We all worry about our children when they learn to drive, especially during the first year or two of driving alone. We can have done everything right raising them, taught them how to be good and responsible drivers and young adults and then somebody comes along and causes an accident. Sometimes, it is our child that is causing that accident because they are too busy with their social lives, as teens often are. Since we cannot trust them completely not to use their phones while driving, and the consequences are so dire, it is good to have access to a program like TextBuster.
TextBuster blocks apps, messages, and services that are inappropriate for driving, while leaving navigation and calling enabled. Online management allows users to monitor the position of the TextBuster and receive notifications when geofences are crossed or the hardware or software is tampered with. The TextBuster is a two-part system. The first bit is the physical hardware that is purchased from a retailer and installed in the car. The second half is an app for Android or BlackBerry devices that is installed on the smartphone. No iPhone version of the app is available, presumably due to iOS’ restrictions on what you can and can’t do with the launcher and Bluetooth connection. The hardware is a small black box, about the size of a large box of matches, that features a connection point for an included wiring harness and two eyelets for holding the TextBuster in place (either with the included zip ties or your own screws).
So how does it work? When the TextBuster app detects a signal from the TextBuster hardware, it assumes that you’re driving and displays a TextBuster splash screen, obstructing the Android interface. Hit the home button and within a matter of seconds, the TextBuster splash screen reappears. Hit the back button or attempt to use the app switcher and TextBuster quickly smacks down these and any other interactions with the device. Notifications are also hidden.
In sum, the TextBuster is a product that promises to eliminate driver distraction by blocking text messages and inappropriate apps when a phone is used while in the car. Unfortunately, The system seems expensive for what you’re getting. Alternative navigation apps are not supported. The app’s handling of phone calls could use significant refinement and it lacks voice command. Overall, the TextBuster system makes good on its promise to bust text-messaging and apps, but paying hardware prices for what’s basically a software solution is a hard pill to swallow.
