ping: Listen to messages on the move
Among other features, Cinnamon developed the “drive-safe” mode, where users enjoy an eyes-free experience while receiving emails, texts, and messages from various platforms.
product design
mobile development
quality assurance
ping automatically reads your messages out loud, provides feedback on how you drive, runs seamlessly in the background, and works with smart devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home – all while you focus on the road.
Scope of work
Strategy
UX Design
UI Design
Android Development
Manual Testing
The best app for increased safety
The main challenge was introducing a lot of new features while retaining existing users. We pushed this app to the limits of hardware and the current state of Android software and implemented features that were not even considered to be possible before. ping is the first app that allows you to hear ALL your messages on the Alexa device and reply without using the screen. Many more features were carefully planned, designed, and developed.
Taking ping
even further
Android App
ping automatically reads your SMS text messages, email, Facebook Messenger, Hangouts, Slack, and ALL other messages out loud.
Alexa Integration
ping works with smart devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home. Just ask Alexa to read any messages from your phone.
Android SDK
With only a few lines of code, the ping SDK allows ALL the functionalities to be added to any other app. That was not an easy job!
Code Refactoring
After years of development we refactored 100% of the code base, introducing new industry standards in Android development.
DRIVE MODE:
drive safely by turning on Auto Start
This safe driving app will start automatically when you get behind the wheel using Bluetooth detection. Easily toggle between ping, your music, and navigation.
Have all your messages and emails read aloud at a speed that works for you.
Optional passenger mode allows you to hear who the message is from but will not automatically read it aloud.
Alexa
Integration
ping is designed to make your life easier and your drive safer, by reading ALL your messages and email out loud on command.
All message types are supported, including texts/SMS, WhatsApp & Facebook messages, all email types, Slack, Telegram, Skype, and so on.
Android SDK
ping SDK secure and well-maintained library allows ALL the functionalities of ping to be added to any other app.
Code Refactoring
After years of development and more than 70,000 lines of code, we refactored everything, brought in new architecture, libraries, and patterns which allowed us to increase stability, security and introduce new features faster and easier.
Quality Assurance
The app was tested using Bluetooth headsets and cars with built-in Bluetooth stereo systems and even cars with full-color touch displays using Android Auto or CarPlay.
During the testing process, the focus was to simulate real-life usage scenarios, with multiple incoming messages and notifications. The app's compatibility with different car systems and its integration with Alexa was also tested. The testing process was exciting as it allowed the testers to use popular messaging apps and see how the app processed the messages. Over 1,000 bugs were identified and fixed during the testing process, with the biggest bug being the repeated reading of the same message.
In conclusion, the testing process was crucial in ensuring the reliability and functionality of the ping app. The app provides a valuable and innovative solution for drivers to stay connected and informed while on the road.
They’re consistent, and the communication is good.
When I have a deadline, they would work extra hours on the weekend and after hours. Cinnamon gives the impression of being a smaller team that’s focused on customers.
Garin Toren,
CEO, ping
We successfully implemented features that even Google could not
Many implemented features in the ping app were considered to be impossible to our competitors. Luckily, we didn’t give up when there was no documentation nor any existing competitors. Hours of research and trial/error cycles allowed us to develop this extraordinary project.
We at Cinnamon are proud to take part in increasing safety and productivity for drivers. And not just drivers, as the app has a wide range of practice: exercising, working and staying at home. The app prevents distractions from the road, car crashes, missing time-sensitive messages, and enables taking control over multitasking.
Having the notion in mind that the future of messages is VOICE, this app is a great beginning in this new era.
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