Plastic Surgeon Frank Ryan Confirmed To Have Been Texting While Driving

Next to, “Don’t drink and drive” people who drive should bear in mind that they should not use their mobile phones be it to call, to text or to update their Twitter, Facebook or any other social networking accounts because like driving under the  influence it could cost them their lives.

This is exactly what happened to plastic surgeon Frank Ryan, whose clients include the likes of Heidi Montag and other celebrities, when he accidentally went over a cliff.

According to his ex-girlfriend, Charmaine Blake, Frank Ryan was texting to send a Twitter message about his border collie, Jill, who was also in the car at the time of the crash. Miraculously, Jill survived despite injuries to the head, eye and paw.

The California Highway Patrol also confirmed that Ryan was texting at the time of the accident. However, investigators have not officially determined the cause of the accident

As found in: World Correspondents, August 19, 2010 by Jennifer Mercado

Taking Care of Your Battery So You Don't Have To.

The year is 2010. Our society today functions in the virtual world just as much as they do in the real one. The influxes of time we spend with our cell phones far outweighs the time we spend without them. Business professionals and stay-at home moms alike face the same hectic schedules in their lives, always striving to meet demands. This allows little time for your phone to be plugged in and charging. With most of our lives scheduled, saved, and captured on our phones, a dead battery could be the difference between a missed event or call and an urgent notification.

Enter a revolutionary app called Battery-Alert, headlining a new trend in user-friendly apps. It allows the user to set customizable alerts for when their phone's battery drops to a certain level. It allows the user to keep track of their battery life without ever having to worry about it running out. After all, no battery does mean no phone! For the time being it is available exclusively for the Android and can be purchased at Battery-Alert.com. With the time sensitive alerts, the user gets reminded to plug their phone in without constantly having to check their battery levels. The days of phones dying at an important time are over; this app completely changes the playing field. You could even say it acts as your battery-life’s “guardian angel”.

SMSReplier Called a Back-to-School Essential!

"They can study, hold an after-school job, and keep a group of friends, but they still may need a little help from their parents in finding (and paying for) the best gear for back-to-school. Forget those boring backpacks and same ol' supplies. We've got an eye for the newest and best tech on the market for teenagers, and this guide has six amazing products and services for their class time and anytime!

SMS Replier with Drive Reply
Free for Lite Version, $19.95 for Pro Version

Does the thought of your teen on the road leave you a bit... concerned? If you've caught your child texting while driving (or being tempted to check messages), this easy fix may be for you. A simple app for Blackberry, Android, and Windows Mobile (an iPhone version will be released later this summer), the SMS Replier may literally save a life. At speeds of 15 MPH or greater, the Drive Reply feature automatically engages and responds to all incoming text messages with a customizable auto-reply, letting everyone know that driving safely comes first! All SMS communication can be put on hold until your teen arrives safely at their driving destination."

Written by Linsey Knerl for My Life Scoop, where the article can be found here.

Iconosys Launches Revolutionary Phone App

Mobile application developer Iconosys has launched a revolutionary SMS Replier Pro app for smartphones which feature the company’s proprietary DriveReply technology.

SMS Replier is a conscientious solution to the dangerous texting-while-driving social epidemic. Driver safety is very critical for families who will be travelling on the nation’s roadways and with the economy still in the dumps, more families have been opting to drive to their destination rather than fly to their destinations.

SMS Replier Pro enhances the existing and exponentially growing international SMS network, by joining it with the latest services which are readily available on the most popular Smartphone platforms; like real time traffic, mapping and GPS. SMS Replier Pro can be downloaded by users on their Smartphone through the company’s website www.smsreplier.com or by visiting the Android (News - Alert)marketplace or the marketplace for their Smartphone platform. SMS Replier Pro is currently available for Android phones like HTC Eris, Cliq, Droid Incredible, Motorola Droid, Devour, Samsung (News - Alert) M900, G1, Hero, Desire, T-mobile myTouch 3G, Sprint Samsung Moment, Zepplin, and the MB 300, whereas the versions of the same app for Windows Mobile and BlackBerry will be released during the week. AniPhone (News - Alert)-compatible version will be released shortly, by mid-summer.

