FamilyGo

An app for people who care about the safety of their family, loved ones, and friends. Our vision of "safety" doesn't just mean knowing whether your child made it home from school. We also prioritize information security, or protection of user data that answers the following questions: where is my data, who has access to it, and how is my data protected from unsanctioned access?


How is FamilyGo different from other available services?


  1. The app does not require registration or sending personal data.
  2. It does not store data on the user's location or movements. All information is encrypted and located only on user devices. Data exchanges between users are encrypted and take place directly between members of the same group.
  3. The server serves to exchange keys between users in a group.
  4. We use the Signal Protocol.

1. First Steps

To start using the app, you need to review and accept the terms of the User Agreement and the agreement on Personal Data Protection.

When a user launches the app for the first time, they will receive brief information about the app's main functions as well as the relevant aspects of safety and data security.

Default Settings

Additional settings are not required to start using the app. When you first launch the app, you will automatically be assigned a standard name and avatar. These can be changed during that first log in if desired or later in your User Profile. The app also automatically creates the standard group My Family (see Working with Groups).

First Log In

The user can adjust the following settings the first time they launch the app:

1. Change the standard name and avatar. These can also be changed later in the Profile section.

2. Change the standard name and symbol of the group.

If the user has an active invitation code to a group, after pressing the Accept Invitation button, they can enter the invitation code manually or scan the QR code using their device's camera, if they have already given the necessary permission to the app to access the camera.

After hitting Next, the user is taken to the app's home screen — Members.

2. Members

Home Screen

The home screen displays the list of members in the selected group and the main elements for managing members and groups.
The buttons for the app's primary functions are at the bottom of the screen:

1. Members. Members and Groups management functions.
2. Chat. Exchange messages with other group members and receive system messages.
3. Tasks. Create tasks for each group member and reports on their completion.
4. Map. Functions related to the display of member positions on the map, building routes, and travel history.
5. Profile. Functions related to the app's functioning, the option for custom settings, and selection of necessary parameters.

The following member and group management elements are located in the top and bottom of the screen:

6. Select group.
7. Create new group.
8. Join a group using alphanumeric or QR code.
9. Invite a new member to a group.

In the middle of the screen you will find:

10. A list of members in the current group.

List of Members

The list of members displays all the members of the selected group. There are three roles in the group:


  1. Normal User. Has access to all app functions, except for the option to manage the parameters of the current group.
  2. Group Administrator. Can also manage such group attributes as the group name and symbol, and can kick other members from the group, etc. As a rule, the administrator is the creator of the group. This role can be transferred to another group member.
  3. Child. This role is assigned in the app's general settings and sets limits on the use of certain app functions. You can find a full description in the Child Mode section.

The following information and functions are displayed for every member on the list.

1. Member Avatar
2. Member Name
3. Current Battery Charge
4. Last Data Update
5. Online or Offline Status in the App
6. Child Marker
7. Show member position on the map (additional settings are required for proper functioning)
Call Member (see Calls)
Turn on Nanny Mode (only available for Child Mode)

1. Administrator Marker
2. The Kick from Group and Assign Administrator functions are only available to the Administrator

Status Symbols or Member Roles

To visualize a member's role or status, the corresponding symbols are displayed next to their avatar.

Invite a Member

To invite a member to a group of loved ones or friends, tap Add Member.

Before sending the invitation, make sure the user you want to invite has already installed the app.

For security reasons, the invitation code will remain active for 1 hour once it is sent.

In the new Invite Member window, you can select one of the following ways to invite someone:

1. Send an invitation code via messenger or e-mail.

2. Use a QR code. The user must scan the code with their device and give the application access to the camera.

Join a Group

If you receive an invitation to join a group, launch the app and tap Join

In the window that appears you can select a way to join. Enter the code you received or scan the invitation's QR code with the sender's device and tap Join.

Congratulations! Now you'll always know where your loved ones are. You can also message them, receive tasks from them or assign tasks, and automatically track their movements.

3. Groups

Ensuring secure communication within a group is an important operating principle of the app. The service can be used to not only communicate within a family, but also in other kinds of groups that are united by common interest or purpose.

