What and Why
Devices
Accounts
Registration/Download/Re-download
Activation/Speed Sensing/Automatic Activation
Safety Announcements/Volume Control
On Device Options Management
Calls/Text/Email/Auto Replys
Exiting
Password/Control Settings
Customization/MyZoomSafer.com
Cancellation
What and Why
Q. What is ZoomSafer?
A. ZoomSafer is software and services for mobile phones that eliminates the dangerous temptation to text and email while driving and simultaneously ensures that motorists use hands-free services in the event that they need to make or receive phone calls.
Q. Why would an individual use ZoomSafer?
A. Individuals, parents and teens use ZoomSafer to save lives and money. Not only does ZoomSafer reduce the risk of crashes and injuries, but, it also reduces the risk of getting a ticket, helps to lower auto insurance costs and enables you to stay connected with modern lifestyles in a safe, legal and hands-free manner.
Q. Why would a corporation use ZoomSafer?
A. Corporations use ZoomSafer to proactively enforce safe driving policies so they can save money, protect employees and minimize risks and liability.
Q. Isn’t this just another example of Big Bother?
A. It depends on your perspective. On one hand, ZoomSafer is policy management software that is designed to help families and corporations enforce safe driving policies. In this sense, ZoomSafer is a little bit like Big Brother -- always there to keep loved ones and employees safe and encourage them to make good choices when driving. On the other hand, ZoomSafer is extremely flexible and can support a wide range of policy settings, including the ability to stay connected with friends, family and co-workers via hands-free services. In this sense, ZoomSafer is definitely NOT Big Brother because it’s flexible and it doesn’t put on crimp on mobile productivity or modern lifestyles.
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Devices
Q. What devices does ZoomSafer support?
A. ZoomSafer is available commercially in North America on most BlackBerry devices. It is also available as a Free Beta test for select Windows Mobile devices. See www.zoomsafer.com/phone-types.aspx for a complete list of available phones.
Q. When will ZoomSafer support Android, iPhone, and other smart phones?
A. Support for Android is planned for first quarter 2010. An iPhone version of ZoomSafer is under investigation but we do not currently have a planned delivery date.
Q. Is ZoomSafer Hands-free/Bluetooth/Car Kit compatible?
A. Yes. ZoomSafer integrates seamlessly with a wide variety of Bluetooth devices. In fact, ZoomSafer’s innovative design ensures that drivers make and receive phone calls in a hands-free manner. NOTE: If you have a Bluetooth car kit that announces inbound phone calls, we recommend that you disable ZoomSafer’s inbound call announcement feature. To adjust this, and other settings, please visit www.myzoomsafer.com.
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Accounts
Q. Why do I need to have a web account in addition to the device software?
A. ZoomSafer is flexible and configurable safe driving software and offers a wide range of custom settings so you can personalize your safe driving experience. These settings are managed through your web account.
Q. As a parent or employer, do I have to create a separate account for my children or employees or do they use my account?
A. In the current version of ZoomSafer, each subscription requires a separate account. Future versions will allow multiple subscriptions under a single account.
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Registration/Download/Re-download
Q. How do I register for ZoomSafer?
A. You can register for ZoomSafer directly through www.zoomsafer.com (click “Register” on any page). You can download ZoomSafer for BlackBerry devices from BlackBerry App World and Handmark. The Windows mobile version will also be available in leading mobile application stores in the near future.
Q. How does the download process work from www.zoomsafer.com?
A. Once registered, we will send you an email to your phone with a single use download link. Simply click on the download link and follow the prompts. At the end of the process, ZoomSafer will ask whether you received the software directly from ZoomSafer.com or from a 3rd party application store. Choose ZoomSafer.com. You will then be asked to enter your password to complete the installation process.
Q. How does the download and installation process work from 3rd party app stores?
A. With 3rd party application stores, you receive and pay for the software before you create an account. After you download the software to your phone, you will choose “Installing from another site”. You will then be prompted to create your account by entering your personal information directly on the device.
