Google adds support for live video during emergency calls on Android

Google is adding an option for live video sharing to emergency calls on Android. The feature is included in the November Google Play Services update.

The feature was spotted by Android Authority in September, before it arrived via this month's update. Android devices support various safety features such as Satellite SOS, Car Crash Detection, Safety Check, etc. Users have an option to record videos and share them with emergency contacts using the Personal Safety app. But recording a video and sharing it can take a while, delays could be costly, and sometimes the person who is in need of aid may not be able to record the video. You can learn about safety features on Android at Google's website.

Now, Google is adding an option to share live video during an emergency call, which can help rescuers understand the situation/injury, check whether the person is in danger, perhaps to offer medical advice or how to stay safe until help arrivers, or even assist them in determining the location where the caller is at.

Apple offers a similar option in iOS as part of the Emergency SOS feature, which allows rescuers to request access to your camera, which will share the live video with them if you grant them permission.

Live video support for emergency calls on Android is available via the Google Play Services 25.44 update. The feature may be exclusive to Google's Pixel phones at the moment.

Here are some other notable changes that are included in the November update. Android users can now back up and restore SMS retriever preferences. Google Wallet no longer supports the Cards QR feature in Brazil. Google is improving Parental controls to allow parents to get clear information before they block the Gemini app on their kids devices. One interesting change that is part of the Google Play Store v48.8 update is that it now allows users to uninstall apps directly from the Play Store listing, without using the device, i.e. you can remove the apps from a web browser.

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