Emergency Features Archives

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google’s Safety app just picked up a few new tricks for your kids

Google has expanded the Personal Safety app to include children under 13, allowing them to display emergency contacts, their age, and allergies on their lock screen. Children can also activate Crash Detection, which contacts emergency services and priority contacts in case of an accident. Teens will have access to features like Safety Check for scheduling safety reminders and real-time location sharing. These updates will be available on Android devices running Android 12 or later, though a specific rollout timeline has not been provided. Some devices may refer to the app as "Safety," while Samsung includes similar features in its Safety and emergency menu.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

I Ran 80 Miles on the Path of the Gods to Test the Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus

The inReach Mini 3 Plus offers satellite messaging capabilities but has limited mapping features compared to the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Garmin Forerunner 970. It provides alerts only if users veer 50 meters off course, unlike the Fenix, which offers upcoming turn notifications. Its notable features include live tracking, SOS emergency capabilities, and voice messaging, allowing users to send 30-second voice notes or longer messages via the Garmin Messenger app. Voice messages are transcribed for recipients, and replies are received on the device. Photos can be sent through Messenger, but satellite transmission can take up to 10 minutes. The battery life claims 55 hours with performance messaging and two-minute location updates, extending to 350 hours in low-power mode. During a test, the device used 68% of its battery over 21.5 hours of continuous tracking and navigation. Charging takes just over an hour. The inReach Mini 3 Plus is durable, user-friendly, and compact, making it suitable for extended adventures, though potential buyers should consider the purchase price, activation fee, and monthly subscription. It is particularly beneficial for those frequently outside cellular coverage.

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: LTE, MicroLED & Satellite Messaging Hands-On: Everything You Need to Know!

Garmin has launched the Fenix 8 Pro and Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED models, featuring LTE and two-way satellite messaging capabilities, increased display brightness (around 2,000 nits for the Pro model and 4,500 nits for the MicroLED), enhanced speaker loudness, and live two-way voice calls. The Fenix 8 Pro comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes, with the entry-level model priced at 9, while the MicroLED variant is priced at ,999 and only available in the 51mm size. The 43mm model has been removed due to engineering challenges with LTE integration. The new models offer various safety and communication features, including weather updates, incident detection, and emergency SOS. The LTE setup requires a subscription to Garmin’s inReach platform. The MicroLED version has a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 44 hours in GPS-only mode.

AppWizard

July 23, 2024

Google killing off app on millions of smartphones

Google is ending support for the Personal Safety app on older Android devices. The app will now only support Android 12 or later devices, and phones running an older version of the operating system will no longer receive updates or bug fixes.