Google's New Automated Voice Service Lets You Silently Share Information With Emergency Operators

Google is working to make it easier for callers to share details with 911 responders in the event of an emergency. From a report: In a blog post this week, the tech giant announced a feature heading to select Android devices that will allow users to provide information about the assistance they require -- and their location -- to operators silently. Google says the feature will become available in the U.S. in the coming months starting with Pixel smartphones via the Phone app. "A quick, informative conversation with an operator during an emergency call is critical, but in some cases, people are unable to verbally communicate, whether they're injured, in a dangerous situation or have a speech impairment," wrote product manager Paul Dunlop. "We've been collecting feedback from public safety organizations, including the National Emergency Number Association, to make this feature as helpful as possible."

How to toddler proof this

[Billy the Mountain]

Hate to see a toddler arrange a swatting. I guess it would be hard to anticipate the kinds of circumstances where this would be useful and not ironically tragic in some cases.

love it.

[WindBourne]

Hopefully, apple will do the same. There are many situations where silence would be better than a whisper.

Re:

[bill_mcgonigle]

Agreed - very smart idea. Of course it will be overused, but that's an expected characteristic of all emergency services.