When enabled, the SMS Replier Pro with DriveReply automatically sends an immediate response to inbound calls and text messages independently, allowing the driver to concentrate on the driving and not on the phone. A number of value added and rich features are available on the SMS Replier Pro, like unlimited custom messages, editable pre-loaded default messages, noreply/blocklist, white list enhancements, spam and shortcode filtering, and last but not the lease even facilitating a unique differentiation between callers and texters.

When driving, the smart technology in SMS Replier triggers the automatic text message response whenever a call or text is received by the driver; the default reply says “I’m Driving, I’ll call or text you back as soon as I arrive at my destination.”

SMS Replier Pro is available with up to 26 pre-set convenience messages with timers which can be used in a variety of situations, enabling users to choose between automatically select easy pre-loaded text message responses, or creating practically unlimited number of complete customizable responses as well.

Written by Calvin Azuri for TMCnet.com 

Link to this article

Edited by Brandon S. for Blogger.

SMS Replier Pro Thwarts Texting and Calling While Driving

source: blogs.edmunds.com, 8/6/10

There's no shortage of apps designed to thwart texting while driving (TWD), and SMS Replier Pro from Iconosys joins their ranks for those with Android devices. When enabled, SMS Replier Pro uses a phone's built-in GPS function to detect when a phone inside a car is traveling above 15 mph and automatically sends a default text reply that reads, "I'm driving. I"ll call or text you back as soon as I come to my destination," when a text or call comes in.


The SMS Replier Pro app is only available for Android phones and sells for $9.95 either on the developer's website or via the Android Market. Iconosys claims that the app will be available for BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones by next week, and for iPhones shortly afterward. While the app is primarily designed to address TWD, it can also be used for times when an owner doesn't want to be disturbed, such as at the movies or in a meeting. And while the app automatically kicks in on the go, in static situations it can be set to auto-respond.

In addition to the default driving reply, there are 20 other preset replies, such as "in class, "in meeting" or "busy." Users can also enter their own customized messages, such as "AFK" ("away from keyboard" in text-speak). Of course, you don't need an app to avoid texting while driving. You can choose to turn off your phone or ignore it while behind the wheel for free.
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SMSReplier (www.smsreplier.com) is a mobile application developed by Iconosys Inc. (www.iconosys.com) Let's help to stop texting while driving, one driver at a time!

Link to article.

Texts Be Gone

source: nytimes.com, 8/9/10

There are a number of text-blocking smartphone applications available that prevent the sending and receiving of texts in inappropriate situations, such as driving or attending class. Those products include tXtBlocker and ZoomSafer, among others.

Recently I’ve been looking at a new one: SMS Replier, from Iconysys. The app, available for Android, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones, acts like an e-mail automated response; when someone sends a text to a phone with SMSReplier, the sender receives an automated message indicating that the receiver cannot respond at the moment.

SMS Replier is highly customizable. You can choose from among a wide variety of preloaded responses, or create your own. You can personalize each response and add the sender’s name, if it’s in your address book. The program can also distinguish between texts and voice calls; if someone phones you and SMSReplier is activated, they will receive a text message stating that the receiver will call, as opposed to text, later.

The $19.95 app, which includes a year of free updates, also automatically turns on when driving, and stays on when you stop at red lights or stop signs. If you are simply a passenger, you can turn SMS Replier off, but as a safety precaution  it will automatically turn on again in 150 minutes. An algorithm, which is still under development, can also distinguish whether you are driving a car or simply riding in a train or bus. While I couldn’t test this feature (there are no trains where I live and scant buses), the app’s developer, Wayne Irving, said it will be highly accurate when available in a few weeks.

Other features include the ability to block responses to certain individuals, for example, a spouse who is tired of receiving automated messages every time you are in a meeting. Conversely, you can also create a list of five individuals whose texts will always get through, ensuring that you will never miss a message from your child — unless you have more than five children.

In testing, the app worked exactly as described. While the company sent along instructions, I ignored them and figured out the program myself, which proved to be a simple task.

