Hands-free: Google's new step for summoning help in emergencies

Google is developing a new Android feature that allows users to call for help using only voice, without physical contact with the device. Saying the word 'Help' three times will trigger location sharing, video recording, and dialing emergency services. The feature is in advanced development and is expected to work on a variety of Android devices, except Samsung.

Google is developing a new voice-activated emergency feature for Android called Hands-Free Emergency SOS, which enables summoning help without physical contact with the phone. According to an expose by Android Authority in the Personal Safety app code, the user will be able to activate the full emergency response system by saying the word 'Help' three times in a row. The system will detect the distress call, send precise location to contacts, activate covert video recording, and dial emergency services. The feature is expected to work on a wide range of Android devices, but not on Samsung devices which operate an independent infrastructure. The code reveals a challenge: the system requires additional voice confirmation ('yes' or 'cancel') to prevent false alarms, which could delay assistance in terror or severe injury situations. The feature is in advanced development stages and has not yet been released to the public.