Google’s earthquake detection facility, which has been available on Android phones for some time, according to the Google system release notes, is coming to wear by the wear OS. Earlier viewed by Android authorityThe new feature would be correct on their wrist, by indicating OS users about an upcoming earthquake. As already mentioned, Google’s earthquake detection facility has been on Android smartphone since August 2020. Seva has gradually expanded over the years, India has joined the list of supported areas in September 2023.

The way earthquake detection system works is really quite clever. Instead of relying only on the dedicated seismometer, uses Google motion sensors that are already available on millions of Android smartphones worldwide. When many phones in one area detect land shaking at the same time, Google’s servers quickly analyze the data whether it is an earthquake. If this is, the system can send an initial warning to the nearby users before reaching the shaking. These alerts generally show an estimated magnitude and how far you are from the epicenter. In situations where time is important, even a few second notice can help people go into security or take cover.

Now, this alert system is expected to make its way for smartwatch running on Wear OS. According to Google’s latest system release notes, users will receive an alert on their smartwatch when expecting their field to be shaken. This means that even if your phone is not close or silent, your smartwatch can still inform you about the upcoming earthquake, directly on your wrist. And for those who use LTE-enabled watches without carrying the phone, it can be even more useful.

What an alerts will be seen on the smartwatch have not been officially confirmed yet, but they are expected to be similar to those on Android phone. This means that you can also see the estimated magnitude of the earthquake, as well as with the distance of the epicenter. Depending on the severity of the earthquake, alerts can also vary – a simple warning will be a simple warning that does not bother your current settings, while a loud alert can trigger a loud alert with strong quake view warnings, even if not on disturb mode.

Such feature is particularly helpful for people living in earthquake-affected areas. Although it cannot stop a disaster, there may be a big difference from a few seconds of advance warnings. Whether it is enough time to go under a table, take away from a window, or just mentally prepare yourself, in those seconds.

He said, there is still no official word when this facility will be available in India. Like with Android phones, it is possible that the rollout can be gradual, can start with select areas and expand over time. Whether it comes as part of a major update or through a change in small background. But once it is live, it will definitely be one of the more meaningful features available on the smartwatch.