Thanks to internet-of-things (IoT) technology, the venerable safety whistle has just gotten an upgrade. And this version barely needs a breath to sound the alarm.

Engineers at Taipei (Taiwan) headquartered theWISO.com have developed the eponymous WISO smart whistle, touted as the world's first Bluetooth-connected device of its kind. Scarcely larger than a conventional air-driven whistle, the 12-gram unit, not only emits an alarm loud enough to alert nearby persons, but also immediately sends emergency calls, SOS messages, and emails to friends and relatives about the user's location.

The device can be activated by the lips, producing a 110-decible alarm, or by pushbutton. Doing so for two seconds automatically activates the user's personalized account via Bluetooth-to-cell phone connection to notify pre-selected contacts.

The information includes discreet map view location tracking info in the texts and emails, and can update the messages continuously every two to three minutes. Up to three SMS and three email contacts can be registered on the service.

An accompanying flexible leash can withstand a stretch equivalent to 6kgs of weight.

"The WISO acts as a 24/7 personal safety guard. Young or old, safety needn't be compromised because of inconvenience - including the time it would take to reach for a cell phone or defensive gear like pepper spray or mace," says strategic marketing manager Jessie Lin. "The WISO can be utilized within seconds."

In an increasingly crowded and restive world, few would debate the case for taking measures to ensure personal safety. The company quotes compelling data to bolster its case for the WISO, including a recent United Nations report that found that one in three women globally experience sexual or physical violence.

A 2015 Association of U.S. universities also found that one in five female college students had been subjected to sexual attack.

Expertsecuritytips.com, a safety device review site, ranks sound-emitting personal alarms of all types among the top five best personal protection devices for women.