A user cannot use the application if they are not a member of at least one group. That's why each new user is automatically given a Family group when they launch the app. The user becomes the administrator of that group. Later on, the group can be renamed or given a new symbol.

Change Active Group

You can switch between groups using the selector in the upper portion of the screen.

Creating a New Group

To create a new group, go to the Members section and tap Create Group on the lower left side of the screen.

In the window that opens, you can pick your own name for the group or select one of the standard names. You can also pick an icon for it. You can also block all members (except the administrator themselves) from inviting new group members (all members can invite new members to the group by default). Once you're done, tap Save.

Group Selection and Personal Settings

Get information about all your groups by opening the group selection element at the top of the screen in the app.

Here you will find the following brief information about each group you are a member of:


1. Group Symbol

2. Group Name

3. Whether there are new messages in the group chat and how many

4. The number of group members

5. The total number of groups


Current group settings


1. Whether the member's location is visible to other group members

2. Notifications about driving style

3. Receiving messages from group members

4. Receiving button alerts from other members in the group

5. Sending panic alerts to other group members

6. Change group settings


Changing Group Settings

Each group member can make custom adjustments to group settings. To do so, open the element to select the current group and tap the gear symbol located to the right of the group name in the list ( 1 )

In the group settings window, the user has access to the following control parameters:


2. Leave group (for the administrator: you must transfer the administrator role to another group member before leaving the group)

3. Share location with other group members

4. Receive messages in chat from other group members

5. Receive panic alerts from other group members

6. Send alerts to group members if the user hits the panic button

7. Receive alerts about driving style from group members


The group administrator also controls the name (1), symbol (2) and the right to invite new group (3) members.

If the administrator in a group goes inactive for an extended period (more than 3 days), each group member will have the ability to reassign the administrator role in the group.

4. Chat

Every group in FamilyGo has its own chat. Chat content, as well as messages sent between members, is entirely encrypted and cannot be seen by members of other groups or third parties.


Besides messages from members themselves, the chat also displays messages about events in the group, such as when members reach a certain location, are speeding, or send out an SOS signal.

User Interface

The group chat's user interface consists of message ribbons (1), the field for entering text (2), the Add Attachment button (3), and the Send Message button (4).


The Filter button in the top left corner allows you to adjust how messages are displayed (5). The user gets to decide what kind of messages they would like to see in the chat. The button (6) takes you to a window where you can select members for a group call (see Calls).


Message filters:


1. Messages about speeding or sudden braking. For example, Ivan is driving at a dangerous speed – 140 km/h.

2. Messages about member actions. For example, Ivan left the group.

3. Messages about member movements in relation to certain points. For example, Ivan arrived at the point HOME.

4. Messages from other group members. For example, "Hello, world!".


Deleting and Copying Messages

Text messages can be copied or deleted by tapping and holding a message for one second. A context menu will appear to the right of the message in which you can choose an action.


When you tap an image in chat, you can copy it to your smartphone's local hard disk or open it with other apps installed on your device.


Message Receipt Notifications

For descriptive purposes, each message sent is marked according to its current status:
1. Message not received – the chat ribbon only displays the message's text and the time it was sent.
2. Message received, but not read. The recipient's semi-transparent avatar is displayed in the message. The settings allow you to see up to four avatars at once. If a group has more than four members, a circle with three dots will appear next to the member icons. By tapping it, the user will see a full list of members receiving messages.
3. Message received — the avatar of the user who has read the message is entirely visible.

5. Tasks

The Tasks window looks like a chat. The difference is each task has two statuses: active and complete. The Task Ribbon is like a group pinboard where each member can quickly post general tasks for the group or, after finishing an active task, can mark the task as complete.

User Interface

The list of tasks (1) has two parts: Active and Complete.


Located under the task list is:


2. the field to enter task text;

3. the Add Attachment button;

4. the color selection button;

5. the Create Task button.


Active Tasks

For each active task you will find: the creator's avatar (1), a color marker (2), the text and creation time of the task (3).


To change a task's status to complete, tap the (4) button and confirm completion. The task will then be moved to the completed list.