SMS Replier is a useful, low-cost way to avoid the temptation to look at your smartphone whenever you hear that seductive “new text” tone — and possibly save your life in the process.


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SMSReplier (www.smsreplier.com) is a mobile application developed by Iconosys Inc. (www.iconosys.com) Everyday it helps to save lives, don't you think it is time you start saving some?


Link to this article.

SMSReplier Update 3.2 Online!

What was once an already outstanding product has gotten a small—but significant—upgrade. This is an application I have praised before on this site: SMSReplier Pro. With the new update, version 3.2, comes a new home screen for the app when you’re driving. While pictures speak louder than words (which is why the image is posted for your viewing to the left), I can only say that what seems like such a simple change is in fact quite a renovation.

When you look at how a simple text can be the difference between a dangerous and safe driving experience, or in some cases, life or death, it makes sense why a main screen change to improve safety is noteworthy. Not only does it simply improve the options for the user, it makes the entire screen easier to see and use. I’m not the only one who feels this way either; respectable sources such as Hardware Geeks claim that “DriveReply is essential." Thanks to Iconosys for the new upgrade and keep up the good work! You’re saving lives with every new development.

For more information, visit Iconosys.com and SMSReplier.com

-Written by: Brandon S.

-Edited by: James M.

SMSReplier Now for Blackberry!

BlackBerry just got better with the new addition of the SMS Replier application (www.smsreplier.com). The BlackBerry has now followed the Android and Windows Mobile phones in getting this application. This application, which is developed by Iconosys Inc. (www.iconosys.com), is revolutionary in how it helps drivers to not send that text message which could be deadly. The critics are overjoyed with this application because of its simplicity and the functionality that it brings to whichever mobile device that it is installed on. SMS Replier has both customizable and default messages which you can use to set while you are away. The app also comes with DriveReply™, which uses the phone’s built in GPS to know if you are driving that way it can send a message saying that you are driving. With many of the states banning texting and driving (and the remaining on their way to banning the activity), companies are developing applications to help drivers. Iconosys is leading the industry, with their mobile applications, to protect both the drivers and bystanders who walk along the street.

SMS Replier is well worth the money it costs to buy the application. The application is ready to download for $19.95 at the BlackBerry App World. Videos will be available to learn how to download, install, and use on the SMS Replier Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/SMSReplier).

SMS Replier is updated regularly with updates which make both the application easier and better to use. Just recently the application was updated so that it uses less of the battery while it is running. Iconosys are always thinking about the user, and they aim to satisfy. SMS Replier is proof of this. It is a necessity to have on your mobile devices and should be installed on every phone.

Written by Nick R.

Edited by Brandon S.

The New Form of Gluttony?

Times have changed. Modern society demands information at the blink of an eye. Like a double-edged sword technology has provided us with the means of obtaining information faster than we can even process it. Smart phones, the leading tool in telecommunication and information sharing; have taken over the cyber world, and with that, distracted driving has become an epidemic. The thirst for information and instant communication has created a problem so vast, it has been nearly impossible to control. Even with laws and legislations, people have found ways to hide their dirty driving habits. In 2008 alone, 6,000 people died from texting while driving. We as a society need to ban together to stop the unnecessary tragedies caused by texting and driving. The use of the internet as a media source is growing like wildfire, and we can use it as a tool to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving.

Textkills.com is one of the newest sites with the most up-to-date and inspiring pieces on texting and driving. This site keeps a fresh outlook on this deadly trend and promotes ways to stop it. Take a minute to check it out...it could just save your life.

-Written by: Leila Esmaeili

-Edited by: Philip McLean, James Maloney

City in Alabama Takes Texting While Driving into Their Own Hands

Huntsville City bans texting while driving

Mayor Tommy Battle

The state of Alabama may not have put a ban on texting while driving yet, but some cities are moving forward on the issue. On July 22, the Huntsville City Council became the 5th city in the state to make texting while driving illegal.

Proposed by Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle, the ordinance prohibits drivers from sending or receiving text messages, pictures, or emails while driving. A first offense means a fine of $100, up to $500 and three months in jail for three violations or more.

