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I think as Android and iOS release these new automated emergency reporting features, it should not tie up the existing voice-based 911 system. Maybe it goes to

I think as Android and iOS release these new automated emergency reporting features, it should not tie up the existing voice-based 911 system. Maybe it goes to a call center where humans can interpret what they're seeing first. Or maybe we have a standardized API by which these devices can report directly to 911. But tying up a voice operator talking to a computer seems like a real waste of resources. I'm assuming that's what's happening, maybe I'm completely wrong.

jeroenhd 3y ago
At least the Android version requires manual input (pressing the power button five times in quick succession) but as reported some people seem to do that accidentally somehow (bad power button, I guess?). It's crazy what large tech companies are allowed to do with public infrastructure. I bet you an app from a small developer would get cease and desisted within a month if it had false positives like these. At least put some of your own operators on the line first so you can verify that the emergency services are actually needed, and maybe don't even roll out the feature in areas that don't opt into receiving these automated alerts.
- rootusrootus 3y ago
  > the Android version requires manual input That feature is identical to iPhone's SOS call feature, but I think it has gotten recent coverage for false positives. I don't recall hearing that Apple's implementation has had the same level of false positives. In this most recent situation it is crash detection, which I -think- Android also has, or at least Pixel phones do, but I don't know if they've had false positive problems.
  - Phrodo_00 3y ago
    > which I -think- Android also has, or at least Pixel phones do Yes, Pixel launched the feature on 2019. I didn't really find articles about false positives, but that's not at all empirical.
- INTPenis 3y ago
  And yet this story[1] about Android having the same issue was on HN a day ago. It this some sort of propaganda war going on between Apple and Google? 1. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36479440 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36479440
  - Phrodo_00 3y ago
    They're different features - they're both available on iPhones and Pixel phones - One is automatic detection of accidents, the other is (supposed to be) manually triggered on an emergency.
  - jeroenhd 3y ago
    I am aware. The iOS feature has some kind of auto detection going on based on gyroscopes, while the Android version requires the user to tap the power button five times. The automatic speed and G force detection mechanism has completely different false positives from a button being pressed. Both can happen on accident, of course. I don't really understand how the Android feature gets triggered by accident; my best guess is that the power button is resting against something and getting fake touches that would otherwise just launch the camera (the standard double power button tap on Android). The BBC article doesn't explain how this happens.
supertrope 3y ago
Burglar alarms often require alarm permits. Alarms first ring the alarm company's employees who ask if help is needed and your PIN. Also police just don't respond to automated burglar alarms, only manually reported ones.
- Zamiel_Snawley 3y ago
  Automated burglar alarms are generally supposed to stop unattended property crime, not save lives. Fire alarms get an automatic and immediate response because it is a life threatening emergency, just like a car crash.

jeroenhd 3y ago

At least the Android version requires manual input (pressing the power button five times in quick succession) but as reported some people seem to do that accidentally somehow (bad power button, I guess?). It's crazy what large tech companies are allowed to do with public infrastructure. I bet you an app from a small developer would get cease and desisted within a month if it had false positives like these. At least put some of your own operators on the line first so you can verify that the emergency services are actually needed, and maybe don't even roll out the feature in areas that don't opt into receiving these automated alerts.

rootusrootus 3y ago
> the Android version requires manual input That feature is identical to iPhone's SOS call feature, but I think it has gotten recent coverage for false positives. I don't recall hearing that Apple's implementation has had the same level of false positives. In this most recent situation it is crash detection, which I -think- Android also has, or at least Pixel phones do, but I don't know if they've had false positive problems.
- Phrodo_00 3y ago
  > which I -think- Android also has, or at least Pixel phones do Yes, Pixel launched the feature on 2019. I didn't really find articles about false positives, but that's not at all empirical.
INTPenis 3y ago
And yet this story[1] about Android having the same issue was on HN a day ago. It this some sort of propaganda war going on between Apple and Google? 1. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36479440 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36479440
- Phrodo_00 3y ago
  They're different features - they're both available on iPhones and Pixel phones - One is automatic detection of accidents, the other is (supposed to be) manually triggered on an emergency.
- jeroenhd 3y ago
  I am aware. The iOS feature has some kind of auto detection going on based on gyroscopes, while the Android version requires the user to tap the power button five times. The automatic speed and G force detection mechanism has completely different false positives from a button being pressed. Both can happen on accident, of course. I don't really understand how the Android feature gets triggered by accident; my best guess is that the power button is resting against something and getting fake touches that would otherwise just launch the camera (the standard double power button tap on Android). The BBC article doesn't explain how this happens.

supertrope 3y ago

Burglar alarms often require alarm permits. Alarms first ring the alarm company's employees who ask if help is needed and your PIN. Also police just don't respond to automated burglar alarms, only manually reported ones.

Zamiel_Snawley 3y ago
Automated burglar alarms are generally supposed to stop unattended property crime, not save lives. Fire alarms get an automatic and immediate response because it is a life threatening emergency, just like a car crash.