Activating emergency SOS on your iPhone
Emergencies can happen at any time and if you have an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro and the latest operating system, you now have more options available to get help.
“You could be in a remote area that doesn’t have any cellular connectivity and this new system will certainly help,” said Ritesh Kotak, cybersecurity and tech analyst.
“This is when the satellite emergency-based system kicks in. You will get a prompt saying, ‘do you want to connect with 911 and satellite-based SOS?’”
Kotak said you essentially send text messages to the 911 relay centre, which will alert crews on the ground.
“No longer having connectivity is no longer an issue. And those services at this point are only available in North America.”
There is a way for users to demo this service, Kotak said, without calling 911.
“It will interesting to see in a few months the data on how many were able to use this service. At the end of the day, you do need direct access to the satellites. However, I tried this indoors and was able to connect.”
Kotak added this emergency SOS system using satellites is not available on older model iPhones or Android devices.
However, he added if you have an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro, the service is compatible with Apple Watch.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.