Daily Update, Jan. 16th – New Mobile App Helps You Stay Connected During a Natural Disaster

Today Microsoft announced the launch of HelpBridge, a new mobile app that enables you to get help, give help and stay connected with loved ones in the event of a natural disaster.

HelpBridge simplifies the process of contacting your family and friends in an emergency by simultaneously sending an e-mail and SMS to the communities you select as well as posting a message to your Facebook wall. You can even include your GPS coordinates so that message recipients will know where you are and the circumstances surrounding you.

The app also makes lending a helping hand easy by connecting you with some of the world’s leading disaster relief organizations and by providing multiple ways to help – text-to-give donations, larger contributions via PayPal, and goods donations.

To learn more about Helpbridge, read Microsoft News Center’s feature article, “Download a Lifeline.”

In other news, Microsoft and BMW have signed a patent licensing agreement that gives BMW broad access to the latest Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT). BMW will utilize exFAT technology to enhance the digital entertainment offerings in its line of automobiles.

exFAT is a modern file system from Microsoft that facilitates large files for audiovisual media and enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and other electronic devices. exFAT improves on its predecessor, the FAT system, and greatly expands the size of files that flash memory devices can handle by five times over previous FAT technology. It also increases the speed with which those files can be accessed.

Read more in today’s press release on the announcement.

Posted by Jeff Meisner
Editor, The Official Microsoft Blog

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