ZOMM Reviews

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

ZOMM on Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect

about ZOMM – Online:

“Where is my phone?”

If you – or your kids – find yourself asking this question several times a day, you could benefit from getting to know ZOMM. It’s a wireless “leash” that hangs from your keychain and is Bluetooth-enabled to vibrate, flash, and sound an alarm every time users walk too far away from their phone.

We liked the concept from the get-go, and found it easy to set up and activate. But what made us fall in love with ZOMM is that it can be set up to be an answerable speakerphone device because, let’s face it, just because we know our phone is in our purse doesn’t mean we can get to it at the moment the ringtone starts sounding. Another huge safety plus – it can sound a panic alarm, and by continuing to hold down the ZOMM multifunction button through the alarm, it can call local emergency assistance. Just. Like. That.

If you’re wondering if a mother was mother of this incredible invention, the answer is yes. ZOMM stands for Zac, Olivia, and Madison’s Mom.

See the original article here

Friday, September 24th, 2010

WIRED Reviews the ZOMM

ZOMM Electronic Leash

Reviewed by Michael S. Lasky  • September 23, 2010
Want a Speakerphone That Doubles as a Panic Button? We've Got You Covered
$80  •  zomm.com

Want a Speakerphone That Doubles as a Panic Button? We’ve Got You Covered

The ZOMM looks and feels like a cheap trinket you’d get at the third-rate gadget convention. But don’t let this first impression fool you. In a pinch, the ZOMM can save your cell and maybe your butt.

About the size of a prune (eww), the ZOMM attaches to a keychain or lanyard and pairs via Bluetooth to your phone. The idea: If you stray too far from the phone the ZOMM emits a high-pitched alarm or flashes its lights or vibrates indicating you’re about to leave your cell behind. Press the gigantic ‘Z’ button on the side of the ZOMM and the alarm will cease.

If that’s all the ZOMM did it certainly wouldn’t be worth 80 bucks. But the thing also moonlights as a fairly decent hands-free speakerphone. Considering the diminutive size of the device, the sound is surprisingly good at both ends of the conversation. While there is currently no volume control, an upcoming firmware update promises to add this.

The ZOMM can also act as a panic button if shit starts to get real. Say you’re about to be mugged. Hold the Z button down for 10 seconds and the alarm squeals. We’re not sure if a perp would find this aggravating (leading to an ass kicking), scary (leading to him running away), or hilarious (leading to a light ass kicking). The ZOMM will also dial 911 if you keep the button held down for additional 5 seconds. Can’t talk to the operator because your mouth is full of bloody Chiclets? The ZOMM also has a GPS that will pinpoint your location.

Initial activation, firmware updates, and programming the emergency call to a number other than 911 are all done via a small downloaded PC app. The lithium ion battery keeps the ZOMM going for about three days but has only enough power to last through, at best, 2 hours of talk time.

Still not bad for a gizmo that can potentially get you out of a jam and more importantly prevent your cellphone from being left behind. But one taxing question remains: If you use a ZOMM too much do you eventually become a ZOMM-bie?

WIRED Multitasks better than Ari Gold. Brain-dead simple to set up and activate. Stays powered for up to three days.

TIRED Lack of volume control dependent on promised firmware updates. Speakerphone doesn’t pick up sounds well unless directly in front of you. Emergency call takes at least 15 seconds to initiate.

  • Manufacturer: ZOMM
  • Price: $80

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

American Business Women’s Day – ZOMM Says Thank You

Business Women across America will be celebrated tomorrow. Since 1983, September 22 has been known as American Business Women’s Day. The American Business Women’s Association, founded in 1949, worked for decades to establish a day to recognize working women in our society.

Here at ZOMM, we want to take this opportunity to thank the women that make our work possible.

