US telecom giant AT&T has launched Drive Mode for BlackBerry. A free app that will auto-reply to people when they text you, leaving your hands and brain free to concentrate on driving.
The app works like this. You set up your auto reply message. When you get in the car you turn the app on. Your screen becomes locked, and if I text you, I get an automatic reply text like "Hey, I'm driving. Chat later." This way I know you're driving, and you aren't monitoring your text inbox. The app also locks your BlackBerry screen, but not to worry, configurable emergency contact numbers are still available with easy to use buttons. That is why we let our teenagers have a smart phone in the car in the first place, right?
Comparable products are available out there, but they all come at a cost. I'm thrilled that AT&T has the safety of its clients in mind and is offering the software for free.
The app is currently only available to AT&T BlackBerry subscribers, but they do have versions for other smart phones slated for future release. (I have contacted Rogers here in Canada to see if they would be making the product available to their customers, and have yet to get a reply. Once I hear back I'll let you know right here!)
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