Orb text alerts (SMS)

Orb is software you install on your own Windows PC. It has one optional feature that sends you short text alerts. This page explains who sends them, what they say, and how you opt in or out.

Who sends the texts

Jack Herring, doing business as Orb Assistant ( support@orbassistant.com). Texts are sent from the Twilio phone number that the person running Orb sets up for themselves.

What the texts are

Short alerts generated by the software for its own user, for example: your daily brief is ready, a reminder you asked for, or a status or security alert. They are one-to-one: each text goes only to the single mobile number you enter. There is no marketing, no bulk sending, and your number is never shared or sold.

How you opt in (the only way)

Install Orb on your own computer.
Open the file named .env in the Orb folder.
Type your own mobile number after TWILIO_TO_NUMBER= (together with your own Twilio details).

Nothing is ever sent until you do this yourself. Typing your number is your opt-in, and the consent message sits on the line right above it, as shown here:

The consent message you agree to

By entering your own mobile number you agree to receive Orb text alerts from Orb Assistant (Jack Herring). Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help.

Sample messages

Orb: Your daily brief is ready. 3 emails need a reply, 2 items on your calendar today. Reply STOP to opt out.
Orb: Security alert. A sign-in to your Google account was detected from a new device. Reply if this wasn't you. Reply STOP to opt out.
Orb: You've enabled SMS notifications. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.

Stop or get help

Reply STOP, CANCEL, QUIT, UNSUBSCRIBE, or END to any text to stop all messages. Reply HELP for help, or email support@orbassistant.com. You can also remove your number from the .env file at any time.

Frequency and cost

Message frequency varies, usually a few texts a day at most. Message and data rates from your mobile carrier may apply.