Company pioneers 'smart phone'

Mobile phones are often seen as aids to safety

Inventors in Nottingham are working on a gadget which transforms a mobile phone into a personal alarm, a location device and a portable burglar alarm.

The electronic box fits onto the back of a standard mobile.

It will function as a tracking device and panic alarm that can pinpoint the handset to within a few metres.

Beeston-based Professional Design Group hopes it could be a lifesaver for the elderly, people working alone and youngsters.

Panic button

The electronics inside allow the phone to be pinpointed by a call centre or internet, using GPS satellites or triangulations from mobile phone masts.

There are a lot of people who have these sort of safety concerns

Adam Gordon-Stables, Professional Design Group

The company thinks the gadget will be easier and more convenient to use than making a phone call.

PDG' s senior designer, Adam Gordon-Stables, said: "It can be held, in the pocket or wherever, and you don't have to do anything complicated.

"Just find that button, press and hold it and the message is sent straightaway. And you have the location as well."

Major manufacturers

The company believes there is a large market for the device.

Mr Gordon-Stables said: "There are a lot of people who have these sort of safety concerns. Some parents in America have gone as far as implanting computer chips in their children so they can be tracked.

"This is the only device of its kind which is part of the phone and can be taken anywhere, so it's very flexible.

"As well as the obvious applications with lone workers or the elderly, it can be left in hotel rooms and programmed to go off if disturbed."

PDG are currently negotiating with major manufacturers to get the device available as soon as possible with a price tag of between £50 - £70.