Google announced the launch of the Emergency Location Service in Android. This feature sends location information from and Android mobile phone to emergency services when the user dials an emergency number, in order to help better locate a person in distress. The service uses the same location technologies available to apps on the phone, including Wi-Fi, GPS and cell towers, and works on over 99 percent of Android phones in the market, Google said.
This feature is solely for the use of emergency service providers, and location is never seen or handled by Google. It is sent from the handset to emergency services only when the user places an emergency call, either directly or through the mobile network. In order to work, the service must be supported by the mobile network operator, and Google has initially partnered with operators in the UK and Estonia to launch the service. This includes BT, EE, Vodafone, 3, O2, Elisa, Telia and Tele2, as well as local emergency services operators.
Google said it's in talks to launch the service around the world.
