Microsoft Band App Provides Discreet Reporting for Domestic Violence

A new app/service for Microsoft Band owners reads skin temperature and heart rate to detect specific levels of stress that are indicators of domestic violence situations. When the apex is reached, a pop-up will display on the Microsoft Band screen, allowing the wearer to discreetly ask for help through a tap. Depending on the wearer’s response, Microsoft Band can prompt the paired smartphone to dial 911.

You can find out more about the app/service called Band Aid from the following location:

http://bandaid.azurewebsites.net/

New features are planned, including machine learning, partnerships with domestic violence refuge centers, and social listening to help improve situation detection.

The app/service was developed as part of the Hack for Her Hackathon (http://hackforher.org/) held in Seattle, WA on January 12th, 2016.