Q. Do you have any videos showing how to register and download the software?
A. Yes! Go to http://www.youtube.com/user/ZoomSafer to see our entire collection of informational and How-To videos.
Q. I didn’t get the download email – what should I do?
A. Lots of times our download email goes into your spam folder – check there first. If it’s not there, double check that the email address you entered in the registration process matches the email address on your smartphone (this is a requirement in order for ZoomSafer to function properly). On Windows Mobile devices, if you are not using Exchange Active Sync, you may need to perform a “Send/Receive” action in order for the email to properly reach your device quickly. If those do not work, send us an email at support@zoomsafer.com and we’ll be happy to take a closer look.
Q. My BlackBerry Pearl email does not show hyperlinks to the download software.
A. Open the email and press the "5" key. The link should now be visible. Alternatively, you can copy the text with the link from the email, open the browser, click the BlackBerry button and choose "Go to". This will allow you to paste in the URL.
Q. Why do I need to give ZoomSafer device permissions when I install on my BlackBerry?
A. On BlackBerry devices, we require permissions to do things like activate the GPS and send text messages and emails on your behalf. You will prompted to view/accept the permissions changes and must approve them for ZoomSafer to work correctly.
Q. How long does it take to download ZoomSafer?
A. In most cases, the entire download process takes 1-2 minutes. We’ve seen the process take longer when subscribers are in areas with limited coverage or low bandwidth.
Q. Can I re-download ZoomSafer to my phone or to a different phone?
A. Absolutely – as a subscriber in good standing, you can re-download the application as many times as you need. Simply send us a note at support@zoomsafer.com and we’ll send you an email to the address on your account with a new download link. No matter where you originally purchased your software, choose “Installing from ZoomSafer.com” when prompted and enter your password to complete the re-installation process.
Q. What does “Installing from Another Site” mean?
A. We offer ZoomSafer through our own website and leading 3rd party mobile application stores. Customers purchasing the application through these stores will make that choice to complete their installation process.
Q. Where is ZoomSafer when it's installed on my device?
A. Once ZoomSafer is installed, the ZoomSafer icon will appear wherever applications normally appear on your phone after download. For some BlackBerrys, this is the bottom of the main screen. For others, the icon will appear in the "Downloads" folder off of the home screen. Many of our users move the ZoomSafer into their Home screen after download. If you do this, the ZoomSafer icon will appear in the same place after any subsequent downloads. For Windows Mobile devices, the software is located in the Program folder and it may also be available on your start and quick menus. For Windows Mobile devices that support the ability to customize the Today screen with specific application, ZoomSafer may also be placed there as well.
Q. If I already have an account, but I think I installed it incorrectly. What can I do to reinstall without creating a new account?
A. No problem - simply delete the application from your device, then send us a note at support@zoomsafer.com asking us to send you a new download link.
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Activation/Speed Sensing/Automatic Activation
Q. I just downloaded ZoomSafer – how do I know it’s working?
A. If your device has an internal GPS capability ZoomSafer can detect when you’re driving and will automatically activate and put your phone into safe driving mode. If you do not have GPS on your phone, you can manually activate safe drive mode when you start to drive – just like “clicking your seat belt”. Also, there are several Verizon Wireless phones with GPSs where ZoomSafer does not support auto activation. See our Supported Smartphones page for details.
Q. Can I activate ZoomSafer manually? Are there times when I should choose to activate manually?
A. Yes – you can activate ZoomSafer manually any time simply by clicking the ZoomSafer icon on your phone and then clicking on “Start ZoomSafer”. If your device doesn’t support automatic activation, then you should activate ZoomSafer before you begin driving.
Q. How does ZoomSafer sense speed?
A. ZoomSafer uses your on-device GPS to sense when you move over 15 mph. Speed sensing works in all situations where your GPS is active, can see GPS satellites, and is communicating correctly with ZoomSafer.
Q. What effect will ZoomSafer have on my battery life?
A. It depends on your smartphone. We’ve tested ZoomSafer on nearly every type of supported BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices. Generally with ZoomSafer usage, you should charge your smartphone each night. For some phones, you may need to charge your phone once during the day as well.
