Google is reportedly enhancing its Android Earthquake Alerts System (AEAS) to allow users to share seismic warnings with iPhone users. This feature aims to improve real-time communication during earthquakes, especially in regions like India where Android devices are prevalent.
How Android Detects Earthquakes
Introduced in 2020 and expanded globally by 2024, AEAS leverages the accelerometers in Android smartphones to detect the initial, less-damaging P-waves of an earthquake. When multiple devices in a region register similar vibrations, Google’s servers analyze the data to estimate the earthquake’s epicenter and potential impact.
If the system predicts significant shaking, it sends alerts to users in the affected area.
The New Sharing Feature
An APK teardown of Google Play Services version 25.40.30 indicates that Android users may soon have the ability to share earthquake alerts with iPhone users. The feature would allow users to forward alerts via messaging apps or social media, with a prefilled message tagged #AndroidEarthquakeAlerts. This enhancement aims to facilitate cross-platform communication during seismic events.
Global Expansion and Effectiveness
AEAS has been rolled out in 98 countries, including India, and has detected over 18,000 earthquakes. The system has issued more than 790 million alerts worldwide, demonstrating its scalability and effectiveness in providing early warnings.
Considerations and Future Outlook
While AEAS has proven effective, challenges remain, such as occasional false alerts. For instance, in February 2025, the system issued erroneous alerts in Brazil, leading to a temporary suspension of the feature there. Google continues to refine the system to enhance its accuracy and reliability.
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