Even though all five city council members voted unanimously on the issue, some still have doubts on how the ordinance will be enforced, especially knowing it of secondary enforcement, meaning an officer must see drivers breaking another law before pulling them over for texting while driving.

“I see problems with this, but I am certainly not going to sit up here and vote against it because that would be sending the message that it’s ok to text,” said councilwoman Sandra Moon.

For Mayor Tommy Battle, this was the right decision to make the roads safer in Huntsville.

“This tonight is just a common sense idea, don’t be looking down taking your eyes off the road when you should be looking at the road,” he said.

The ordinance will take effect on September 22.

Source: WAAY TV, July 22, 2010; WAFF 48 News, July 23, 2010

How technology enhances the back-to-school experience

.....Texting is also a serious issue that has taken on many different forms, two of those being texting while driving and sexting. And while technology may be to blame, technology is also working to fix the problem. Many companies are trying to make parents sleep a little easier. Iconosys has an SMS Replier, which sends a prewritten message out to people who text someone when he or she is driving. That way, they don’t feel pressured to whip their phone out and start texting as they cruise down the highway. Although the SMS Replier is available now for certain phones, it is not yet ready for the iPhone but should be soon. That’s great for texting while driving....
- As found in the "LA Tmes" (6/15/10)

Speech Recognition Texting vs Automated Texting

Recently there has been a lot of commotion to ban texting and driving in the United States and throughout the world. There are many companies out there trying to develop new applications and devices to prevent texting and driving accidents from happening. Due to an uprising in many new developers coming out and sharing their products, some people have questions. One of the biggest ones is whether the applications which will read you the text and then allows for speech to text replies, or the applications which will send out an automated message every time you receive a text or a call is better.

What are the Pros and Cons of Speech Recognition?

The pros of the speech recognition applications are that you can know what the text said and then send an immediate text back. Although this would be a nice application to have, and could potentially be very useful… it still doesn’t get rid of the fact that it is still distracting. Sure, you do not have to be looking down at the phone and completely focused on what is being texted, but you still will end up looking at the phone and making sure what you said is texted. There was a recent video of the CEO of one of these companies displaying their product and while he was being filmed he drove through a red light. So, obviously these products still are not distraction free.

What are the Pros and Cons of Automated Text Response?

The pros of the automated text response applications are that your mind and focus can be full on the road and on what is happening around you. Also, with products like SMSReplier (http://www.smsreplier.com/) , it allows you to send either a default or custom message back to people stating what your current activity is. Little innovations like this are what is driving the industry forward and helping to prevent more texting while driving accidents. The only downside to applications like SMSReplier is that you cannot send the text right that minute; you would have to wait to send the response that you wanted to send when you arrive at your destination.



The Verdict…

I would have to go with the automated texting response applications, such as SMSReplier (http://www.smsreplier.com/). It is a lot safer for the user and still gets the job done. I would trade my safety for a late text message any day of the week.

For more information about SMS Replier and other available features visit http://www.smsreplier.com/ or http://www.iconosys.com/. For news and stories about texting and driving visit http://www.textkills.com/.

Technology That Makes Your Smart Phone...Smarter

As the advancements in technology continue, the hazards that accompany them become more prevalent. The turn of the 21^st century marked the era of instant communication. Cell phones have become a commodity, and texting a tool. As great as this may seem, the dangers that they entail are now being recognized.  In recent studies, the statistics show that 21% of teens that have been involved in a car accident were distracted by their phones.

So, why don’t the lawmakers do something about it?

They have, but regardless of the many laws banning cell phone use while driving, and the strict compliance from the police; the accidents from texting and driving continue to pile up. 

Why?

 The results of a recent study show that 52% of teen drivers answer cell phone calls and 34% admit to text messaging while driving. Realizing that laws alone cannot cap the death toll caused by texting and driving, Wayne Irving, CEO of Iconosys, took matters into his own hands by creating an app for one’s phone that limits its distracting potential while one is driving. This app, SMS Replier, is a revolution in the cell phone industry, demonstrating the full potential of a smart phone. This product, available for the Blackberry, Android, Droid X, Windows mobile, and most other smart phones, does not “brick” the phone, like many of the other competing products. Instead, SMS Replier automatically sends a response set by the user to anyone who texts or calls a phone when the app is activated. This is an ingenious solution to the easily avoidable problem of texting and driving.

