Google Will Now Turn Your Android Phone Into A Mini Earthquake Detector: How To Use
Google's advanced system effectively transforms a user's smartphone into a miniature earthquake detector by utilising the accelerometer.
Google has launched a new earthquake alert system for Android users in India. This system utilises the inbuilt sensors, like the accelerometer, in Android smartphones to detect earthquake activity and provide timely warnings. The Android Earthquake Alerts System, already operational in several countries worldwide, has been introduced in India in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC).
How Google's Earthquake Alerts Work
Google's advanced system effectively transforms a user's smartphone into a miniature earthquake detector, by utilising the accelerometer. When the phone is stationary and connected to a charger, it can sense initial signs of an earthquake. If multiple phones detect similar earthquake-like shaking simultaneously, Google's server can identify the earthquake's location and measure its intensity.
Following this detection, alerts are promptly sent to nearby phones, categorised based on the earthquake's magnitude. The alerts are divided into two types based on magnitude: the 'Be Aware Alert' for users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater, and the 'Take Action Alert' for users experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher.
In the case of stronger earthquakes, the alerts override Do Not Disturb settings, activate the screen, and emit a loud sound. The alerts also provide safety recommendations, such as seeking cover under a table.
As per Google, Interner signals travel at the speed of light, which is much faster than the "propagation of earthquake shaking through the ground, so the alerts often reach phones several second before severe shaking does."
In addition to earthquake alerts, Google has collaborated with the NDMA to offer users valuable information about other natural disasters like floods and storms through Google Search and Maps. Users can easily access this information by searching for terms such as "Earthquake near me" on Google.
How to Enable Android Earthquake Alerts
This system will soon be accessible to all Android users in India with Android 5 or higher.
To receive alerts, users need to have an internet connection and location settings enabled on their phones. Additionally, they need to activate the earthquake alerts setting by following these steps:
- Navigate to Settings on your phone
- Select Safety & emergency, then Earthquake alerts. If you can't find Safety & emergency, tap Location, then Advanced, and finally Earthquake alerts
- Toggle the Earthquake alerts option on or off
Google assures that their alerts are user-friendly, and available in various Indian languages supported by Android. The system also provides information about local earthquakes and safety measures through Google Search, enhancing user awareness and safety.
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