Google is rolling out a new safety feature called Android Emergency Live Video, allowing users to stream live footage directly to emergency responders during a crisis. The feature aims to give dispatchers and first responders clearer situational awareness in moments such as car crashes, fires or medical emergencies.
There is no setup required. When a user places an emergency call or text, the dispatcher can send a request to initiate video sharing. The user must explicitly agree before streaming begins, and the session can be ended at any time. Google says the footage is encrypted and designed to remain under the caller’s control.
According to the company, a single tap is all it takes to start streaming, enabling responders to see what is happening in real time and offer more accurate guidance. Google says this visual context can be crucial, from assessing injuries to walking someone through CPR before help arrives.
Both Google and Apple have been expanding safety tools across their devices, offering features such as crash detection, fall detection, satellite assistance and emergency SOS. Emergency Live Video adds another layer to Android’s capabilities.
The feature will work on devices running Android 8 or later and is initially launching in the United States, along with selected regions in Germany and Mexico. Broader availability is expected over time.
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