HelpBridge is a new Windows Phone app from Microsoft that is designed to help you get through times of emergency and find resources to help those in need.
You'll have to create a HelpBridge account based on your Facebook or Microsoft Account. As you create your account, you add emergency contacts that you can contact when you need help or just to let them know you're alright. When you do reach out for help or let everyone know your okay, the app will send a brief message and map of your location via email, sms to your contact group and there's even a way to post the message on Facebook.
If an emergency has occurred in your area and you are looking for a way to help, HelpBridge also lists a ton of resources. HelpBridge has pages listing ways to text donations, donate through your PayPal account, goods donation resources, and volunteer opportunities.
As far as your emergency contacts group is concerned, you can always edit that group or Groups such as work associates or subordinates, family members, friends, or neighbors. Just hit the three dot menu and choose group management.
Why no automated phone calls with HelpBridge? We can't be certain but while the feature would be nice, we've found that in natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) when cell towers survive the voice traffic often weighs the system down tremendously. For whatever technical reason, email and text messages go through much easier even when the network is too busy for voice calls.
HelpBridge is a nice resource app to have on your Windows Phone to bridge yourself in times of emergency when you need help or have help to offer. It's a free app for your Windows Phone that you can find here in the Windows Phone Store. It is currently only available in the U.S. and HelpBridge is also available on iOS and Android devices as well. For more information on those versions, check out the Microsoft HelpBridge website.
Source: Windows Phone Blog
Reader comments
Microsoft's HelpBridge Windows Phone app: Connecting friends, family and resources in times of emergency
Another error code started coming in marketplace :(
Me too what is going on?!
Downloaded this yesterday. Doubt I'll ever need it but it's nice that it's there.
You should hope that you won't never ever need it.
Windows phone 8. I guess
On my L900, works fine. Got it yesterday.
Must not be on up market yet :D
We had a horrible tragedy this past Sunday. I posted a link to Facebook where everyone I know can install this app, incase of an emergency.
I urge that you all post a facebook link as well, or send a link from Microsofts page to your Friends and Family so they can get this app. This is important!
Good idea, better if it worked globally..
In case of emergency, if I have good signal, I can text or email my contacts, directly, right? trying to understand, how different is this app?
WP needs to add ICE numbers, and those numbers need to be accesible when the phone is locked. Was hoping this would be in WP8... but no go.
It's really strange that they don't have the option already to mark certain contacts as ICE. I downloaded the ICE Alert app to make up for it, but really think this functionality should be in there already, I mean, would paramedics know to look for the app? Eventually I'm sure, but would likely take some time. Very good point about being able to access those numbers even if the phone is locked. Hopefully Microsoft will realize that it's something they need to incorporate immediately.
Why is this so butt-ugly?
scumdogmillionaire, I couldn't agree more.
I did find an app called "Missing Phone" that allowed me to add ICE/Contact info to my lock screen background. It is .99 cents, but it let me add a LOT of text, change font size and position... etc. Unfortunately it sets it into the background image which makes it difficult to update etc, but for now, seeing as though MS isn't offering an ICE option for phones that are locked, it is better than nothing.
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/missing-phone/2677c81b-f724-4e60-a250-85e35331032b
In my case, if my phone gets lost, hopefully someone will contact the number, or if I have an accident, someone will call my wife. :)
This looks like remnants of Microsoft Vine that never went into production.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Vine
unavailable in Germany :-(
Doesn't work. Won't connect
Apparently not available in Canada.
Did not go past adding contact on my Verizon HTC Trophy (7.5 Mango with 8773 update). Tried for 2 days in a row and gave and uninstalled it.
It's a good start they should continue development and add feature based on comments and rtequests for more functionality Thanks guys.