Laurie Penix ::: Without the ZOMM Mom, none of what we do would be possible or necessary. Her ingenious idea has created an entire company and worldwide buzz. As President of ZOMM, Laurie continually makes brilliant contributions to our business, marketing and sales plans. On top of that, she’s a loving wife and mother of three.

Laurie Penix - President of ZOMM

Ashley Pile ::: As Executive Assistant to our CEO, Ashley makes things happen at ZOMM headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ashley has a hand in everything from travel coordination to graphic design and news interviews. Even though Ashley makes up part of our contries young women in business, you’d never know that by the quality of work she produces for ZOMM.

Ashley Pile ZOMM

Obviously, with a powerful woman as president of our company, we are incredibly grateful for women in business.  We hope you, too, will take the time tomorrow to recognize the hard-working business women in your office.

Maybe you could even thank them with a gift, say… a small device to make sure they never lose their phone again?

Friday, September 10th, 2010

BusinessWeek Features ZOMM



“Help for Lost Cell Phones”

Certain technology products are unintentionally irritating. The Zomm and Phone Halo—two new gadgets aimed at preventing you from losing your cell phone—are irritating by design. With some 285 million mobile phones in use nationwide, the number of phones that go missing each year is about 30 million, according to Nashville-based cell-phone insurance provider Asurion. Zomm and Phone Halo seek to protect users from the annoyance of having to rush back to the restaurant they left 45 minutes ago.

The Zomm, which costs $79.99, is a circular gadget about an inch and a half in diameter. Once you pair it with your phone via Bluetooth, its large central button flashes every five seconds to reassure you it’s still within range. Walk more than 30 feet away and it begins to flash more rapidly, vibrate, and emit an alarm that commands attention. Its center button also operates as a panic button when held down for 15 seconds. First it emits an alarm, and then, if not released, it summons help to the location of your phone. Zomm also incorporates a speakerphone that allows you to answer incoming calls. The sound is fuzzy for regular use, but it’s better than fumbling around a large bag for a ringing phone.

The Zomm works with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, but the $59.95 Phone Halo—about the size of a rubber eraser—is currently limited to users of BlackBerrys and phones using Google’s (GOOG) Android operating system. (The company says iPhone compatibility is in the works.) Setup is more involved; you first have to download and install the appropriate app on your phone, then configure it. In addition to its audible alarm, you can set it up to e-mail you, or, if you don’t mind the embarrassment, to tweet a lost-phone message to your Twitter followers. You can use the Phone Halo in reverse by attaching it to some other object you don’t want to misplace, like a briefcase. Separate them too far, and the phone is preprogrammed to play the karaoke favorite (There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me.

Of the two options, the Zomm does more things and is easier to set up. For iPhone users, the $20 difference is a small price to pay compared with the agony of separation from their beloved gadget.

Read the original article here

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Typical Mac User Features ZOMM



The new ZOMM Wireless Leash – Alarm. A neat gadget for an older guy like me

As I was cruising Twitter yesterday my friend Cali Lewis (@calilewis) tweeted that John Pozadzides (@johnpoz) was “showing off the Zomm at dinner.” Ok, what the heck is a Zomm? I was intrigued and went the their web site www.zomm.comto look at this gadget I’d never heard of. You see it seems that since I turned about 45 my memory is not one of my strongest attributes. I often forget my iPhone in the house, or I panic because I think I have lost it but left it in the house. As I read about what the Zomm could do for $79.99 US., I thought maybe this is the answer to this problem.

As if we needed more proof that we live in the future we now have the Zomm. It a part Blue-tooth speakerphone, “wireless leash,” and panic button. I saw on their site that it was available at Best Buy so I went over this morning and bought one. I usually request a review unit, but given my propensity to loose things, I could not wait.

At first I thought it would be too big and the last thing I wanted was another huge dongle in my pocket. I was happily surprised that the Zomm is about the size of an old silver dollar and weighs barely a quarter of an ounce. So that for me is not a problem. I had to charge the unit for about two hours before using it, but after a very user friendly activation process (via an OS X app) the device worked just as advertised.

