Wear OS watches can now receive earthquake alerts without a phone

An update to Google Play Services (v26.07) is reported to deliver Android earthquake alerts directly to Wear OS watches even when they are unpaired from a phone, and the changelog described the feature as providing brief advice during imminent quakes.

Wear OS watches are reported to receive Android earthquake alerts even when they are not paired with a phone. The change appears in Google Play Services v26.07 and was noted in a changelog cited by 9to5Google. The article reports the alerts include brief advice about bracing and seeking cover during an imminent quake. The report also describes the change as potentially life-saving for users away from their phones. Key facts: - The update is reported as part of Google Play Services v26.07 according to the cited changelog. - The changelog entry is reported as stating: users can get earthquake alerts on Wear devices even when unpaired from the phone. - Earthquake alerts are reported as warnings of imminent quakes and include brief advice on bracing or getting under cover. - The report notes the feature is likely to apply mainly to watches with cellular connectivity rather than Bluetooth-only models. - The same Play Services update is reported to include a minor autofill change for phones to improve password syncing. Summary: The reported change would allow Wear OS watches to receive earthquake alerts without a connected phone, which the article describes as potentially life-saving for people away from their devices. Exact device compatibility and the broader rollout timeline are undetermined at this time.