In a significant update that could enhance personal safety, Google is expanding its Android earthquake alert system to smartwatches powered by WearOS. Previously limited to smartphones, this life-saving feature will soon allow users to receive critical earthquake warnings directly on their wrist. Whether you're out for a run, away from your phone, or in another room, your smartwatch will keep you in the loop when seconds matter the most.

What is the Earthquake Alert System offered by Google?

Google introduced an intelligent earthquake detection technology for Android smartphones back in 2020. It functions similarly to building the largest crowd-sourced seismograph network in the world by using the motion sensors (accelerometers) found in millions of smartphones to identify odd shaking or vibrations.

The system examines the data when a sufficient number of phones in the same vicinity simultaneously notice comparable shaking. It notifies people in the vicinity with important details if it concludes that an earthquake is likely to occur: