Vodacom Launches New Watch with Panic Button

Vodacom has introduced a watch that gives customers peace of mind knowing they are in a position to reach-out for assistance from a trusted contact when they need help the most.

The African connectivity, digital and financial services company has launched Linea, the watch with a panic button that sends an SMS to five pre-determined trusted contacts with a 30-minute real-time monitoring functionality. It has been launched under the ‘Connected by Vodacom’ range.

When required, the owner of the watch can simply push the panic button on the device, and their pre-determined trusted contacts will immediately receive an alert via SMS, with a date, time, and a live GPS location link to a map to click on.

The Chief Officer of Vodacom’s Consumer Business, Jorge Mendes, said the company is excited to add another line of defence that keeps its customers connected to help with a simple touch of a button.

“This smart product demonstrates how technology can be used to request and receive assistance in an emergency, even when a mobile phone is out of reach. It further supports our further together tagline, which demonstrates what technology and the human spirit can achieve when combined together,” Mendes says.

Vodacom remains steadfast in using technology to empower those who cannot speak for themselves. From a senior citizen who falls down a set of stairs and is unable to reach their mobile device to call emergency services, to a victim of gender-based violence in potential danger.

“At Vodacom, our purpose is centred around connecting everyone for a better tomorrow, and tech solutions such as the Linea, are aimed to transform the lives of vulnerable members of our communities, for a better future” added Mendes.

The Linea boasts a 48-72 hour battery life, designed to provide users with peace of mind knowing that they have ample time to get help during an unfortunate incident.

“Linea is not only a purpose-led product to improve customer lives with a strong focus on social needs – but it is also a core part of our product expansion strategy. We want to give our customers the widest choices and a portfolio of Connected Smart Tech devices to assist with all their current and future requirements” added Davide Tacchino, Vodacom Terminals Managing Executive.

Linea is available online and in store and retails for only R499, with no monthly payments to access the service.  It comes standard with an embedded Vodacom Smart SIM for ease of convenience – there is no need to purchase a separate SIM.

Once the watch is switched on, the user connects the watch to the Linea+ app, downloadable from the Android Google Play Store and iOS Apple App Stores. Once done, the user can add and link their trusted contacts.