LONDON, UK — “Reply ASAP”, the app that allowed parents to contact their kids’ phones with a guaranteed response, was short lived.
But that didn’t stop app developer Nick Herbert.
Herbert came up with the solution to a problem many parents can relate to. He was fed up trying to contact his 14-year-old son, Ben, with no response. So, he developed the app, “Reply ASAP”, so that Ben’s phone would show a message on the screen and ring, even on silent. The message would continue to pop up until there’s a response.
“He used his phone for playing games or social media things, so he had it on silent quite a lot.” Herbert tells us, “So, he either didn't hear the message come in because it was in his pocket and on silent, or it was sort of missed with all of the other social media pop-ups he would get.”
With the support of Ben, Herbert released the app. Shortly after, the Google Play Store removed it due to “malicious behavior”.
Herbert tells us, "They don't allow apps that encourage spying or surreptitious stalking." Although he says, they never explained to him how his app was breaching their rules.
Herbert, still dedicated to his project and helping parents all over, decided to not give up and to revise the app instead.
With the removal of the location service, the revised app is live on the Google Play Store with a new name: RespondASAP. According to Herbert, the app is “picking up well” among parents.
Herbert hopes to have a a version for iOS available soon.