Completed Tasks

For each completed task you will find: the creator's avatar (1), the text and creation time of the task (2), the performer of the task (3).


If you want a task to be performed again, just move it back to the active list. Tap the (4) button to do this. To delete a task, tap the (5) button and confirm the deletion.


6. Calls

To communicate in a group outside of chat, you can make audio and video calls between two members or have group audio calls with up to 5 members.

You can call a member by tapping on the phone icon (1) in the list of group members or by opening the member's profile on the map:.


After tapping the call button the member is taken to the call window:


1. Name of call recipient

2. Avatar of call recipient

3. Call / End call

4. Enable video

5. Enable / Disable microphone

6. Enable / Disable speaker

7. Add members for a group call


Start a call by tapping (3). This will then display the current status of the call (1а/1b), the status of the call recipient's microphone (on / off) (2), and the call duration (3).


Enabling Video

Tap (1) to start a video call. This will display a preview window in the top of the screen (2). The call recipient will see the buttons (3) – allow video, and (4) – decline. By tapping (5) you can select the camera (front or primary) you wish to use. Each member on a call can end video transmission by tapping (1). You can increase the size of the visible display by simply tapping the screen. Tapping it again will restore the standard size and the call management elements.

Group Calls

Add new members to an ongoing phone call or start a new call for 3-5 members by adding users. To do so, tap (1) in the call window or (2) in the chat group.

The user will then be taken to a window where they can select members for the call:


1. Select (cancel) all members on the list

2. Add member to group call

3. Call the selected members

4. Return to previous window

Tap (3) and the caller will be taken (back) to the call window. The group call window looks like this:
All members on a group call have equal rights and can add new members, remove members in the group, or leave the call at their discretion.

Required Permissions

For audio and video calls to work properly, the app needs access to your device's microphone and camera. If permission has not been granted, the user's screen will display a dialog with a list of required permissions.
You can change permission settings in Profile / Permissions.

7. Map

This section contains all the geolocation functions of the app related to displaying:

  • location and travel history of group members
  • points
  • driving incidents
  • route building

Home Screen

The map takes up most of the home screen. Here you can see the locations of other group members and created Points.


1. Select maps provider (Yandex, Google, mapbox, and OSM)

2. Zoom in

3. Zoom out


Data Protection and Required Permissions

For all geolocation functions to work properly, the app requires the following permissions:

  1. Exception for background operation.
  2. Permission to track location in background mode.
  3. Permission to track physical activity.

(a detailed description of all required permissions can be found in the Permissions section).

Notices about required permissions that have not been granted will appear at the bottom of your device's screen. To go to the right settings menu, just tap Fix.

List of Members

A list of all the members in your group is at the bottom of the Map section. Members can either appear as a vertical list or a horizontal ribbon. Select your preferred style by tapping the symbol to the right above the list.


Along with their avatar, the list shows a user's current location and name. To learn more about a member or see their location on the map, just tap the corresponding avatar in the list and go to their Member Profile.


Member Profile

General user information (available to all group members):

  1. Avatar;
  2. Name;
  3. Location (with the appropriate permission);
  4. Accuracy of location coordinates;
  5. User's battery charge level;
  6. Time of last data update.
To leave a member profile and go back to the list, tap the Back button situated above the profile to the left, or just swipe the screen right to left.

Route

You can set a route to each "visible" member of the group. To do so, open a member's profile and tap (1). The app will build a route to that user.

Along with the route, the application will display the following parameters:


1. Means of transportation (by car or on foot);

2. Expected arrival time;

3. Distance to the member;

4. Your location (address);

5. The location of the member you have routed to (address).


Travel History

Each group member has access to a travel log. The user can select and change the duration of data storage from 1 to 14 days in their profile. The travel log is only available to the user it belongs to. Devices with Child Mode activated are the exception. A child's travel history is visible to all group members.
The travel log is turned off by default for each user and only turns on automatically when child mode is activated on a child's device. To turn on the travel log, go to the Profile - Travel Settings section and enable the Travel Log option.

To view travel history, tap
(1) in your profile or a child's profile.

The top portion of the screen will show a map routing all your movements for the selected day (I).

