emergency services Archives

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Android is preparing a hub for all your satellite-connected apps

Google is enhancing Android's satellite connectivity capabilities, which will allow users to stay connected in areas without cellular service. A new Quick Settings tile and menu will streamline access to these features. Initially, satellite connectivity was limited to emergency messaging, but upcoming updates will include functionalities like WhatsApp calling and live location sharing. In the latest Android Canary build, a toggle for a “Satellite” tile is available under Settings > System > Developer Options, indicating three states: On, Available, and Not available. The Pixel 9 supports satellite connectivity, but the tile is marked as “Not available” due to the user's T-Mobile plan lacking satellite access. Tapping the tile leads to a “Satellite connectivity” page listing compatible apps, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find Hub, Maps, and Settings. WhatsApp is not currently listed, despite prior announcements of its support for satellite calls. The app list varies based on device and plan support for LTE-based or Narrowband NTN. If LTE-based NTN is supported, the app list could expand to include AccuWeather, Google Weather, Snapchat, and X, suggesting future satellite support for these applications. The Satellite tile and landing page are operational in the Canary release but are currently accessible only through a developer option, indicating they may still be in testing. Future Android Canary releases will provide updates on this feature's development.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

911 emergency calls now possible through messaging apps in these LGUs

Residents and visitors in Morong, Rizal, and Mambajao, Camiguin Island can now make emergency calls through messaging apps and social media platforms as part of a modernization initiative for emergency response systems. Mambajao activated its local 911 emergency hotline on February 27, becoming the first next-generation 911-enabled command center in Northern Mindanao, reducing response times to three to seven minutes. The Next Generation Advanced (NGA) 911 Philippines launched the NEXiS Message platform, allowing emergency calls via traditional voice methods, text messages, video calls, and popular applications like Facebook Messenger. This system consolidates incoming messages into a single platform, improving efficiency and response times while ensuring the security of shared information through encryption. NEXiS Message integrates with legacy and modern communication technologies and facilitates inter-agency collaboration. NGA 911 Philippines aims to expand next-generation 911 technology to more communities in the country and has received certification from the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Epic Games store’s massive update: You can grab $45worth in free games for a limited period of time

The Epic Games Store is offering two free PC games until August 14. The first game is Road Redemption, an action racing game developed by Redemption Road and Pixel Dash Studios, published by Tripwire Presents, released in 2019, and typically retails for .99. It has an 82% approval rating from over 10,000 user reviews on Steam. The second game is 112 Operator, a simulation and strategy game developed by Jutsu Games and published by Games Operators, released in 2020, and normally costs .99. It has an 89% approval rating from over 5,000 user reviews on Steam.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 07/08/2025

The Epic Games Store is offering two free games, 112 Operator and Road Redemption, from 4 PM BST on August 7, 2025, until 4 PM BST on August 14, 2025. 112 Operator is a simulation game where players manage emergency calls and dispatch rescue teams, while Road Redemption is a driving combat game where players lead a biker gang across the country.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

Epic Games Store Updated With $45 Worth of Free Games

The Epic Games Store is offering two free PC games until August 14: Road Redemption and 112 Operator. Road Redemption, an action-packed racing game released in 2019, has an 82% approval rating on Steam and is typically priced at .99. It allows players to lead a motorcycle gang on a cross-country journey with intense driving combat. 112 Operator, a simulation and strategy game released in 2020, has an 89% approval rating on Steam and is usually priced at .99. In this game, players manage emergency services in various cities, responding to calls and navigating different scenarios.

AppWizard

April 21, 2025

Chaos erupts at ‘Minecraft’ screening as fire extinguisher fills…

A screening of the "Minecraft Movie" in Melbourne on April 15 at the HOYTS theater in Ringwood was disrupted when a fire extinguisher was accidentally activated, causing a cloud of foam that led to confusion and panic among moviegoers. Eyewitnesses reported choking and crying as they evacuated the theater. Theater management confirmed that safety protocols were followed and emergency services ensured all individuals were unharmed. Reactions on social media varied, with some expressing disbelief and others finding humor in the situation.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Four teens arrested, accused of slashing two adults after ‘Minecraft’ movie

Four teenagers were apprehended at the Apple Cinemas in Warwick, Rhode Island, following an altercation during a screening of "A Minecraft Movie." The police were called after reports of a disturbance, and upon arrival, they found a chaotic scene with two injured adults, one bleeding. The adults had been disrupted by a loud group of teenagers and were assaulted after confronting them. One victim reported being stabbed by a teenager in a black hoodie. Both injured men were taken to Kent Hospital for treatment. The suspects, aged 14 to 16, were taken into custody and transferred to the Rhode Island Training School, facing charges including felony assault and disorderly conduct.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Messages addresses issues regarding media text failures in RCS chats

Google is addressing user concerns regarding media transmission issues in RCS chats within the Messages app by implementing updates to enhance media reception performance. The updates aim to improve the "receiving performance" of media texts. Additionally, Google has introduced enhanced scam detection measures for Pixel devices, utilizing AI technology to identify and flag potential scams in the Messages and Phone apps, providing real-time alerts for suspicious messages. There is also anticipation for Google's promised 911 RCS texting capabilities, which would allow users to text emergency services and send images and videos, although the timeline for this feature remains uncertain.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

Winsage

November 19, 2024

New Windows 11 recovery tool to let admins remotely fix unbootable devices

Microsoft is introducing a feature called "Quick Machine Recovery" to help IT administrators remotely fix unbootable systems via Windows Update, following a significant outage in July 2024 caused by a problematic update to the CrowdStrike Falcon software. This outage affected various critical sectors globally, leading to issues like boot loops and the Blue Screen of Death for users. The Quick Machine Recovery feature will allow targeted fixes without physical access to the machines and is expected to roll out in early 2025 for Windows 11 Insider Program participants. Additionally, Microsoft is working with security vendors on the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) to develop tools that allow security software to operate outside the Windows kernel, reducing risks associated with kernel-level access. This initiative includes adopting Safe Deployment Practices for gradual and monitored updates. A private preview of these developments will be available in July 2025. Microsoft has also launched a new Windows 11 administrator protection feature and is focusing significant resources on security challenges through its Secure Future Initiative (SFI).