The Star Malaysia - Star2

Never lose your family or friends ever again

- By SHARMILA NAIR bytz@thestar.com.my

EVER been in a situation where you cannot find your family, friends or pets, say, at a huge festival or party?

Add to that a phone with a flat battery or terrible Internet connection, and the chances of you reuniting with them dissipates gradually. Okay, maybe it isn’t that dramatic.

Cue Lynq, a device that reportedly can tell how far and in which direction the users are. It doesn’t require phones, WiFi connection­s, cellular networks, maps or apps to work, and there are no monthly or subscripti­on fees involved.

The device can link up to 12 people at one time, and is claimed to use algorithms that combine GPS, and long range but low power radio with a custom antenna to track the location of users as far as 4.8km.

A single charge can supposedly provide three days of battery life to the waterproof device, which has an easy clip carabiner so it’s a great way for families to keep track of their children and pets, as well as friends looking out for each other.

There is a crowdfundi­ng campaign for Lync (bit.ly/2Kz4hN5) on Indiegogo to raise US$75,000 (RM300,000). Though there is still a month to go before the campaign ends, it has already raised US$322,310 (RM1,289,000), exceeding its goal by 430% as of press time.

If you want to be one of the backers, you can opt for the Super early Bird Lynq – Twin Pack slot by pledging US$154 (RM610). Do note there is also an additional US$20 (RM80) delivery fee to get it shipped to Malaysia. The devices are expected to be delivered in November.

however, as with any crowdsourc­ing campaign, there is no guarantee that the product offered by the campaigner will be produced or delivered so it’s important for you to evaluate a campaign and assess any possible risks before backing it.

 ?? — Lynq ?? Users can create a meet-up location for a group to gather at, and even set up a designated safe zone which alerts other users the instant someone breaches the perimeter.
— Lynq Users can create a meet-up location for a group to gather at, and even set up a designated safe zone which alerts other users the instant someone breaches the perimeter.

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