Google Launches 'Safety Check,' Earthquake Alert Warnings on 'At a Glance' on Pixel Devices

Google recently rolled out new Pixel phones' "At a Glance" widget features. Smartphone users could now see a safety check countdown timer and "earthquake alert" warning on their devices.

Google Pixel Phone Receives Two New Features

9to5Google initially spotted that last week, the Pixel widget appeared to have a new set of features other than the flight boarding pass, workout status, and weather updates, to name a few.

The "Connected device" information was also shown for the Bluetooth-enabled devices. This display can be seen on both the device's lock screen and home screen.

Speaking of the new capabilities, the "At a Glance" widget was found to have received earthquake alert warnings and a "safety check" timer.

According to the tech publication, these two features have been introduced in line with the March Feature Drop. However, they only came in the first week of April.

How the 'Safety Check' and Earthquake Warning Work

In another article written by XDA Developers, Google has found a way to help users with their problems during an earthquake.

For instance, if a magnitude 6 earthquake is present in your area, your Pixel phone will receive a special alert via the "At a Glance" widget. You should see this alert on your lock and home screen.

Furthermore, Android has previously brought an in-system earthquake detection tool. This was made possible thanks to the United States Geological Survey or USGS.

The alerts system has been a useful addition to an Android device, particularly at times when people want to detect the intensity and magnitude of the tremors. This would also pave the way for them to be forewarned of the disaster.

The other feature, which is the "Safety check" timer, can be accessed from the Personal Safety app. This feature can let the users take a look at a timer on the lock or home screen.

How to See These Features on your Google Pixel

XDA Developers added in its report that the "Safety check" countdown and earthquake alert are now available on Pixel devices. If you want to check if they are already available in your region, press your home screen for a moment.

From the pop-up menu, tap the "Home Settings" and click the gear icon that you will see.

In another related article, Tech Times wrote in its report last month that a Google Pixel Watch might soon unveil a patent about skin interface gestures. The said feature is expected to improve the quality of the signal from the device.

Having said that, the same capability could be compared to a feature from Google's True Wireless Earbuds. Thanks to the skin interface gestures, the user can swipe a part of the skin right away. .

According to the report, this patent could be adopted by the time the Pixel Watch is released. The expected year of launch for this wearable gadget will be 2022.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Joseph Henry