Samsung Benelux presents an app for auto-reply while cycling or driving

Samsung Benelux is testing an app that should automatically reply to contacts when users are cycling or driving. This should make it easier to keep your hands off the smartphone in traffic.

According to the Samsung site, the app detects whether the user is in traffic via GPS and motion sensors and then switches on automatically. The app does provide a notification, letting users know that the app will automatically send replies when messages arrive. For example, users who are on a train or as a passenger in a car can then turn off the app.

Samung is looking for 500 testers to test whether the app works properly. When it comes out, the app will contain a standard answer, as well as an animated ‘fun’ answer and the option to formulate your own answer.

It is unknown what the exact functions of the app will be. For example, it is not known in which chat apps In Traffic Reply can provide automatic answers. It is also unknown whether it only concerns chatting or, for example, also emails.

The smartphone maker is not the first to come up with such an app. For several years now, apps and services have been trying to reduce the use of smartphones in traffic by, among other things, suppressing notifications and sending automatic replies.

Update, Friday: Samsung says the app can provide automatic replies in WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and the phone’s SMS app. The app also provides calls with an automatic answer.