Personal security wearable not tied to a phone

Whereable Technologies has tapped cutting-edge technology from U-blox for RiskBand, claimed to be the first wearable, live-monitored personal safety device that doesn’t require connection to a cell phone. RiskBand is a small, bracelet-like device that allows wearers to summon help and stream audio and photos with just one discreet push of a button. It will use their new SARA-U201, a tiny penta-band HSPA/GSM cellular module, so wearers can reach the RiskBand Emergency Response team from anywhere on the planet that has cellular service. The device will be one of the first to incorporate this globally functioning cellular module. “When we designed RiskBand, we wanted to make sure every component was best-in-class to deliver flawlessly on our promise to provide security to our users,” said Whereable Technologies president and CEO, Jim Van Law. “The U-blox SARA-U201 allows us to not only streamline the size of the device, but also offers RiskBand wearers the unparalleled ability to get help virtually anywhere in the world in the event of an emergency.” Measuring just 16mm x 26mm x 3mm, the 96-pin device is one of the smallest cellular module ever made supporting both 2G and 3G connectivity and has global radio regulatory approvals. It will also incorporate the company’s top of the line GPS smart-antenna module with omni-directional reception in its device to ensure its location-based functions are best in class as well.