Back in April, Google activated the Android Earthquake Alerts System in Greece and New Zealand. This Google Play services-powered mechanism is now live in seven more nations as the global launch gets underway.
The Android Earthquake Alerts System uses your phone’s accelerometer to detect the initial P-wave generated by quakes. Your device sends a city-level location that does not include zip code or street address to Google’s earthquake detection server. The company then verifies before sending a loud notification that includes location and magnitude before the destructive S-wave hits. This alert can take over your screen and provides a drop, cover, and hold reminder.