In the lower portion of the screen there is a control panel (II), where you can:


1. Select the days you need (today, yesterday, or calendar).

2. Select a time to display the user's position at that time (Slider 0—24 hr. or forward/back buttons).

3. Increase or decrease the visible area of the map.

4. Select and view individual trips. The app automatically recognizes car travel. Additional data is available for each trip:

  • Trip time;
  • Distance;
  • Address of beginning and end points.

Each trip's route can be viewed individually. Just tap on the minimap for each trip to view it.


8. Points

FamilyGо allows you to save important places, such as home, school, or work, on the map. Users can adjust their settings to receive notifications if a group member is at a specific point.
Members can create personal points, visible only to them, and public ones.

Points List

Список мест группы, созданных как вами, так и другими участниками, находится в разделе «Карта». Места могут отображаться как в вертикальном, так и в горизонтальном виде. Настроить удобный вид отображения можно, нажав на соответствующий символ справа над списком/лентой.

The group's points list, created by you and other members, can be found in the Map. Points can be displayed either vertically or horizontally. Select the right layout for you by tapping the corresponding symbol on the right above the list/ribbon.


Create a New Point

There are two ways to create a new point. Tap the point on the map and hold it for 3 seconds. The application will open a dialog box to create a point. Another way to find the dialog box is by tapping the plus sign in the points list.

You can select the point on the map or enter the address in the search bar (1).

You must give the point a name (2) and a symbol, (3) and select a radius for it (4).

Finally, you need to decide whether the new point will be available to all group members (5), and which group members you would like to receive system messages about in relation to it (6 7).

Don't forget to finish creating the new point by tapping Add (8).


Change or Delete a Point

To change the settings of a current point, select the point in the list and tap its symbol. A point's creator can change its name (2), symbol (3), and visibility (5). The other group members may only select which members they want to receive automatic notifications about in relation to it (6 7).


Only a point's creator or the group administrator can delete a point. To delete a point, tap the button in the upper left part of the screen.

9. Safety

Child Mode

One of the application's primary goals is to ensure maximum security for children. To avoid a child accidentally disabling important functions, a special operating mode for children has been incorporated in the app. In this mode, the user cannot:

  1. Leave a group;
  2. Change their profile settings (including their visibility on the map);
  3. Disable app permissions to device functions.

Every adult group member can not only see a child's current location but also their travel history.

Enabling/Disabling Child Mode

To turn child mode on or off, go to the section Profile/Device (1) and turn the mode on or off (2).

In the following window you will need to set a password (1) and enter your e-mail address (2) in case you need to recover the password. The password must be at least 6 characters long. Your email address is only saved on the user device. The device's standard email provider will be used to send messages.

You must enter the password you set to disable Child Mode (1). If you forgot the password, tap "Forgot password?" (2) and the application will automatically send the password to the e-mail address you provided when you enabled Child Mode.

Nanny Radio

The app allows you to not only monitor the current location of your child and their travel route but also to hear or see what is going on around them in case of an emergency. To do so, adult users in the group have access to the nanny radio function. It can only connect to devices with the application active.
To make a call in the nanny radio window, tap (1) in the list of group members.

Users has access to the following functions in the nanny radio window:


1. Connect to the microphone on the child's device

2. Turn on speaker

3. Connect to front (a) or primary (b) cameras


Panic Button

The application includes a panic button so every group member can immediately notify other group members in case of danger or an accident. There are two options for the panic button:
1. A permanent push-notification.

2. A specially installed widget on your device's screen.


To send an alert, you don't need to open the app itself or enter your passcode— the push notification is displayed on the lock screen.

Panic Button Settings

Add a panic button as a permanent push notification and/or add the widget to a device's screen.


To activate the panic button, go to the Panic Button section in your Profile (1) and select your preferred display method: push (а) and/or widget (b).

Attention


Don't forget to allow sending and receiving panic alerts in the group profile. This is an important step to make sure the groups you have selected can receive emergency alerts you send, and so you can see and hear emergency alerts from other members of those groups!


When a group member presses the panic button, the other members will receive the corresponding push notification accompanied by a 10-second audio signal. A system message will appear in the group chat that shows you the location of the event on the map.

