Android Earthquake Alerts Now Available Across All 50 States, 6 US Territories

Google's Android Earthquake Alerts System, first introduced in 2020, is now available in all 50 U.S. states and six territories. The system uses the built-in accelerometers in Android phones to detect earthquakes and provide alerts. In California, Oregon, and Washington, the alerts are powered by the ShakeAlert system, which utilizes traditional seismometers. For other states and territories, the system analyzes crowdsourced data from Android phones to determine if an earthquake is occurring. Google has been working with experts to improve the system. Depending on the severity of the earthquake, users receive different types of notifications. Weak earthquakes trigger a small popup on the screen, while moderate to extreme shaking prompts a full-screen takeover with instructions to drop, cover, and hold. The system aims to provide critical information and potentially save lives.