SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Twist announces the launch of its free Android application. Previously only available on iPhone, the app automatically lets others know if you are running late and when you are on your way.

(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121218/NY31304)

Whether it's due to traffic, underestimating travel time or getting lost, tardiness is a problem for millions of people. Despite the Department of Traffic's statistic that 24 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involve cell phone use, 25 percent of Americans admit to sending text messages or emails while driving to notify contacts of their current whereabouts when running late.

The effects of tardiness are also commonly discussed amongst experts such as Linda Sapadin, PhD to WebMD. "You're creating a reputation for yourself, and it's not the best reputation to be establishing," Sapadin said in an interview around being late. "People feel they can't trust you or rely on you, so it impacts relationships. It also impacts self-esteem."

Not only does lateness affect social reputations, but it also costs businesses more than $90 billion per year in lost productivity, according to a 2012 Harris Interactive Poll.

"Twist is a natural extension of the social calendar for me," said Twist CEO Bill Lee. "I realized that when I ran into a traffic delay, a meeting lasted too long or even when I couldn't find close enough parking, I'd be forced to engage in apologies and sporadic updates of when I'd be showing up to the person I was meeting. Twist removes the need to text and drive, and allows you to concentrate on arriving."

How it Works!

Rather than simply showing your location on a map, Twist's proprietary scheduling system accounts for traffic, different modes of transportation and a user's own habits to estimate your arrival time. The app can then automatically send an update to your predetermined contacts to let them know your current location and real-time ETA.

• Quickly create a Twist by selecting where the user is going and who they are meeting
• Twist then automatically identifies the user's current location, and syncs with calendars to suggest who the app should notify with the arrival time
• When the user leaves his or her starting location, the app automatically calculates arrival time and shares arrival updates via real-time GPS and traffic conditions
• People with or without the app receive real-time notifications via the app, SMS or email

Why Android:

With more than 100 million units shipped each quarter, and a 75 percent market share, Android users are not immune to the effects of lateness.

"After the successful launch of our iPhone app in July, there was a high demand from Android users to fast track this product," said Twist Co-Founder Mike Belshe. "We developed Twist so that both parties involved don't have to have the app installed, but the experience is enhanced when all users are utilizing the application."

For more information visit www.twist.com, or to download the app, go to Google Play or the App Store.

About Twist™

Twist is the easiest and most accurate way to let people know when you are on your way. Twist's innovative scheduling system accounts for traffic, different modes of transportation and your own habits when estimating your arrival time. If you are delayed, Twist will automatically send an update to your predetermined contacts to let them know your current location and ETA.

Whether it's meeting up with friends, coordinating pick-up times or rushing to an urgent business appointment, Twist makes life easier by notifying those you select of your exact arrival time and eliminating the stress and headaches caused by uncertain wait times and travel delays. Twist, it's about time!

SOURCE Twist