Google could offer car crash detection abilities with Android Q
Android Q's third beta version comes with some pretty interesting features like system-wide dark mode and live captions. But, there is more to this update than what's on the surface and what Google announced at I/O 2019. Case in point: Crash detection, a handy new ability the company could offer as a safety tool for people using Android Q. Here's all about it.
What is crash detection
Just recently, XDA Developers conducted a teardown of Android Q Beta 3 and found signs of an app called Safety Hub. The program wasn't enabled for use, but its code indicated that Google might offer a feature to detect car crashes through it. Now, this could be a handy tool to save a life, in case one gets involved in an accident.
However, it's not clear how Safety Hub will detect crashes
While the code of Android Q Beta 3 revealed Safety Hub and its crash detection abilities, there is no word on how the app functions. Specifically, it's not clear how the feature would detect and confirm a car crash. According to XDA Developers, it might use sensors like accelerometer and microphone in conjunction to detect sudden stops and sounds associated with a crash.
Response mechanism also remains unclear
Along with detection ability, it is also not clear how the app would respond when it detects a crash. However, our best guess is that it will notify first responders in the area or emergency contacts chosen/pre-defined by the user.
Plus, it would be a Pixel-exclusive capability
The feature, as we said, could prove handy in saving lives in the event of a major accident, but not everyone would be getting it. The code analyzed by team XDA notes that the feature would come as an exclusive offering for Pixel phone users. So, people using other devices might have to wait for a bit or perhaps indefinitely.
This is just one of the many Android Q perks
Having said that, it's imperative to note that this is just one of the many things Android Q will have on offer. The upcoming mobile OS will offer support for a Face ID-like facial recognition system, enhanced privacy controls and app permission settings, reverse app updates, a built-in screen recorder, desktop mode, and iPhone-like full-screen gestures.
