Improve usability of AMBER Alerts in iOS 6

Originator:kevinchen2003
Number:rdar://14696183 Date Originated:09-Aug-2013 09:57 PM
Status:Open Resolved:
Product:iPhone/iPod touch Product Version:iOS 6.x
Classification:Enhancement Reproducible:Not Applicable
 
09-Aug-2013 09:57 PM Kevin Chen:
Apple should work with law enforcement to improve the usability of AMBER Alerts on iPhone. This is a case where improved usability can save lives. 

Example - AMBER Alert that some Californians received recently:

AMBER Alert
Boulevard, CA AMBER Alert UPDATE: LIC/6WCU986 (CA) Blue Nissan Versa 4 door

Judging by the reaction on Twitter, most people were confused because they didn't know what an AMBER Alert was, and annoyed because they'd apparently been interrupted for nothing.

* Alert noise can be dangerous when played in a car.

* Alerts are confusing:
More people will pay attention to "Missing Child Alert"
"License Plate" is more readable than "LIC"
Since AMBER Alerts follow a mostly predictable format, this rewriting could be done on the iOS device's end (if the law allows it). 

* Alerts should have an action that leads to a webpage with more information, like pictures of the victim or more verbose descriptions.

Comments


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