A new smartphone app created by a frustrated British father hopes to bridge some of the communication gap between parents and children.
Pretty much every 21st century parent can relate to a scenario similar to this: You send a text message to check on your child, only to be left in the dark for hours waiting for a response.
Nick Herbert's new creation, ReplyASAP, eliminates the wait for a response because it triggers an alarm on the recipient's phone that won't stop until they respond, even if the phone is on silent. It gets worse (for them) - the app also includes a "screen takeover," which interrupts whatever app they may be using at the time.
"If you are frustrated that your calls or text messages are missed or not seen because the person you are calling has their phone on silent all the time, then this is the app for you," the app's description on the App Store reads.
Herbert told Mashable.com he created the app because it was impossible to get ahold of his son while he was spending time with friends.
"Whenever I was trying to get hold of him, he would invariably not respond. It frustrated me," he said.
Other uses for the app Herbert has suggested include making contact with elderly family members, letting people know you've arrived at your destination safely, or letting people know you need assistance. The app is free to use with one pair of devices, but you'll have to pay extra if you have more than one kid.
ReplyASAP is available now for Android in the Google Play store - an iOS version is in development.
