Google pauses Android Earthquake Warning feature in Brazil after incorrect alert
Google’s “Earthquake Alerts System” for Android phones mistakenly sent out a wrong warning in Brazil last night, causing the company to temporarily stop the feature in the country.
Launched in 2020, this system uses Android smartphones to sense early signs of earthquakes. Modern phones have sensors, like accelerometers, that can pick up the first wave of a quake, called the “P-wave.” This wave arrives before the more harmful “S-wave,” giving people a few seconds to prepare before the shaking starts.
The system has had both successes and failures since it began. For example, in 2021, it successfully warned people in the Philippines before a quake. But in 2023, it failed to alert users during a destructive earthquake in Turkey, though Google claims it worked as intended. Earlier in 2024, the system was made available across the United States.
However, last night marked the first time the system sent out a widespread false alarm. According to CNN Brasil (reported via Android Police), Android users in Brazil received earthquake notifications on their phones around 2 a.m. local time. The alert warned of a possible quake measuring up to 5.5 on the Richter scale, but no such event happened.
Google is still looking into what caused the mistake. In a statement, the company said:
“The Android Earthquake Alert System is an additional tool that uses phones to quickly detect earthquake vibrations and warn users. It is not meant to replace official alert systems. On February 14, our system picked up phone signals near São Paulo’s coast, triggering an alert for users in the area. We have temporarily paused the system in Brazil and are working to understand what happened. We are sorry for the inconvenience and are focused on improving our services.”
For now, Google has turned off the earthquake alert feature in Brazil, but it’s unclear when it will be active again.
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design
Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes
Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use
Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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