Millions of Android users in Venezuela reportedly received earthquake alerts on their smartphones moments before powerful tremors shook the country, renewing global interest in how Google’s earthquake warning technology functions and whether smartphones can help save lives during natural disasters.

The alerts were triggered ahead of the strong shaking caused by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week. However, experts have clarified that Google did not predict the earthquakes. Instead, the company’s system detected the initial seismic activity and rapidly issued warnings to people located in potentially affected areas.

How Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System works

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System uses the accelerometers built into billions of Android smartphones. These sensors, typically used to detect device movement and screen orientation, can also identify ground vibrations associated with earthquakes.

When multiple Android devices in the same region detect similar vibrations simultaneously, anonymised data is sent to Google’s servers. Algorithms then analyse the information to estimate the earthquake’s location, magnitude and expected intensity. If the system determines that significant shaking is likely, alerts are automatically sent to users in affected areas.

The technology works by detecting primary seismic waves, or P-waves, which travel faster and are generally less destructive than secondary waves, known as S-waves. Since internet signals travel much faster than seismic waves, alerts can reach users seconds before the strongest shaking arrives.

Why a few seconds can make a difference

Although the warning window is often brief, experts say even a few seconds can be crucial during an earthquake. Such alerts can allow people to move away from hazardous areas, stop dangerous activities, seek cover or prepare for stronger shaking.

During the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, some residents reported receiving alerts on their phones shortly before the tremors intensified, giving them additional time to react.

How to enable earthquake alerts on Android

Google says Android earthquake alerts are available in many countries, including India. To receive these notifications, users need an Android device running Android 5 or later, active internet connectivity and location services enabled.

To check whether earthquake alerts are enabled:

1. Open Settings on your Android smartphone.
2. Search for “Earthquake alerts”.
3. Ensure the feature is turned on.
4. Keep both location services and mobile data or Wi-Fi enabled.

Google emphasises that the system is designed as a supplemental early warning service and may not detect or alert users about every earthquake. It does not predict earthquakes before they begin but aims to provide precious seconds of advance warning once seismic activity is detected.

In a significant pivot to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional advertising, tech giant Meta has officially initiated the global rollout of monthly paid subscription plans for its flagship social platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The expansion builds upon previous localized testing, bringing a suite of premium user features worldwide.

New premium ‘Plus’ tiers launched

According to statements made by Naomi Gleit, Meta’s Head of Product, the consumer subscriptions are branded under a “Plus” suffix for each respective application. Under the new pricing model, Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus are priced at $3.99 per month, while WhatsApp Plus is available for a slightly lower rate of $2.99 per month. Media reports clarify that these tiers operate entirely independently from the existing “Meta Verified” program, which remains a separate service dedicated solely to account verification and identity protection.

The new subscriptions introduce specific, exclusive upgrades designed for personalization and enhanced user data:

• Instagram Plus: Grants subscribers the ability to view Stories anonymously without appearing on the viewer list, aggregate insights on how many users rewatched a Story, build unlimited custom audience lists, and extend Story availability beyond the standard 24 hours. Additional perks include customizable bio fonts, exclusive profile pins, unique app icons, and animated “Super Heart” reactions.
• Facebook Plus: Replicates many of the social expression and profile customization features found in the Instagram tier, alongside the stealth viewing and extended duration tools for Facebook Stories.
• WhatsApp Plus: Focuses primarily on utility and chat customization, enabling subscribers to change application themes, configure premium ringtones, use exclusive sticker packs, and pin up to 20 chats simultaneously.

Future roadmaps and upcoming AI subscriptions

Beyond consumer-focused social add-ons, Meta revealed it is actively piloting advanced monetization frameworks aimed at creators, business clients, and artificial intelligence enthusiasts. Product lead Naomi Gleit indicated that the company plans to eventually consolidate these upcoming tiers under a unified master brand known as “Meta One”.

Media reports highlight that the AI-centric subscription paths will include a “Meta One Plus” tier at $7.99 per month and a high-end “Meta One Premium” tier at $19.99 per month. While functional capabilities remain identical across both options, the Premium plan allocates significantly higher computing resources, allowing power users to process intensive queries requiring deeper inference and complex logic.

For content creators, Meta is structuring a tiered approach consisting of “Meta One Essential” at $14.99 per month—mirroring legacy verification benefits—and “Meta One Advanced” at $49.99 per month. The high-tier Advanced plan will offer prominent feed visibility, elevated search rankings, and automated follow-invitation mechanisms to maximize creator reach.

This systemic move toward multi-tier subscriptions materializes as Meta experiences heightened infrastructure spending, with internal projections expecting capital expenditure to reach between $125 billion and $145 billion this year due to heavy data center and AI research allocations. Following the formal rollout announcement, public market shares for Meta reacted positively, climbing nearly 3%.

The resignation of Robin Liu as India CEO of OnePlus has triggered fresh speculation online about the company’s future, even as the firm has firmly denied any plans to shut down operations.

Liu will step down from his role effective March 31, 2026. His exit comes months after he publicly dismissed similar rumours about the company withdrawing from certain markets.

Google searches spike after leadership exit

Following news of Liu’s departure, search trends for terms like “OnePlus shutdown”, “OnePlus shutting down”, and “OnePlus India shutdown” saw a noticeable surge, indicating rising public concern.

However, OnePlus India clarified that there is no change in its business operations and dismissed the shutdown claims as misinformation.

In a public statement, Liu said the company is “operating as usual” and urged stakeholders to rely on official sources rather than unverified reports. He reiterated that claims about the company shutting down are false.

Company says operations remain unchanged

The company stated that Liu’s decision to step down was due to personal reasons and not linked to any strategic withdrawal or operational challenges in India.

OnePlus further emphasized that its India business continues normally, with no immediate changes expected in its strategy or market presence.

Restructuring within OPPO group

Industry observers suggest Liu’s exit may be part of a broader restructuring within the OPPO group, which owns OnePlus.

The restructuring is believed to focus on streamlining operations, reducing costs, and accelerating product development amid challenges such as rising component costs and supply constraints.

Reports also indicate that OnePlus experienced a decline in shipments in 2025, which may have contributed to internal changes.

Reports hint at global strategy shift

According to a report by 9to5Google, the company may scale back its presence in some global markets, including parts of Europe, as early as April 2026.

At the same time, OnePlus is reportedly planning to strengthen its focus on India and expand further into the mid-range smartphone segment.