Dob-in recalled and shonky goods at touch of a button thanks to Recalls Australia iPhone app. The clever new (free) app launched on YouTube and will provide information on product recalls and dodgy goods.
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched the ACCC Recalls Australia app for consumers based on information from the Recalls Australia website.
Launched via YouTube by ACCC deputy chairman Peter Kell on Friday, the app allows you easily do a check for recalled products on your smartphone when out shopping, ensuring you don’t buy potentially dangerous or recalled goods like furniture, toys, food, drinks and parts and accessories.
The app lists information on each product recall in Australia, showing where the ropey goods were sold, and what to do if you have one of the products.
Additionally, the app allows you to report products you think are unsafe directly to the ACCC and even attach photos of the dodgy items.
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But it looks like the new iPhone 4S itself could be a potential shonk in the making itself. Reports have suggested a potential flaw exists in Apple’s new location services system on iOS 5 software, which is causing rapid battery drain on the newly released smartphone.
One employee at an Apple shop in Sydney confirmed that they had already received complaints from consumers.
The new app will provide Australian consumers with easily searchable information on Australian consumer good recalls, ACCC chairman added.
“For consumers, this means that when you’re out and about doing your shopping, you can quickly and easily check for recalled products on your phone.”
The ACCC has also stepped up its online presence to keep consumers in the loop with its Product Safety Twitter profile @ProductSafetyAU and its YouTube Channel.
The ACCC is also active in a number of online forums where product safety is discussed, and is looking into additional ways to engage with consumers online.
If you have other ideas about how we can better connect with you about product safety via social media, you can email your suggestions to psa@accc.gov.au,” Kell added.
Recalls Australia app is available now from via iTunes Apple Store.
