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G1 app stops drivers from texting

Safety software for worried parents

If you’re worried your son or daughter is speeding around town in the family saloon and simultaneously tapping away on their G1 Googlephone, then rest easy. Because an Android platform application’s been developed that prevents texting when driving.

textecution

Textecution blocks text messaging on moving phones

Although the firm behind Textecution is keeping mum about the app’s technical specifications, it said that the software’s able to recognise when a phone’s moving in excess of 10mph. At this point, the software disables the user’s ability to both send and receive text messages.

Once the software detects that the phone’s slowed down – perhaps the owner’s pulled up at the lights? – it enables the Android phone’s texting features.

Register Hardware is a little sceptical, though. For example, won’t the app just push drivers to make calls instead? Regardless of whether the G1’s connected to Bluetooth headset.

The software doesn’t appear to make any distinction been modes of travel, either. So texting functions could be disabled by default when the user’s just a passenger and when they’re sat on a train.

Textecution’s currently only available for the G1, but plans are underway to expand its capabilities onto other handset platforms. It costs $10 (£7/€8) and can be downloaded online. ®

Latest Comments

Perfect for Britain!

You should know by now that the average speed in the UK is about 7mph, and that trains don't run, and that buses are slow. Therefore, the app is useful only if you're outside of the UK....

Mine's the one with a tube map in the pocket. Because that's a surefire way of stopping you using your phone for anything.

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Pointless

Have they ever tried texting on a G1?

Due to the layout, texting pretty much requires two hands to hold/text comfortably, not to mention you'll need to look where the keys are and read the tiny font on screen.

I'd say it's pretty much impossible to text while driving with a G1, unless of course you've a spare pair of hands and eyes..

Might be a little different when the 'cupcake' update is released giving a soft keyboard though.

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erm

Kinda seems pointless, if you want to text while driving you wont install the app or could uninstall the app, not only that what if you on a bus, etc

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Erm...

What if you're the passenger? I'm with Jon, it's another nonsensical app that will fall on it's face.

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i sense a problem

what if your jogging and texting? or even running and texting? no good for jack bauer that!

mines the one with the gps jammer in it

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