Google has introduced a live video streaming feature to Android smartphones for emergency calls. Now, users can show the dispatcher what is happening at the scene through their phone’s camera. The option is already working on Pixel devices and will begin rolling out to other Android devices.
The idea behind the service is to make help faster and more accurate. If the dispatcher can see what is happening, they can assess the situation more quickly and send the necessary resources. This is especially important in complex or not immediately obvious situations, when every moment counts.
The stream is enabled only with the user’s consent and can be turned off at any time. The video is not saved and is used only during the call.
The feature is already available in the United States, as well as in selected regions of Germany and Mexico, where emergency services support receiving video streams. In other countries, including Russia, there is currently no way to activate the option — mainly because of technical limitations and the lack of integration with the 112 emergency service. However, Google plans to expand the feature’s availability as local services become ready.
