With the military action of Russia vs Ukraine we see how many western companies are doing their part to help the people of Ukraine, whether through sanctions against Russia or by launching important features to help the millions affected.
Under Google’s “Helping Ukraine” post, the company has been announcing since last week the measures it is taking for the war in ukrainesuch as Google Maps’ report that hotels in neighboring countries are offering free or discounted accommodation to refugees, leaving Russian media without advertising revenue, suspending their paid services in the Russian country or implementing a air raid early warning system
Airstrike alerts are coming to Android
Because millions of people in Ukraine today have to rely on the air raid alerts to try to be sure Google will put in place as soon as possible a air raid warning system.
This feature will come on demand and with the help of the Ukrainian government. The company will supplement the existing air attack warning systems in the country and will be based on the alerts that the Ukrainian government already sends to each of the cities attacked by the Russians. The alerts, in addition to sounding on megaphones and city radios, will also sound on Android mobiles.
The alerts will come from Google Play Services and use the same technology that Google has been using since last year in its earthquake alert system. Currently, users in Ukraine who wish to receive these alerts must download the Повітряна тривога application created by Ukrainian developers with the cooperation of the Ukrainian government. Therefore, what Google is going to do is integrate this feature into all mobile phones in Ukraine.
The launch of these Air Raid Alerts on Android seems imminent, as the current Google Play Services version 06.22.15 already has the following strings implemented in its source code:
“The Ukrainian government has issued an alert for %s on %s. Take cover immediately.\n\nPress to change settings.
The Ukrainian government has canceled the alert for %s in %s.\n\nPress to change settings.
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