Mother of three helps keep ‘dog and bone’ safe by inventing an award-winning ‘wireless leash’
An award-winning ‘wireless leash’ for mobile phones called ZOMM (www.ZOMM.co.uk) invented by a mother of three, is now available to buy in the UK. Laurie Penix and her husband Henry unveiled the gadget at CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, earlier this year. They beat some of the world’s largest technology companies to scoop the award for ‘Best Innovation’ at the show.
Using Bluetooth® technology, ZOMM prevents users from losing or misplacing their mobile phone by vibrating, flashing and sounding an alarm every time users walk away from their phone and reach a set distance. ZOMM is slightly larger than a £2 coin and is designed to be attached to key-rings. In addition to this, ZOMM also features call notification, works as a fully functional speakerphone and a personal safety device. ZOMM is the ultimate, multi-functional accessory for any Bluetooth-enabled phone.
Henry Penix, CEO and co-founder of ZOMM comments, “Everyone can relate to either losing or forgetting their mobile phone, so we created ZOMM to help prevent people from experiencing the exasperating and expensive process of getting a replacement. And it’s not just the phone – it’s the pictures, contacts and other personal information that’s so important.”
With call notification, ZOMM will flash, vibrate and sound an alert for incoming calls when the phone is out of sight – in a purse or bag. The speakerphone features a built-in, noise-cancelling microphone that allows users to answer calls with their ZOMM with just one press of a button. To send calls to voicemail, users simply press the multifunction button on the ZOMM twice.
As a personal safety device and only one press of a button, ZOMM enables users to sound a panic alarm deterring ‘would be’ attackers and notifying others nearby that they are in distress. By continuing to hold the multifunction button through the alarm, ZOMM will call local emergency assistance from anywhere in the world.
“ZOMM not only protects a mobile phone and the personal information kept on that device, but it can also help keep you and your family safe,” said Laurie Penix, ZOMM‘s co-founder. “With kids in school, it gives me peace of mind to know they have a panic alarm that will deter a would-be attacker, and the ability to call for emergency assistance in any situation.”
Key features:
– ‘wireless leash’ helps prevent mobile phone loss
– fully functional speakerphone with a noise-cancelling microphone
– personal safety device
– customisable distance for the ‘wireless leash’ so users can chose to be alerted from 9m to 20m away from their mobile phones
– ability to mute the ringer and other sounds on the mobile phone using the ZOMM
– ability to adjust the ZOMM volume from the user’s phone
– customable emergency number for ZOMM to dial
– re-chargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to three days with normal usage before needing to be recharged with the included micro USB wall charger
– comes with a micro USB cord that connects to any computer for charging the battery, activation and firmware updates, and an optional belt clip for additional functionality
Henry Penix, CEO of ZOMM comments, “Purchasing individual products to match each of the key features the ZOMM provides would cost more than £125 plus monthly fees; ZOMM wraps everything into one sleek device for £69.95 with no monthly fees. This makes ZOMM the must-have gift this Christmas for anyone who owns a mobile phone.”
ZOMM is available in both black and white colour options