# Smartphone Zombie Protection Apps 'Assistant SZ' Uses AI to Save "Smartphone Zombies" from Falls By Joey Haar | Published 2018-05-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistant-sz References: [producthunt](https://www.producthunt.com/posts/assistant-smartphone-zombies) & [smartphone-zombies](https://smartphone-zombies.com/index.html) There's an epidemic that's spreading around the world that's turning people into zombies, and rather than trying to stop it, 'Assistant SZ' is trying to proliferate it as much as possible. That might sound bleak, but the epidemic isn't a disease (though some might think of it that way). Rather, people are becoming "smartphone zombies", where they use their smartphones while walking and thus tune out the rest of the world. Smartphone zombies are at once a trifling annoyance and a serious problem. For those in the grip of the mindlessness, it's annoying to accidentally trip over a missed curb or to walk into a signpost. However, statistics on [car accidents impact pedestrians](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/livall-ai-visual-smart-helmet) have risen recently, and some theorize that smartphone zombies are contributing to that rise. Assistant SZ (which stands for smartphone zombie), uses [image analysis on one's smartphone camera](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onfrontier-f11) to look ahead and warn users when there's an obstacle in the way. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smartphone Zombie Protection:** Assistant SZ uses AI to protect smartphone users from falls and collisions while walking and using their phone - **Image Analysis:** Smartphone apps that use image analysis are being developed to enhance safety for pedestrians - **Traffic Safety Technology:** The rise of smartphone zombies has boosted the demand for technology that enhances the safety of pedestrians and drivers alike ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile App Development:** Mobile app developers can capitalize on the demand for smartphone zombie protection apps - **AI and Image Analysis:** AI and image analysis technology are gaining importance as a means of enhancing pedestrian safety - **Automotive Industry:** Automakers can focus attention towards developing pedestrian safety features such as automated braking systems that can prevent accidents involving smartphone zombies ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Focus Management Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zario-screen-time-ai.md) - [Anti-Distraction Smartphone Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jolt-app.md) - [Smart Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-go-smart-came.md) - [AI-Powered Caregiver Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aiwatchfulcompanion.md) - [Simple AI Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rabbit-r1.md) - [Distraction-Limiting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shrewd-observer.md) - [AI-Enhanced Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-flipper-by-heineken.md) - [Wifi-Activated Elder Protection Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-protection-for-elderly.md) - [AI-Powered Visual Co-Pilots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biped.md)