Google appears to be preparing a major upgrade to Android’s emergency response system, one that mirrors a feature Apple rolled out in 2024. According to a report from Android Authority, the latest beta of Google Play Services contains references to a tool that could let users share live video streams directly with emergency services.
If launched, this would represent a significant leap forward from Google’s existing safety features and bring Android users closer to Apple’s Emergency SOS Live Video, which allows dispatchers to view live footage during emergencies.
Apple introduced its Emergency SOS Live Video feature in 2024. It enables users to share a live video feed or photos with an emergency dispatcher — but only when requested.
Notably:
Videos or photos cannot be saved by the user.
Dispatchers have the option to save the footage for evidence or case follow-ups.
This feature has been hailed as a breakthrough in emergency response, allowing dispatchers to better assess situations in real time.
According to the Android Authority report, code strings within the Google Play Services beta include the phrases:
“Share live video”
“Emergency services will use your camera to view this emergency.”
This strongly suggests that Google is working on an Android version of live video sharing for emergencies, similar to Apple’s system.
However, Google has not officially confirmed the rollout, leaving uncertainty around device availability and release timelines.
At present, Google’s emergency video tool is available only on Pixel devices. It allows users to:
Record and save videos of up to 45 minutes.
Automatically send a link to emergency contacts 15 seconds after recording stops.
Allow contacts to download the video within seven days of receiving the link.
No live streaming support for dispatchers.
No direct link between emergency services and the video recorded.
This limitation has long been seen as a gap compared to Apple’s offerings, especially during time-sensitive crises.
If Google expands this new feature beyond Pixel devices, it could transform Android’s emergency ecosystem:
Faster emergency response by letting dispatchers visually assess the scene.
Greater accuracy in identifying medical or safety risks.
Broader accessibility if rolled out across all Android devices instead of just Google’s Pixel phones.
Such a feature could be especially impactful in countries like India and the US, where rapid emergency responses can save countless lives.
Google’s rumored live video sharing feature for emergencies could represent a transformative leap in Android’s safety ecosystem. If implemented, this upgrade would allow Android users to stream real-time video directly to emergency dispatchers, giving first responders immediate visual context of critical situations.
Such a feature would not only bring Android in line with Apple’s Emergency SOS Live Video but also potentially set new standards for mobile safety worldwide. By bridging this gap, Google could empower emergency services with faster and more accurate information, which may ultimately save lives in scenarios like car accidents, medical crises, or natural disasters.
While the feature currently exists only as hidden code in the Google Play Services beta and no official launch timeline has been announced, its eventual rollout could redefine how smartphones contribute to public safety. For millions of Android users, it promises a future where help is not only a call away but also a live video stream away.