Q. Can I save battery by switching off the automatic speed detection for any period of time?
A. Yes! You can change your speed detection from “Automatic” to “Manual” through the Basic Options capability on your device or at www.myzoomsafer.com under the Preferences page. Doing this will enable you to save significant battery life – but, just like “clicking your seatbelt”, you will have to remember to “click ZoomSafer” when you start to drive to manually activate the service.
Q. At what speed does ZoomSafer activate?
A. 15 mph. We’ve tested this for months with thousands of activations and found it very effective in distinguishing the state of driving.
Q. Where should I place my phone while I am driving?
A. Generally anywhere you want provided that your phone can effectively use it’s GPS service. Different smartphones behave differently and we’ve seen many smartphones that will activate while inside of coats, briefcases, and even inside the trunk of a car!
Q. Why does ZoomSafer take a little longer to turn on sometimes?
A. The GPSs inside of smartphones aren’t perfect or exactly real time. Sometimes it takes a little bit of additional time for the GPS to activate or send data to ZoomSafer.
Q. Can I automatically notify friends and family that I’ve started to drive?
A. Yes – there are two ways to do this. First, you can configure ZoomSafer to automatically send an SMS message to Priority Contacts that you’ve identified on the Contacts page at www.myzoomsafer.com. Secondly, you can automatically update your Facebook status or send a Tweet through your followers on Twitter. To activate either of these features, go to the “Start Driving” tab on MyZoomSafer/Preferences.
Q. I had my BlackBerry in my holster when I started driving and ZoomSafer didn't activate completely - what happened?
A. Holsters keep ZoomSafer from making all required profile changes on activation. Simply remove your BlackBerry from your holster before you start driving to allow ZoomSafer to activate completely.
Q. How do the Twitter and Facebook updates work?
A. ZoomSafer social media updates work just like any other update service. You give permission to Facebook and/or Twitter to accept status updates from ZoomSafer. Then ZoomSafer will update your status every time you start and stop driving.
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Safety Announcements/Volume Control
Q. What is a Safety Announcement?
A. Safety Announcements are audible messages that play when you start to drive. These messages are 100% optional – but we recommend using them because, much like the seat belt reminder in your car, these reminder help to reinforce safe driving practices. You can use standard announcements, or, if you prefer, you can record up to five Safety Announcements at www.myzoomsafer.com. You can even request a loved one or a friend to record a message for you by entering their email address at the bottom of the Safety Announcements page.
Q. Can I turn off the Default Safety Announcement?
A. Absolutely. You can turn it off through either the on-device Options Management screen or through www.myzoomsafer.com.
Q. My Safety Announcements are too loud! Can I turn them down?
A. Yes – just press the volume down key while ZoomSafer is activated. You won’t see the volume control going down -- but the next time ZoomSafer activates the announcements will play at the lower level.
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On Device Options Management
Q. Why is it called “Basic Options Management”?
A. Because we give you the ability to manage “basic” features like speed detection, phone call management, and Auto-Replys directly from your device. If you want to access the detailed configuration settings you must login to your web account located at www.myzoomsafer.com.
Q. Can I prevent my child or employee from having the ability to change settings on their device?
A. Yes! You can maximize policy enforcement by disallowing access to on-device “options” simply by changing the setting on the device itself – or by visiting the account settings located at www.myzoomsafer.com. This will prevent children or employees from making unauthorized changes to their safe driving settings.
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Calls/Text/Email/Auto Replys
Q. Is there a way to disable all incoming calls while I drive?
A. Of course! You have three options for managing inbound phone calls. You choose to (1) receive all inbound phone calls, (2) receive only phone calls from designated Priority Contacts, or (3) receive no phone calls. Unanswered phone calls will be sent directly to voice mail.
Q. What happens to my inbound text messages and emails when I am driving?
A. Your inbound text and email messages are delivered quietly to your phone while you are driving. The messages sit behind the locked ZoomSafer screen and they await your undivided attention as soon as you have stopped driving.
Q. What about emergencies? Can I call 911?
A. You can always call 911. If you do, the software will automatically exit all aspects of ZoomSafer for a period of 60 minutes. This is required in case your call is dropped and the emergency response center needs to call you back.
