Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 Update Adds Driving Mode -- Occupational Health & Safety

Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 Update Adds Driving Mode

Users can silence incoming calls and texts so they won’t be distracted by them, and they can configure Driving Mode to send automatic replies to calls or texts while they're driving.

Oct 15, 2013

Microsoft on Oct. 14 announced the new features in its Windows Phone 8 Update 3, which will roll out to existing phones during the next several months. Darren Laybourn, manager of the engineering team responsible for delivering updates for Windows Phones, explained them in a blog piece that said the team had three main engineering goals in mind:

Enable incredible new Windows Phone devices
Enhance the platform with new capabilities for current users and partners
Improve overall quality

More powerful hardware and better accessibility options are two features he highlighted, but the biggest one from a safety perspective is the new feature called Driving Mode, which is intended to reduce distractions for drivers. Working with a connected Bluetooth device allows Driving Mode to start automatically when the vehicle is started, and it allows incoming calls and texts to be silenced so the driver won't be distracted by them. Users can configure Driving Mode to send automatic replies to calls or texts when they're driving.

Product Showcase

Buddy System or Supervisor’s Package

Do You Have People Working Alone? Use an employee check-in system and a lot can happen between employee “check-in’s”. Check-in systems do not work ▪ You need an Immediate Notification System Heavy Duty-Intrinscially Safe Worker Worn Alarms Grace Lone Worker Systems: DO NOT - Rely upon cellular networks DO NOT - Require internet connections INTEGRATE with SCADA/Fire/Weather Alarms BEST OF ALL - NO Subscription Fees Check-Out our simple Buddy System or Supervisor’s Package. Advanced Location Monitoring with MS2000X ▪ SMS Safety Monitor ▪ Grace-Watch®. SC500 GracePointsφGPS® provides both outdoor GPS and indoor Grace Locator Beacon locations. See Us at ASSP Booth 2050 3
Kestrel® Heat Stress Monitoring System

Ensure worker safety & regulatory compliance with the Kestrel® Heat Stress Monitoring System from Kestrel®. With real-time remote access to critical data, leaders have the information to make timely decisions preventing workplace heat-related injuries and incidents. The Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker with LiNK connects via Bluetooth to a wall-mounted remote monitoring tablet showing current data. ºStop by ASSP Safety booth #1014. 3
ID Cards and Badges

Does your facility need forklift licenses, safety certification badges, name tags or safety reference cards? Now you can create your own durable safety ID cards or badges onsite using a standard desktop laser printer. Simply use free Avery software and templates to customize your cards or badges, and then print directly on the durable 11 mil plastic material on one or both sides. These cards and badges are waterproof, tearproof and resistant to chemicals, UV fading and abrasion – no lamination needed. For more information, see Avery® at the ASSP Safety 2023 Show booth #1662 or visit www.avery.com/industrial. 3