So here is how the Zomm works as a wireless leash. After pairing with your cell phone, it sounds an alarm, first vibrating, then flashing, and finally beeping loudly,whenever it loses the Blue-tooth link (usually at around 30 feet). I took a walk outside and about the time I got to the middle of the street sure enough I knew I did not have my iPhone 4.

So for an older guy like me the Zomm is going to keep me from forgetting my phone at home, work, or anywhere I might leave it lying around. That for me is worth the price of this device along. Now I just have to remember not to lose my keys. The Zomm also vibrates, flashes, and beeps whenever a call comes in. That’s a real advantage as sometimes I don’t feel my iPhone 4 when its on vibrate only mode.

Read the full review

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

FoxBusiness.com Features ZOMM



Summer Travel: Blue(tooth) Laws

Today, many people think driving and talking on the phone is as American as driving a convertible in the sun while blasting the Beach Boys on the radio. But talking (and texting) on the phone is a dangerous past time that legislators are trying to curb. In fact, in at least eight states, including New York and New Jersey, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless you use a hands-free device, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

There are a myriad of wireless Bluetooth speakerphones and headsets for drivers, but only a couple of models stand out. This week, I look at two of the best choices, as well as two new gadgets for people who must, absolutely must, have their cell phone with them at all times.

Zomm, $80

Leaving your phone behind can be more than just inconvenient. In an emergency, it may mean you cannot summon help. And if you leave your phone in, say, a cab and it’s stolen, you could end up the victim of identity theft.

A nifty little solution to this modern day problem is the Zomm, a pebble-shaped Bluetooth device
that can be clipped to a set of keys or a purse and paired with your phone. Then, should you travel more than 30 feet from your phone, the Zomm starts emitting an alarm. Think of it as an electronic leash that tethers you to your phone.

Read the full story

Friday, August 6th, 2010

ABC News Features ZOMM on Nationally Televised Segment


Latest Summer Gadgets

Tech guru Greg Harper on summer’s hottest products

Watch the video on ABC News

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

MSNBC Features ZOMM



Ready, set, road trip!
10 accessories to keep your summer trip rolling

The Fourth of July fireworks are over and Labor Day will be here before you know it. And since no one knows what the economy’s going to do, you might as well pack up the gang and hit the road.

The 10 accessories below can help keep you on track and, perhaps, provide a little fun along the way.

Remember Gray Powell, the Apple employee who accidentally left that prototype iPhone 4G in a bar a few months ago? Too bad he didn’t have a Zomm ($80). Essentially a Wireless Leash™, the Oreo-sized, Bluetooth-based unit beeps, flashes and vibrates anytime you and your phone get more than 30 feet apart. It also works as a speakerphone and panic button — and will surprise the heck out of the most brazen pickpocket.

Read the full story

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

ZOMM on Geek Brief TV with Cali Lewis

This is the second time ZOMM was featured on Geek Brief TV! The first time was back in January 2010, right after CES. This time, Cali has done a hands-on review. Check it out:

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Los Angeles Times Features ZOMM



Travel gear: Wireless leash keeps your cellphone from wandering

Worried about losing your cell phone? For $79.99, you can buy some peace of mind.

ZOMM is a wireless “leash,” alarm and speakerphone that uses Bluetooth technology to pair with a cellphone. When ZOMM and your cellphone are separated by 30 feet or more, ZOMM vibrates, then its lights flash and finally its alarm sounds. It sounds like something that Apple should hand out to employees, given how often iPhone prototypes show up in the wrong hands. (Yes, it works with iPhones.)

The device also has a built-in panic feature to activate for help, which I find comforting as a solo traveler. If you keep depressing the panic button, it will make your cell phone dial 9-1-1 or another emergency number that you specify. ZOMM is designed to pair with any Bluetooth phone.


Read the full article

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From Laurie's Blog

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