Q. What if a non-priority contact calls me while I am driving?
A. It depends on your inbound call settings. If you choose to receive calls from only Priority Contacts, then the non-priority call will be suppressed and sent directly to voice mail. If you elect to receive all inbound phone calls, then the call will be announced to you and you choose whether you want to answer it in hands-free mode.
Q. Can I change the text of my Auto-Replys?
A. Not yet. But it's a popular feature request and we're working on it.
Q. Can I make outbound calls when I am driving?
A. Yes, but it depends on your policy settings – and you can only make and receive phone calls in hands-free mode. On BlackBerry smartphones, you simply click the left-hand convenience key (located on the side of the phone) to activate the voice dialer. On Windows Mobile phones, access to the voice dialer will be available on your screen while in safe driving mode.
Q. The Voice Calling option does not show up on my Windows Mobile safe driving screen?
A. You will need to purchase the software from an approved vendor. Just go to this link on the Microsoft site for more information.
Q. How does ZoomSafer send Auto-Replys?
A. For unanswered phone calls and text messages, we send a reply text message to the inbound phone number. For inbound emails, we reply with an email from your mailbox.
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Exiting
Q. How do I exit ZoomSafer?
A. There are two ways to exit ZoomSafer. You can exit as a “driver”. Or, you can exit as a “passenger”. When you exit as a driver, ZoomSafer immediately begins checking for speed. When you exit as a passenger, you are essentially setting a “snooze” time during which ZoomSafer does not detect speed.
Q. How do I exit as a passenger?
A. Simply click exit. Click “passenger” exit. Then select a specific period of time. Once that time has elapsed, ZoomSafer will begin checking for speed again and, if you’re still riding in a car, ZoomSafer will reactivate.
Q. Does ZoomSafer stay on at stoplights or when I am stopped in traffic?
A. Yes – you are in control of when you exit ZoomSafer. We do NOT automatically turn ZoomSafer off. This is by design because driving is naturally a “start and stop” activity – and our goal is to maximize focus and eliminate the dangerous temptation to text or email while driving.
Q. Can I disable the ability to exit as a Passenger for my child or employee?
A. Yes – you can maximize policy enforcement by disallowing access to the “passenger exit” option by visiting the account settings located at www.myzoomsafer.com. This will eliminate unauthorized “exiting” a passenger.
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Password/Control Settings
Q. What happens if I forget my password?
A. Go to www.myzoomsafer.com, enter your phone number and click “Forgot Password”. A new password will be sent to the email address on your account.
Q. As a Parent buying this for my child, how can I prevent them from changing the settings?
A. Your account and settings are password protected at www.myzoomsafer.com. Only you will have access to the settings associated with that account. You can also remove access to “on device” management directly from the phone itself, or by visiting www.myzoomsafer.com.
Q. Can I monitor “start-stop” and user “exit” behavior?
A. Yes – you can maximize policy enforcement by going to www.myzoomsafer.com and selecting “Start/Stop Notifications”. From here you can elect to receive notifications each time the user starts and stops (exits) the safe driving application. For corporate customers we have the ability to produce custom reports to help identify “at risk” drivers. This will enable you to target “at risk” employees for remedial training, or, terminate repeat offenders for violation of company policy.
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Customization/MyZoomSafer.com
Q. How long does it take to apply a policy change to the software on my phone?
A. It takes about 1 minute. On Windows Mobile devices, if you are not using Exchange Active Sync, you may need to perform a “Send/Receive” action on your device in order for the email with the policy update to properly reach your device quickly.
Q. Why do I get an email from ZoomSafer when I change my settings?
A. This email serves as a trigger mechanism. It tells the software on your phone to accept and apply the new policy settings. Once the new policy settings are applied, ZoomSafer immediately deletes the email on your device.
Q. How do I set up my Priority Contact list?
A. Enter your Priority Contacts on www.myzoomsafer.com under the Contacts page.
Q. How many Priority Contacts am I allowed to have?
A. You may have up to 20 Priority Contacts.www.myzoomsafer.com
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Cancellation
Q. How do I cancel my subscription?
A. Simply send us an email at support@zoomsafer.com including your name, email address and phone number. Please remember that there are no refunds for one time fees or past monthly subscription fees.
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