Apple's Satellite SOS Feature Can Prevent Wildfires in Canada
- Mac Rumors
Canada – The Massive wildfires on the border of Canada and the United States (US) have forced local communities to evacuate as the flames continue to spread.
A group of Canadians in Missanabie, Ontario, recently utilized the iPhone 14's SOS by satellite feature to contact emergency services.
The emergency Apple SOS by satellite feature is designed to allow emergency messages to be sent, even when cellular and WiFi connections are not available.
Satellite connectivity is available for use at any time when the user is out of WiFi or cellular coverage and needs to send an emergency message.
Apple says that the device is designed to be used in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be affected if there are trees or buildings nearby.
Ilustrasi kebakaran hutan.
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Phone calls cannot be made using the SOS over Satellite feature, but users can still send short text messages.
This tool can be used in emergencies such as when adventurers are lost or injured. It also hints that this handy feature could be used in fire-fighting efforts.
Warren Thibodeau and Orel Crack, along with local firefighter Craig Spooner, embarked on a daring expedition to put out a fire on an island. They sailed towards the burning island, tirelessly spraying water until the fire was extinguished.
Their valiant efforts were supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) who arrived soon after being contacted via satellite feature, as reported by the Gizmochina page, Thursday, August 3, 2023.
"The iPhone 14's new GlobalStar emergency feature facilitated our communication with MNRF as we approached the burning island," said Eric Belanger, who photographed and shared the incident.
The SOS via satellite feature will be available when a cellular signal is absent. The user interface will prompt the phone owner to point the iPhone to the nearest satellite for a signal.
This feature collects data on reported incidents and shares the user's location with emergency services.
Despite the slow data transfer and potentially poor connection quality, the feature offers a rescue system in emergencies, underscoring the revolutionary impact of technology on public safety and disaster management.
