Smartphones as global earthquake network

Google has expanded its Android Earthquake Alerts System from 98 to over 200 regions, using on‑device sensors to detect shaking and issue graduated alerts (Be Aware, Be Ready, Take Action) with estimated magnitude, epicenter maps, and safety guidance. Turning widely distributed handsets into a real‑time sensor mesh lowers the cost and time to warn populations ahead of strong shaking. — This reframes consumer phones as critical infrastructure for disaster warning, raising questions about reliability, equity, technical standards, and which platforms and governments control life‑saving alerts.