Google has introduced Emergency Live Video, a new Android feature that allows emergency responders to view a real-time video feed from a user’s phone during an emergency. Built on Android’s Emergency Location Service (ELS), the feature aims to help responders better understand situations by giving them visual context alongside location data. Responders can request a live stream during an emergency call or text, and users can choose to share their camera feed with a single tap. The stream is encrypted, and users can stop it at any time.
Emergency Live Video requires no prior setup and works through ELS, which uses the Android Fused Location Provider to determine location using GPS, cell networks, Wi-Fi, and device sensors. Google states that this helps deliver quicker and more accurate location data during emergencies.
The feature is rolling out to devices running Android 8 or above with Google Play services in the US, as well as select regions in Germany and Mexico. It joins other safety tools like Emergency Location Service, Car Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Satellite SOS. Google highlights the feature as an additional layer of support when users may struggle to describe unfolding situations during emergencies.
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