If necessary, each group member can disable the push notification and system message in chat in their group profile.

Driver Monitoring

1. Driver monitoring is a useful feature for beginner drivers. The application can measure travel speed. The user can set two speed limits – "high speed" and "very high speed." Messages will be sent to the group's general chat when these limits are exceeded.

2. Additionally, the application can detect sudden braking and notify group members when that occurs.

Enabling/disabling driver safety controls

You can enable or disable driver safety controls in Settings\Driving Safety (1) and turn Driver Monitoring on or off (2).


Control Parameters

1. Collision detection sensitivity – a parameter that regulates how the app reacts to changes in travel speed.
2. The first speed limit that, when exceeded, triggers a high speed notice from the application. Range of 80—260 km\h.
3. The second speed limit that, when exceeded, triggers a very high speed notice from the application. Range of 80—260 km\h.

4. Cancel all changes and restore default settings.


10. Profile

The user can select custom parameters for the app's functioning in their profile.


The main settings window consists of four main blocks:


1. Basic User Settings

2. Application Settings

3. Subscription

4. Help and Documents


Basic User Settings

In this section, you can change your name and user avatar, and also set a maximum period for data storage in the app (chat messages, travel history).

Application Settings

Device (1)

The basic app settings are the same for all groups.
Select a color for the primary symbols and elements of the user interface.

Select a maps provider and the type of map used to display group members and points.

Select a language for the app. Available languages: Russian, English, and German.

Enable/disable a PIN code to protect the app from unsanctioned use.

Enable/disable Child Mode.

Switch between metric and standard units of measurement for displaying distances and speed.

Panic Button (2)

Enable (disable) panic button — see Panic Button.

Travel Settings (3)

For speed and acceleration monitoring see Driver Monitoring.

Permissions (4)

Control the application's access to your device's system resources.


In order for the application to work properly, it requires access to certain device resources. The application requires the following permissions:


Enable GPS — access to GPS coordinates is required to accurately determine a user's location.


Allow background location tracking — the application constantly monitors a user's location. If you don't want to be visible to other members, disable location display in your profile. In case of an accident, or if someone presses the panic button, the application will send the exact coordinates of the event to other group members.


Allow tracking physical activity — determining your method of transportation allows the application to build the correct route for you and save your travel history.


Allow the camera to be turned on — required to scan QR codes for group invites and for connecting to a child's device in nanny mode.


Allow the microphone to be turned on — required for communication with group members and to hear audio from a child's device.


Allow access to the device's memory — access to the device's memory is required to select a photo for your user profile, documents to send in chat, or to store data from OSM cards.

Exception for background operations — required for data exchange between members or when a device is asleep.

Help and Documents

1. Links to the User Manual, the FAQ page, and other resources that will help you use the app.
2. User Agreement and Confidentiality Policy.
3. Rate the app in app stores.

11. Subscription

FamilyGo app offers users free functionality and some paid features available by subscription.

Free Features

The following functions can be used without a subscription - just install the application:


  • Unlimited number of groups
  • and members
  • Group chat
  • Members' locations

Paid Features

For everyone who cares about the safety of their family, children, elderly parents, loved ones and friends, the app offers a set of paid features available only by subscription:


  • Audio and video calls
  • Movement history
  • Geofencing
  • Building routes
  • SOS button
  • Monitor driving safety
  • Nanny mode

You may choose a convenient payment period: a month or a year. If you choose annual subscription, you save 17% of the budget in compare with the monthly payment.


A 7-day trial period is available to you after the subscription purchase. All app functions will be available in full.


During this period, you can cancel your subscription. After 7 days, the money will be charged from your account.


If for some reason you do not want to use the application at the end of the demo period, we will be grateful for any feedback you can provide that will help us improve the service.


How is the FamilyGo app different from other services?


  • The app does not require registration or sending any kind of personal data.
  • The app does not store data about user locations or movements. All of that information is encrypted and located only on the users’ devices. Data exchanges between users are encrypted and take place directly between members of the same group.
  • The server functions only to exchange keys between users in the same group.
  • We use the Signal Protocol.
  • No ads in the app.