Apple in iOS 6 has added wireless emergency alerts that will enact push notifications for government emergency announcements, much in the same way that TV viewers and radio audiences receive updates when emergency weather conditions and the like manifest.
During Apple’s WWDC keynote last week, Apple senior VP of iOS software Scott Forstall took the wraps off of iOS 6 and showed off a number of new features including enhanced Siri functionality, deep Facebook integration, the Passbook app, and of course, a revamped Maps app with a nifty little 3D flyover effect and (finally!) built-in turn-by-turn directions.
But there’s only so much time in a keynote and, as is always the case, Forstall didn’t have time to go over every single one of iOS 6’s significant new features. That said, one feature left out of the key note is particularly interesting.
According to Emergency Management, wireless emergency alerts are coming to the iPhone with iOS 6. So once iOS 6 drops, iOS users will be able to receive push notifications for government emergency announcements, much in the same way that TV viewers and radio audiences receive updates when emergency weather conditions and the like manifest.
This is big news. A number of other manufacturers have already adapted their mobile devices so they receive WEA messages…so, the stage has been set for a consistently growing number of people in the US to have capability to receive alerts from local, state, and federal officials through the initiative led by FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) program.
This is obviously a highly welcomed feature that has the potential to save lives by transmitting pertinent information regarding events like torandoes, hurricanes, and AMBER alerts when folks may not otherwise be aware of impending danger.
