Google Launches Android Earthquake Warning In US

Earthquake Warning on Android devices (photo: dock. Google)

JAKARTA Google had introduced the Android Earthquake Warning system in 2020 to measure earthquake tremors. After several years of no launch news, this feature was finally released by Google.

Through its official website, Google says that the earthquake warning feature is being rolled out in stages across dozens of US countries and territories. This launch is expected to be completed within weeks across compatible devices.

"Security alerts play an important role in helping people prepare for natural disasters and emergencies," Google said. "Starting today, we are expanding the system to cover all 50 US states and 6 US regions."

Google explains that this system is designed to help Android users stay safe during the earthquake. This warning system will make Android a seismometer and provide an early warning before the earthquake occurs.

Since its project was developed, Google has been working with several parties to expand this feature. The company is working with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).

Google is also working with ShakeAlert's system to deliver Earthquake Warnings in California, Oregon, and Washington. This system will assist the government in providing early warnings in places that the USGS Shake Alert cannot reach.

"This expansion uses a built-in accelerometer on Android phones to provide a layer of other preparedness and information that has the potential to save lives to people in every state," Google explained.

Thanks to the use of accelerometers, Android Earthquake Warning can detect vibrations and analyze data to determine whether an earthquake is happening. If the earthquake is confirmed by the system, Android users will see a warning.

Especially for earthquakes above 4.5 on a richter scale, users will see two types of warnings. If the shock is weak or mild, users will see Alert warnings. However, for moderate to extreme shocks, take Action warning will appear.