits the user’s GPS location, making it easier and faster for emergency respondents and contacts to find them and allowing all relevant information to be sent in a single message with no need for a dialogue.

The Silent Beacon does not need to be near the connected device, it only must undergo an initial setup before working regardless of distance. It can even be paired with a tablet or computer at home, as long as it has Bluetooth functionality. The battery lasts up to six months but is not rechargeable and must be replaced regularly. However, the app provides updates on battery life and notifications when it is running low in order to prevent issues regarding this matter.

Image courtesy of Indiegogo

For $59.99, it is available for preorder through the Silent Beacon website and an Indiegogo campaign. There are no additional fees after the purchase of the device, unless the user chooses to upgrade the app to the premium version. This undercuts other forms of alert systems by hundreds of dollars, making it quite affordable, accessible and practical for people in all age groups.

To bring this product into the market the crowdfunding campaign must reach a goal of $48,000. Five days into it, just over $4,000 has been raised. The campaign is scheduled to end on September 14, 2014.

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