State Farm recently introduced a widget for Android smartphone users that allows drivers to automatically reply to incoming texts that are received while on the road. Named "On the Move," the app allows users to compose and preload customized messages that can be sent as automated responses to incoming text messages.
State Farm's Patty Gaumond, assistant vice president of enterprise Internet solutions, and Susan Hood, claims vice president, recently spoke with us on details of how the widget works, if it will be offered for iPhone users, and what's next from State Farm.
Briefly describe how it works.
Gaumond: "On the Move" is an Android widget aimed at combating the problem of distracted driving. It allows Android smartphone users to compose and preload customized messages that can be sent as automated responses to incoming text messages. Android owners can create their own responses and save them to a library for future use. The service works with all incoming texts, or can be limited to senders listed in the user's smartphone address book. Activating the service prior to driving is just one way to use the widget. Smartphone users also can use the service while in class, at the gym, or in a movie.
Users simply activate the auto-response function by turning on the widget and composing or selecting auto-response messages. Incoming text messages are still received and can be accessed in the user's inbox at any time.
Is it only being offered for Android users? Will an app for iPhone users be offered? Is the app limited to State Farm policyholders only? Why or why not?
Gaumond: Currently, "On the Move" is available on Android smartphones, but the State Farm development team is evaluating options beyond this platform.
We chose to create an Android widget because, of the phones we provide services for, Android is the only operating system that currently allows for widgets, and we wanted to make this safety feature as easy and as quickly accessible as possible.
State Farm's "Pocket Agent" app and "On the Move" widget are free for both policyholders and non-customers.
Is State Farm able to use its claim data to support the notion that texting while driving increases the risk of an accident?
Hood: The National Safety Council estimates that 200,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers who are texting. State Farm is a leader in research and programs aimed at preventing distracted driving and other forms of dangerous driving.
State Farm has demonstrated that it is on the cutting edge of technology. Do you have future plans for additional apps?
Gaumond: In addition to "Pocket Agent," we have developed the "Steer Clear" mobile application for iPhone and iPod Touch, and we continue to enhance our mobile Web with new features such as the FastEstimate for auto insurance.
–Eric Gilkey
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