Receive Earthquake Alerts on your Galaxy Watch – No need to pair a Phone

The user of the Samsung Galaxy Watch is set to receive an important safety upgrade. Their smartwatch can now deliver earthquake alerts independently. There is no need to stay paired to a smartphone.

The advanced new seismic alerts on smartwatches feature arrive through an updated version of Google Play Services. The feature will expand Android’s earthquake warning system to Wear OS smartwatches. Earlier, Galaxy Watches could just display earthquake alerts by mirroring notifications from a linked phone.

However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch earthquake warning feature will now send an alert directly to the watch itself. It ensures that the users can still receive warnings even in the absence of the phone nearby.

A motion sensor is used for Google’s earthquake alert system. It works by using accelerometers across millions of Android devices. When several devices sense shaking patterns consistent with seismic activity, the data is tested in real time. Ultimately, alerts are issued to people in affected areas. It starts working after a few seconds of the strong tremor.

The change is mainly useful for LTE-enabled Galaxy Watch models or users who go out without carrying their phones. It will work during the workouts and even during the outdoor activities. The independent alert potential could give critical extra seconds to take cover or move to security during an earthquake.

Google has not yet shared complete technical details about how the feature works on the watches or whether it will need Wi-Fi or mobile phone data connectivity. The rollout is expected to start gradually through server-side updates. So, Wear OS safety and emergency alerts may vary by area or even the device model initially.

The upgrade marks another step toward making smartwatches more autonomous safety devices. The Galaxy Watch has now become a potentially life-saving companion even when you are not connected to your phone.