For more information about SMS Replier and other available features visit smsreplier.com or  Iconosys.com. For news and stories about texting and driving visit textkills.com.

Written by: Philip M.

Edited by: Brandon S.

Ignorance? (my personal reflection on Jennifer Flockhart's story)

                It’s funny how fast things can change. Blink and you’ll miss it. Or in Jennifer Flockhart’s case, send a text message. The Iowa teen was killed in a car accident when she sent a text message that caused her to drive into a ditch. She was only 17. I am 17. A few weeks ago, I was speeding on the freeway; texting like it was going out of style. I was ignorant and irresponsible. I could've ended up like the young Ms. Flockhart.  This seems to be one of those issues where the phrase “ignorance is bliss” comes to mind. People figure if they don’t know the dangers of texting and driving, they are immune. I, however, strongly disagree with the phrase “ignorance is bliss”.  In this case, it is dangerous. After doing a little digging, I quickly realized...

Auto-Reply to Texts So You Can Drive Safely!

SMS Replier Pro is a must in today’s world of hundreds of crashes caused each day because of texting and driving. It is a simple and easy to use mobile application which allows the user to not feel the need to respond back to a text message in the case they are either busy or cannot respond back for whatever reason.


Onboard, built in is Iconosys proprietary driving recognition technology known as DriveReply™. DriveReply™ makes driving safer for everyone, because DriveReply™ recognizes when your car is moving and in response it will send out an "away" text message so that the driver doesn’t have to.

SMS Replier is fully customizable, allowing for personalization of messages both while driving and in 52 or more other instances where the user would need or benefit from an "away" type message. Personalization is what separates SMSReplier w/DriveReply™ from any competitive product.

There are 52 pre-set, built in, changeable/customizable messages and the user has the ability to add an unlimited amount of custom "away" type messages for any conceivable reason or purpose. The No-Reply List is a nice feature as well; this allows you to choose who the away messages are not sent out to.

The No-Reply is a function that prevents the app from sending a auto-reply or "away" type message to.

Why is No-Reply Important?

Are there people in your life that if you contact in any shape or manner, they would receive that as an invitation to continue to contact you. Example, harassment, ex-wife, ex-spouse, ex-stalker, ex-friend, etc.

The SMS Replier is a necessary application for your mobile device. You never know when a car will dart out in front of you or if something will fall off of a truck. You never know what is happening in front of you if you are looking down at your phone instead of at the road. Your vehicle is three to seven-thousand pounds and it can kill when not stopped.

Last seconds are deadly. Recent statistics shows that 28 percent of car crashes are now caused because one of the drivers was either texting or talking on the phone. Luckily, there are companies out there such as Iconosys, the creators of SMS Replier Pro, who are putting their efforts into stopping texting and driving.

Download SMSReplier at SMSReplier.com

by: Nick R.

edited by: Textkills.com

Common Sense - Text While Driving

Basic common sense states that given two different activities of varying danger and the same end product, a person will take the safer route to reach the destination. This can be seen with many examples, such as riding a motorcycle with or without a helmet; most people would choose the safe option, of foregoing looks and wearing a helmet that could possibly save their life. However, when it comes to driving, people seemingly forget all about this principle. A statistic recently released from a joint survey between AAA and Seventeen Magazine in 2007 showed that 61% of teens admit to dangerous driving habits, and of that, 46% will admit to texting frequently while driving.

This begs the question, why?

If people have learned to take the safer road, why do people still insist on endangering not only themselves, but others as well, on the road with texting while driving?

The answer is simple: we live in a fast-paced technological society, where responses are expected near instantaneously. When we’re driving, we feel the need to respond to whoever tries to contact us to keep up with the social norm, no matter how much we may be putting ourselves into harm’s way.

How can we fix this?

