Google is rumored to be working on a new Emergency SOS feature for its upcoming Pixel 9 and the next Pixel Fold smartphones. The feature is said to be very similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature and will be introduced in partnership with T-Mobile. According to leaks from Kamila Wojciechowska, a tech journalist at Android Authority, Google’s SOS feature will present users with a series of questions to determine the nature of the emergency situation, rather than allowing them to simply call for help.
The Emergency SOS feature on Google’s future devices will prompt users with questions like “What happened?”, “Are you breathing?”, “How many people are missing or trapped?”, “What best describes your situation?”, “Is there a fire?”, “Are there weapons involved?”, and “What type of vehicle or vessel?”. This approach aims to gather crucial information from the user to provide accurate assistance during emergencies.
While T-Mobile is speculated to be the initial partner for offering this feature, there are mentions of Garmin being a potential provider as well. Garmin currently provides a similar service for its InReach devices using the Iridium satellite network, which ensures global coverage for messaging services. However, it is unclear whether these services will come at an additional cost to users. For instance, Garmin’s subscription for such services starts at $15 per month, raising questions about the pricing structure for Google’s Emergency SOS feature.
Apple currently subsidizes its Emergency SOS service, making it accessible to users without an additional fee. It remains to be seen if Google will follow a similar approach and offer the feature for free or include it as part of a premium service package. The collaboration with T-Mobile and potential partnerships with other service providers indicate a shift towards ensuring user safety and well-being through innovative features on smartphones.
The introduction of an Emergency SOS feature on Google’s upcoming Pixel devices signifies a commitment to enhancing user safety and emergency response capabilities. By partnering with established service providers and implementing a comprehensive set of questions for users, Google aims to streamline the process of seeking help during critical situations. The pricing and availability of the feature will be essential factors to monitor as the new devices are launched in the market.
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