Google has transformed the millions of Android smartphones into an alert system that can prevent users before an earthquake. Indeed, even if there are already detection systems, these are not available all over the world. Google has therefore developed a technology that uses Android smartphones sensors to detect signals that indicate that an earthquake is imminent to prevent users. “” “These seconds may be sufficient to get out of a scale, move away from dangerous objects and take shelter”Explains the firm.
The Android detection system was launched in 2020 and today, it is available in 98 countries. Google recently published a scientific article on the performance of its technology. Since its launch, Android Earthquake Alerts has detected more than 18,000 earthquakes. “” “For events important enough to alert the population, alerts have been issued for more than 2,000 earthquakes, and 790 million alerts were sent to phones worldwide”Also announces the firm.
In addition, according to Google, in 2019, only 250 million people had access to alerts before an earthquake. But today, thanks to its technology, this number has multiplied by 10.
A network of sensors
In its ad, Google also explains the operation of its alert system. When a stationary smartphone detects primary waves, it sends a signal to Google servers, with geolocation. Then the system checks the information by analyzing the data from other smartphones. Thanks to this mechanism, Google can alert Android users before the arrival of secondary waves (those that cause the most damage).
Users must be connected to the Internet to receive these alerts and activate the Android Earthquake Alerts functionality, as well as geolocation. Google gives concrete examples in its ad. “During an earthquake of magnitude 6.2 which occurred in Turkey in April 2025, the first alert was issued 8.0 seconds after the start of the earthquake. People who felt moderate to strong tremors had a alert period of a few seconds to 20 seconds. During this event, more than 16 million alerts were issued”lit-on.
- Google has developed a system that detects earthquakes to give users for a few seconds so that they are sheltering
- This system is deployed in 98 countries and has already sent 790 million alerts
- Android Earthquake Alerts relies on smartphones sensors to detect primary waves
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