Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the Family Locator?
A A Safety Solution for quickly locating family members.
Q How does Family Locator work?
A A software program is downloaded onto each family member's Smartphone. The Smartphone software works in combination with a web site locating program The Family Locator service provides the ability to view the location of family members on a Google or Bing Map and respond to a request for help from a family member in the event of an emergency.
Q What about locating my family vehicle's?
A A separate and optional Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) device can be purchased and permanently installed under the dashboard of your vehicle. The AVL device will display the location of your vehicle on your Smartphone or on any computer that is connected to the internet. This is great solution for tracking the location of your vehicle throughout the day. An additional benefit of the Breadcrumb Vehicle Locator is that you can find your vehicle in the event it is stolen.
Q How long does it take to set-up the Breadcrumb system?
A About 20 minutes on your home computer and about 20 seconds on each of our family members Smartphones
Q How easy is it to use?
A Simple: click on the Breadcrumb icon to open the Family Locator application on your Smartphone and then click-on a family members picture and the Breadcrumb program will display their exact location on a map on your Smartphone or on any computer that is connected to the internet.
Q How do the Alerts work?
A Breadcrumb provides family members the ability to identify many locations such as schools, friend's homes, your home, neighbor's home, relatives home, soccer field, work, gym, or any other locations that your family members frequently visit These locations are then Geofenced by drawing a circle around that location using the Breadcrumb program. Once this is complete, a parent can click-on an option that will automatically send them an "Alert" (a text message) each time a family member enters or exits these designated areas. Great for parents that want to ensure their children made it safely to school or work.
Q What wireless cell carrier networks is the Breadcrumb service is available on?
A All, including A&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile in the US as well as all cellular carrier networks throughout the world.
Q What Smartphone's does the Breadcrumb service work on?
A Blackberry, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 7
Q Can I view the location of my family members from my Smartphone, my computer, my iPad or my Tablet PC?
A Yes, with proper authorization and a password from your family administrator (usually mom or dad) Breadcrumb allows you to view the location of your family members from any Smartphone, computer, iPad or tablet computer that has an internet connection.
Q How much does the Breadcrumb Service cost?
A Breadcrumb is available for $7.95 per month, per Smartphone user for family applications. The optional Vehicle Locator program costs $38.00 per month, plus you must purchase an AVL device for $250.00 and contract for installation services of $99.00 per vehicle.
Q If my family is riding in a vehicle and carrying their Smartphone with them, wouldn't I know where the vehicle is located?
A Yes, however some families prefer a separate Vehicle Locator Device for family members that don't use or carry Smartphones.
Q Is there a minimum contract involved?
A Yes, a 12 month contract is required.
Q How do I sign-up for the Breadcrumb service?
A Call (888) 708-3604 and order the sevice.
Q Do you accept credit cards?
A Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Q Do I have to pay for the entire year all at once?
A No, we can bill you on a month basis. However, the optional ALV device and installation must be paid for up-front. The monthly service fees for Smartphones and Vehicle Locating Services can be billed to your credit card on a monthly basis.
Q How do I set-up Breadcrumb on PC?
A Once you register and pay for the service, we will e-mail you a web link and password along with operating instructions.
Q How secure is the Breadcrumb service?
A The family administrator and family members create their own passwords which must be used to access the Breadcrumb service on our website. Our Family Locator web site utilizes SSL encryption and the Breadcrumb Smartphone software is HTTPS encrypted. This provides each Family member with maximum security and privacy.
Q How accurate is the Breadcrumb Locating Service?
A The Breadcrumb location service will display your exact location within 9 feet of where you are out-of-doors. However, location accuracy can be affected if you are in a large urban area that is surrounded by tall buildings or inside a building or parking structure where no or limited GPS coverage is available. Additionally, you must be in an area that with cell phone coverage.
Q Will the locating service work if my phone is turned off?
A Yes, it will continue to function when you turn your phone off when you are in a meeting, at home or when you wish not to be disturbed. However when you "hard power off" the phone such as when flying in an airplane, the device cannot be located until you land and turn your phone back on.
Q How long does it take to locate a Family member that is carrying a Smartphone or driving in a Vehicle?
A It typically takes 3 - 5 seconds to locate a Breadcrumb enabled device. However, the duration may vary due to other factors as mentioned above.
Q Can the Breadcrumb service be used anywhere in the world?
A Yes, the Breadcrumb service is available for use anywhere in the world. We have successfully tested the Breadcrumb service in 161 countries around the world. Note: to minimize data cost, we highly recommend that you contact your wireless carrier and enroll your Smartphone in an international data plan prior to your travel outside the United States.
Q Am I limited to a certain number of "views" or location "look-ups" of my family members or vehicles?
A No, you can access the Breadcrumb service 24/7, 365 days per year as often as you like as part of your monthly program.
Q How does the Breadcrumb Panic Button, Help Me button, or SOS button work?
A One button does it all. You create a list or group of people you want notified in the event of an emergency and they will all receive a text message or e-mail from you letting them know that you are in need of assistance. You activate this Alert by pushing the "Help Me" button on your Smartphone.
Q Can I view a Breadcrumb trail of my family travel path each day?
A Yes, the Breadcrumb service provides a breadcrumb trail of all locations your family members have traveled each day.
Q Can I find my phone if I leave it somewhere or if it is stolen?
A Yes, a side benefit of the Breadcrumb service is that it you can usually locate a lost or missing phone in the event you misplace your phone or if it is stolen.
Q Can I set-up my friends on the Breadcrumb service in addition to my family members?
A Breadcrumb provides the flexibility to create and view the location of your friends that are paid subscribers in addition to direct family members. However, you are limited to a total of five people in your group as part of the Family Locator Service
Q Does Breadcrumb offer any social programs that interface with Twitter or Facebook as part of the Family Locator Service?
A No, not at this time
Q Does Breadcrumb require any special cell phone services?
A No. However, you must purchase a "Smartphone" with a data plan from your wireless carrier of choice.
Q How much data does the Breadcrumb service use each month?
A Very little. About 3 MB of data each month. Breadcrumb clients use their existing wireless carrier data plans for the Breadcrumb service. The average consumer uses 670 MB of data each month for e-mail, movies, music, etc.
Q How do I get trained?
A Breadcrumb is very simple to install and use. The Breadcrumb program is very intuitive and requires very little training. We provide a detailed manual on how to use the Breadcrumb service should you need it. Additionally, your monthly service fee includes toll-free access to our Help Desk for technical support: Monday thru Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm EST, excluding National Holidays. You can also e-mail us your technical questions at support@breadcrumbps.com
