Ripple takes the form of a wearable item of technology, in the form of a penny-sized Bluetooth button. The button-sized device can be attached to clothing, a keychain or jewelry, either as a basic design or as something more fashion conscious (the company have teamed up with Louis Tamis & Sons to create a silver locket that can hold the Ripple device).
The wearable connects with an app. The app is downloadable to all major devices, including iOS and Android. The app is used to securely hold personal information about the user. This can include medical information (such as whether the user is a diabetic or have any other underlying health concern).
The idea of the Ripple app is that when the wearable button is pressed, a signal is sent to a team of specialists who then contact the appropriate local emergency service (such as police, fire, or medical). This is designed to happen seamlessly, without a single word being exchanged.
The developers hope the app and wearable introduce a degree of security, whether that is for people with health issue, or for those who worry about their personal safety (such as those who walk alone through dark streets or who might worry about breaking down on a road).
The app and wearable is the brainchild of the founders of Ripple Network Technologies, Inc. – Rees Gillespie and Jaime Gomez. The two founded the company in 2015.
When the button is activated a signal is sent to safety experts at the company Tunstall, who specialize in connected care. In a statement provided to Digital Journal, Casey Pittock, who is the President and CEO of Tunstall Americas, said: “We are excited to partner with Ripple to offer its customers a true solution to personal safety. Whether walking alone at night, meeting somebody new for the first time, facing immediate danger, or even traveling the country, Ripple’s device and service, utilizing Tunstall’s state-of-the-art response center, keep you one-click away from the help you need.”
The wearable has other useful features. It will, for instance, alert users about the battery life. When this is going down, the developers send out a new device for free.
Ripple was recently launched on Kickstarter, with a full commercial launch planned for the end of February 2017. The device is initially aimed at the U.S. market.
