SmartThings has introduced a new feature called SmartThings Safe Button (Free), which is now available in the SmartThings app for both iOS and Android devices. This feature is designed to help people stay connected with friends and family by making it easy to share their real-time location in situations where they want others to know that they are safe. The idea is to give users a simple way to check in with trusted contacts with just one tap, without any added cost.
The Safe Button works by sending a push notification to selected contacts, called Location Members, when the button is pressed inside the app. This notification includes the user’s current GPS location and gives the recipient the choice to call, text, or navigate directly to where the person is. The goal is to offer quick peace of mind, whether someone is walking home late, traveling, or just wants to let loved ones know they have arrived safely. The service is not linked to emergency services, so it only notifies the people you have chosen, rather than police, fire, or medical help.
To use the SmartThings Safe Button, users first need to set it up in the app. This involves opening SmartThings, selecting the Safe icon from the More tab, and following the prompts. Users can then add family or friends as Location Members by inviting them through their email addresses associated with a SmartThings account. Each Location Member needs to have both the SmartThings app and a SmartThings account to get alerts. Notifications will only be received if the recipient has enabled SmartThings notifications on their device.
The feature also supports notifications on wearable devices, such as Galaxy watches and Apple Watches, which allows Location Members to receive alerts on their wrist. At this time, users cannot request help directly from their smartwatch, but they can see notifications if they are wearing one. The SmartThings Safe Button relies on the user’s phone location, so Location Services must be enabled for the button to send accurate real-time information.
SmartThings Safe Button (Free) gives people a way to keep their inner circle updated in daily life. With about 41% of U.S. adults already sharing their location with someone they trust, this feature adds another option for quick check-ins. The company has also stated it will continue to add new safety features to the SmartThings platform in the future, aiming to improve how people stay in touch with those they care about. For more details or help with set-up, users can look at the FAQ section for SmartThings Safe Button (Free) on the company’s website.
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