Google's Earthquake Alerts System Now Works In More Countries
- 4 years ago
Google pushed out an update on Android back in August 2020 where it rolled out a host of new tools and features. That was when the Android Earthquake Alerts System first saw the light of day.
The safety feature essentially creates a large network of earthquake detectors by utilizing sensors in Android phones worldwide. Android users around the world can take advantage of the system by looking up "earthquakes near me" for "near-instant" updates.
Initially, notifications for the Android Earthquake Alerts System were only available in select locations in the U.S., with Oregon being the most recent addition. Today the Mountain View-based tech giant announced that the earthquake alerts will now be available in two more locations. Android users in Greece and New Zealand will now receive automatic notifications about earthquakes in the regions. Google states that it chose these countries because they lack early warning system alerts. Users can turn these notifications off if they like.
As noted in a report by The Verge though, there are some limitations to Google’s alert system. People closest to the quake probably won’t get much advance warning since they’ll be the first ones to detect the quake. But their phones will help give a heads-up to others farther away, giving them just enough time to act in advance. Provided the earthquake hasn't wreaked havoc, those close by can also look up for helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake.
Meanwhile, residents of Washington in the U.S. are slated to receive the Android alert update in May. Although no mention has been made of further rolling out the safety notifications to other countries, it is likely that more areas will get them in the future.
BY SHOMIK SEN BHATTACHARJEE/ Source: Mashale India
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