The answer is simpler than you think. Programs, such as SMSReplier with DriveReply, are designed to alleviate both of these problems at the same time. How it works is as an “away message” for your phone while driving, allowing for you to seemingly respond to your friends’ attempts of calling/texting you, while at the same time keeping your focus on the road where it should be. Products like this are the answer to our problem of texting while driving that we’re faced with every day.

You can download SMSReplier from SMSReplier.com.

-Brandon S. 7/22/10

ICONOSYS BREAKS BATTERY BARRIER WITH ENHANCED DRIVEREPLY TECHNOLOGY

ICONOSYS BREAKS BATTERY BARRIER WITH ENHANCED DRIVEREPLY TECHNOLOGY

My SMSReplier™ Auto-Reply “Hi Mom, I’m sorry you caught me Driving, I’ll call you as soon as I get to my destination. K? –powered by smsreplier.com”

ORANGE COUNTY, CA, July 20, 2010 – Battery consumption is one of the most critiqued elements of smartphone usage since the introduction of the iPhone.  Iconosys today, released Version 3.1 of its SMSReplier Pro™ with DriveReply™ with battery consumption efficiency maximized for Android OS phones. By optimizing the services running on the Android and using a complex set of proprietary algorithms with respect to GPS tracking, the background DriveReply™ service is able to use a significant amount less of battery to provide its function.

The Droid X sold 100,000 units on its opening day last week on July 15^th, 2010.  The Android phones continue to gain popularity, especially while the iPhone 4 continues to struggle with its technical issues.  Tens of companies are now making the popular Google Android their chosen smart-phone platform; this includes LG, Motorola, HTC, Samsung, Google, Sanyo.  The Android OS’ open platform has only helped power this momentum shift in favor of Android. Android Marketplace reports that the number of apps available for the Android platform is now approaching the “100,000 apps” milestone almost 2 years faster than comparable growth seen by the iPhone app store.

“When using any application that depends on mapping and GPS technology to support its features, battery efficiency is very critical.  We have addressed this challenge head-on, and have in fact come up with what we believe is an excellent solution,” comments Iconosys founder and CEO Wayne Irving, II.  Irving adds, “We liken this robust update to when Microsoft made the huge step in the 90’s from Windows 3.0 to 3.1.  It’s just that good!”

Additionally, in this update to SMS Replier Pro™ 3.1, personalization has been enhanced to include more control for the user – in terms of how and where personalized identification is included in your custom auto-replies.  Instructions on how to use the new personalization enhancements are available at http://www.smsreplier.com/faq

SMS Replier Pro™ included the following features:

-Iconosys’ DriveReply™ Technology identifies if the driver is traveling at speeds of 15mph or more.  (Hi, I’m sorry you caught me driving…)

-52 Preset timer controlled convenience reply’s (I’m in a Meeting, Doing Homework, etc…)

-Virtually unlimited customizable messages

-Personalization of Replies (Hi Mom, I’m sorry you caught me driving…)

-Differentiation between Calls and Text Replies

-SPAM/Shortcode Filtering

A lifetime license to SMS Replier Pro™ is available from the Android Marketplace and SMSReplier.com website for $19.95.  DriveReply™ is available as an ala carte app from DriveReply.net for $16.95.

About Iconosys, Inc.
Iconosys, Inc. is developing a series of technologies designed to make mobile applications better, faster, easier, and ultimately safer to use. Iconosys' flagship product, SMS Replier™, is a revolutionary mobile phone application designed to address the problem of communicating safely while driving.  Iconosys' CEO Wayne Irving, a pioneer in next-generation telecom concepts, has led the drive to take advantage of GPS and other onboard Smartphone technologies to build lifesaving and life-enhancing products, and to create new and better tools for wireless platforms and operating systems. DriveReply™ technology now is up to 90% more battery efficient than any other product in its space.  For more information on Iconosys, Inc, please visit: http://www.iconosys.com or http://www.smsreplier.com. 

For further information about Iconosys, Inc. and its products or for interviews with CEO Wayne Irving II, please contact Adam Mazur at 212-843-8073 or amazur@rubensteinpr.com.  Follow SMS Replier on twitter:@smsreplier or @drivereply.