Howl - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

Yes.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

What was most difficult was assuring that we were creating features that would be of most use to users on a platform that combines security, social, Voice First and IoT. There are plenty of social platforms out there, we wanted to create a platform that prioritizes helping others. As a Howl user, each person is essentially making their community safer and resilient.

_{Benjamin Falvo & Michael Hartofilis}

Howl is a panic button to reach your friends and family when you really need them. A personal alarm if you’re in danger. A community for personal security support and discussion. And the most essential help button you’ll ever use.

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

Lemonade, for ease of access to making insurance purchasing approachable. Eero, for the ease of setting up wifi network. Sonos, as it is an IoT platform that encompasses multiple audio sources and ease of setting up hardware.

How long have you been working on this app?

3 Years.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

Two-thirds of all crime in the home happens when a person is there. This includes violent crime perpetrated by someone a person knows, when they are relaxed, doors unlocked. Traditional home security is built upon used cases, for a time when crime happens less often. We wanted to build a solution to allow a person to put their safety first that was hands-free, within an earshot, leveraging voice. Secondly, being able to connect with people who care about relevant community issues. We want to give users the ability to be aware of the things happening in their own community, near their home and family. Active and aware communities are safer communities.

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

We aren't like other platforms, on Howl there is no spam or political content. We only allow what truly matters to one and their community, making sure that we are creating positive and productive neighborhoods. Since there are different groups that users are automatically placed in such as their Street, they can connect with the neighbors who will really care. No more scrolling and finding irrelevant content, everything is specific to the user.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

We are currently in the process of making our biggest app update yet, this includes groups for users on your street and block. New features on Howl must maintain the highest standards with the mission of bettering our users' personal safety and our users' communities.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

We would love for users to share Howl with their friends and family because we have power in numbers! There might be something that someone knows, that they can share on the Howl map for everyone in the community to be aware of.