Google to update ‘Emergency SOS’ after an influx of false calls
Google has announced an update for Android’s Emergency SOS feature after an influx of false calls across the UK. The company hasn’t detailed what changes it will make but says the update will address the issue. The changes will roll out shortly, a Google spokesperson confirmed.
Android’s Emergency SOS feature is leading to false emergency calls
Android smartphones let users make emergency calls by repeatedly pressing the power button five times in quick succession. Introduced with Android 12, Google allows device manufacturers to tweak the feature on their end. Just that it should serve the desired purpose. Samsung, which had this feature on its One UI software before Android, previously triggered emergency calls after just three presses. It adopted the stock Android approach (five presses) later.
This change is supposed to lower the risk of users accidentally making an emergency call. But it doesn’t seem to be helping much. Police forces in the UK are reporting a huge influx of false calls lately. “Nationally, all emergency services are currently experiencing record high 999 call volumes. There’s [sic] a few reasons for this but one we think is having a significant impact is an update to Android smartphones,” the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) tweeted recently.
The major problem here is that accidental calls are often unattended by the user. They may place the call when the device is in their pocket or a bag, likely when trying to lower the volume, or some other object may be repeatedly pressing the power button. Android devices do have a ten-second countdown before the call is placed, so users can cancel it. But since users are unaware of the call, it goes through as a “silent” call (the operator cannot hear anyone on the line).
Meanwhile, emergency services don’t ignore calls even if no one is speaking. “Call handlers will then need to spend valuable time trying to call you back to check whether you need help,” the NPCC said. According to a BBC report, silent calls often take about 20 minutes to deal with. The NPCC urges users to don’t abruptly hang up the call after they notice it. Instead, you should “stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance.”
Google announces an update for the feature
While this feature has been around for almost two years now, accidental calls have increased since the Android 13 update last year. It’s unclear what’s causing the problem but Google says it will fix the issue soon. “To help these manufacturers prevent unintentional emergency calls on their devices, Android is providing them with additional guidance and resources.” a company spokesperson told BBC.
“We anticipate device manufacturers will roll out updates to their users that address this issue shortly. Users that continue to experience this issue should switch Emergency SOS off for the next couple of days,” they added. Interestingly, Samsung recently removed the ability to disable Emergency SOS on its devices, including the Galaxy S23 series. It also lets users turn off the countdown. It remains to be seen if the company will be forced to reverse this change following Google’s update for the feature.
Google has announced an update for Android’s Emergency SOS feature after an influx of false calls across the UK. The company hasn’t detailed what changes it will make but says the update will address the issue. The changes will roll out shortly, a Google spokesperson confirmed.
Android’s Emergency SOS feature is leading to false emergency calls
Android smartphones let users make emergency calls by repeatedly pressing the power button five times in quick succession. Introduced with Android 12, Google allows device manufacturers to tweak the feature on their end. Just that it should serve the desired purpose. Samsung, which had this feature on its One UI software before Android, previously triggered emergency calls after just three presses. It adopted the stock Android approach (five presses) later.
This change is supposed to lower the risk of users accidentally making an emergency call. But it doesn’t seem to be helping much. Police forces in the UK are reporting a huge influx of false calls lately. “Nationally, all emergency services are currently experiencing record high 999 call volumes. There’s [sic] a few reasons for this but one we think is having a significant impact is an update to Android smartphones,” the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) tweeted recently.
The major problem here is that accidental calls are often unattended by the user. They may place the call when the device is in their pocket or a bag, likely when trying to lower the volume, or some other object may be repeatedly pressing the power button. Android devices do have a ten-second countdown before the call is placed, so users can cancel it. But since users are unaware of the call, it goes through as a “silent” call (the operator cannot hear anyone on the line).
Meanwhile, emergency services don’t ignore calls even if no one is speaking. “Call handlers will then need to spend valuable time trying to call you back to check whether you need help,” the NPCC said. According to a BBC report, silent calls often take about 20 minutes to deal with. The NPCC urges users to don’t abruptly hang up the call after they notice it. Instead, you should “stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance.”
Google announces an update for the feature
While this feature has been around for almost two years now, accidental calls have increased since the Android 13 update last year. It’s unclear what’s causing the problem but Google says it will fix the issue soon. “To help these manufacturers prevent unintentional emergency calls on their devices, Android is providing them with additional guidance and resources.” a company spokesperson told BBC.
“We anticipate device manufacturers will roll out updates to their users that address this issue shortly. Users that continue to experience this issue should switch Emergency SOS off for the next couple of days,” they added. Interestingly, Samsung recently removed the ability to disable Emergency SOS on its devices, including the Galaxy S23 series. It also lets users turn off the countdown. It remains to be seen if the company will be forced to reverse this change following Google’s update for the feature.
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