When iOS 5 for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is released later this year, it will include a tie-in to Japan’s earthquake early warning notification system. Earlier versions of iOS don’t include the feature, making iPhone owners in Japan rely on third-party apps for earthquake alerts. Users will be able to choose whether or not they want to enable the feature, according to 9 to 5 Mac, just like other iOS features such as Location Services.
Following the devestating earthquake in Japan earlier this year, Apple has added a new early earthquake warning notification option to iOS 5. iOS 5 users in Japan can turn on early earthquake notifications at the very bottom of the iOS 5 Notification Center settings pane. As you can see above, all the user has to do is flick a switch to start receiving these notifications.
According to Time, who profiled Japan’s earthquake warning system earlier this year, the system gives warnings from seconds to one or two minutes before the earthquake hits. Time also explains the history of the system: Japan has the most advanced earthquake early-warning system in the world. A nationwide online system launched in 2007, it detects tremors, calculates an earthquake’s epicenter and sends out brief warnings from its 1,000-plus seismographs scattered throughout the country, one of the most earthquake-prone nations on the planet.
According to Time, who profiled Japan’s earthquake warning system earlier this year, the system gives warnings from seconds to one or two minutes before the earthquake hits. Time also explains the history of the system: Japan has the most advanced earthquake early-warning system in the world. A nationwide online system launched in 2007, it detects tremors, calculates an earthquake’s epicenter and sends out brief warnings from its 1,000-plus seismographs scattered throughout the country, one of the most earthquake-prone nations on the planet.
Apple’s built-in earthquake notification system will be a nice replacement for those in Japan who rely on earthquake warning applications from the App Store such as Yurekuru Call. For those who cannot read the text above, it also warns that the feature may reduce your battery life because it is always connected to Japan’s earthquake warning system.
This new notification options truly showcases Apple’s commitment to safety for those in Japan. Apple said iOS 5 will ship this fall, but hasn’t announced an actual release date yet. The update is, however, generally expected to roll out some time in September or October along with a new version of the iPhone. (9to5MAC)
This new notification options truly showcases Apple’s commitment to safety for those in Japan. Apple said iOS 5 will ship this fall, but hasn’t announced an actual release date yet. The update is, however, generally expected to roll out some time in September or October along with a new version of the iPhone. (9to5MAC)
