Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Android phones are about to become even better at keeping you safe. Google has announced a big update to its Android Earthquake Alerts System. The warnings are now getting much smarter and are reaching a lot more people around the world.
Android Earthquake Alerts double their reach
Google has expanded its Android Earthquake Alerts from 98 countries and regions to more than 200. Some of the newly added locations include Panama and Guatemala, which were recently struck by quakes. This expansion was announced by Google in its blog on October 15. Since the service first launched in 2021, Google says it has sent out over one billion of these alerts to Android users globally.
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Boone Spooner, the Group Product Manager for Earthquake Alerts, mentioned that Google’s physical safety products are deeply important to the company. He added that while they hope these tools are never used, they are grateful to bring more information to people when they need it most.
This is a huge deal because in an earthquake, every single second of warning gives people a chance to find cover. Google notes that this mobile network is the largest mobile-based earthquake detection network in the world.
How your phone acts as a mini seismometer
These fast alerts are made possible by the accelerometer inside your smartphone. This is the exact same sensor that rotates your screen when you turn your phone sideways. Google’s system uses this sensor as a mini seismometer to detect the very first signs of a quake.
When the ground starts to shake, a fast but weaker wave travels out first. If your phone catches this wave, it sends a quick signal and your rough location to Google’s servers. When multiple phones in the same area do this, the system quickly figures out the strength and estimated location of the earthquake.
The warning is then sent out to users before the slower, far more destructive wave arrives. This gives you precious seconds to drop and take cover. For this to work, you just need a mobile data or Wi-Fi connection, and your location and Earthquake Alerts settings turned on.
Smarter warnings on your screen
When a quake is detected, Google sends out three different types of alerts based on how strong the expected shaking is.
The first is the Be Aware alert. This is a simple heads-up notification that warns you about expected light shaking.
The second is the Be Ready alert, which is meant for stronger shaking. This is the alert getting a major upgrade in the coming months. It will soon show a detailed map with the exact radius of the shaking area, the estimated magnitude, and recommended safety actions.
The final warning is the Take Action alert. This is for moderate to heavy shaking. It takes over your entire phone screen and gives you immediate safety advice, like dropping and covering. To make sure you see it, this extreme alert can even ignore your phone’s Do Not Disturb mode, turn your screen on, and play a very loud sound.
In countries that do not have their own government early-warning systems, like Venezuela, these Android alerts can be lifesavers. With more information and a wider reach, your smartphone is now a vital tool in an emergency.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
