To fight against insecurity, the French start-up Safee is launching an anti-aggression smartphone shell. In the event of a problem, a simple button triggers a powerful alarm, records the scene and notifies your loved ones.
Walking in the street or taking public transport can be dangerous, especially for women. Thefts, sexual assaults, harassment… You never know what could happen! The result is an oppressive feeling of danger which can make each trip anxiety-provoking. According to an Odoxa study carried out in 2020, 68% of French people feel unsafe in the street and 67% do not file a complaint during an attack. This is why the start-up from Marseille Safee is launching this November 9, on the occasion of World Anti-Bullying Day, the first anti-aggression smartphone case. This presents itself as a completely classic phone case, currently limited to certain models, except that it integrates a Bluetooth-connected box at the back. The result is rather light since the accessory weighs only 20 grams, for a thickness of 6 millimeters. Note that, for users whose smartphone model is not yet compatible with the case, it is possible to purchase only the case, which can be attached to any terminal using a magnetic sticker – the result is simply less aesthetic, and the device is not protected in the event of a fall. These products come with a dedicated application to offer more functions. An invention which was rewarded with the prize for best global innovation, in the Human Security category, at the last CES.
Anti-aggression case: trigger a powerful alarm and keep evidence
The particularity of the Safee case is an integrated button on the edge of the phone. Simply press it three times in case of danger and a 130 decibel alarm will sound – this corresponds to the sound of a jackhammer or gun. Enough to scare off a potential attacker and report a problem to people nearby. At the same time as the alarm goes off, the smartphone begins to film and record what is happening, while sending our geolocation to the emergency contacts, previously recorded. The latter can then notify the police using the data collected.
It is entirely possible to complete the system with a mobile application, currently under development. This offers four complementary functions. So, before starting our journey, we can activate the “Journey” function to allow our emergency contacts to follow the progress of the journey using geolocation. The live broadcast function also allows, as soon as the alarm is activated, to broadcast the cameras, microphone and geolocation live to them. You can then consult all the recordings and videos stored in the application in order to be able to file a complaint directly. Finally, it is possible to switch to Discreet mode, in order to record a conversation.
Indeed, beyond bad encounters suffered in public, Safee also wishes to protect those who may be attacked in closed places, particularly in cases of harassment and domestic violence. With Discreet mode, the connected box then switches to “underwater” mode. The alarm simply does not go off, so that the attacker is not alerted by any light or sound signal. But the application still takes care of filming and recording the action, while again warning our loved ones that we are in danger. This therefore allows us to discreetly obtain help while collecting tangible elements which can help us in our complaint or during a possible trial – and suffice to say that it is generally not too much!
The anti-aggression case is available for 59.90 €, only for iPhone 12 to 15 – including their Pro version – for the moment, but other models will come later. For those whose phone is not compatible, it is still possible to purchase just the magnetic case for 54.90 €. Finally, you will need to count 2.90 € per month to benefit from the application when she is ready.