Google on Tuesday announced that it was expanding its “Android Earthquake Alerts System” to Pakistan. According to the details, the feature will enable users to detect seismic activities in their respective areas through the use of sensors in their Android smartphones.
“Android Earthquake Alerts System is a no-cost, helpful android feature that detects earthquakes around the world and alerts people.” said Google. “When people look up ‘earthquake’ or ‘earthquake near me’, they will find relevant results, along with helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake.” it added.
How The Feature Works?
The feature uses sensors like accelerometers in active Android smartphones to detect seismic activity and inform the users of earthquake through a notification or Google search. However, if users do not wish to receive earthquake alerts on their smartphones, there is an option to simply turn off the notifications for the feature from the device settings.
“When people look up “earthquake” or “earthquake near me”, they will find relevant results, along with helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake.” said Google. It added that Pakistan has experienced several earthquakes in the past and with the help of the Earthquake Alerts System, Android users in the country will be able to “receive automatic early warning alerts that help them be prepared for an emergency.”
Types of Alerts
The Android Earthquake Alerts System displays two types of alerts, depending on the magnitude and the intensity of the earthquake. According to the details, “Be Aware” alerts are displayed to users when the earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 occurs, or an intensity of level 3 or 4 on the MMI scale.
The “Be Aware” alert shows a notification with the distance of the earthquake’s epicenter and uses the phone’s current volume, vibration, and Do Not Disturb settings.
Meanwhile, “Take Action” is a full-screen alert for earthquakes with a magnitude higher than 4.5. or an intensity level of 5 and above on the MMI scale. In order to help people prepare for potential heavy shaking, the alert shows full-screen instructions while the phone plays a loud sound.
The Android Earthquake Alerts System was first introduced in New Zealand and Greece and it is now available in several countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Philippines, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States of America, and Uzbekistan,
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