iOS 5 to include early earthquake warnings in Japan

Jeff is the Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of "The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X" from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also co-hosts the We Have Communicators podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other podcasts, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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.

iOS 5 to include early earthquake warning support in Japan

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.

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.

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Japanese Version of Apple's IOS 5 To Include Earthquake Warnings - Mobiledia

By Margaret Rock | Mon Aug 22, 2011 3:58 pm

Japan's version of iOS 5 is expected to have an earthquake notification system, another example of how Apple is fulfilling its pledge to help the country in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami this past spring.

A special widget will appear on the Japanese version of the new operating system. It uses the iPhone's old notifications, but uses a screen that is reportedly easier to read and stores the last few messages. When activated, it will connect the device to Japan's earthquake early warning system.

Reportedly, the system is so sensitive that it may reduce battery life when turned on, as it polls the warning servers constantly.

Apple took many steps to help its Japanese customers after the twin disasters earlier this spring. Apple's flagship store in Tokyo remained open, providing survivors with a place to stay and offering them use of iPhones and FaceTime to check in with friends and family, as well as devices to follow the news and check e-mail, Facebook and Twitter.

Apple also made provisions for its employees by allowing them and their families to remain overnight in the store, which was stocked with food and supplies. For those who chose to leave, Apple reportedly picked up the transportation cost.

After its immediate response, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company urged Japanese users to contact local Apple retail stores and schedule appointments to drop off their damaged devices, rather than making appointments online, speeding up repair rates.

Along with providing aid during the earthquake, Apple created a donation page on its Web site allowing people to send money to those in need. The iTunes creator also sells the Sichuan Earthquake Relief album, with profits going to the relief as well.

But Apple isn't the only tech company that came to Japan's aid in the trying post-earthquake times. Google dispatched Google Maps' Street View cameras to photograph tsunami-ravaged streets in Japan, recording both the devastation and reconstruction efforts. In addition, Google's "Person Finder" also helped Japanese track down missing people, and the company's YouTube and Picasa websites assisted in sharing and distributing photos and video of the missing.

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