Google has announced the end of Safety Signal support for the LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3, effective December 12. This emergency feature, which provided Emergency SOS and Fall Detection without requiring a separate carrier plan, will be discontinued as Google evolves its connectivity and safety capabilities. Users will receive an email and push notification 30 days before the termination, allowing a transition period to continue using the feature without a standalone plan until the cutoff date.
After December 12, users will need a mobile plan or eSIM to access these safety features when away from their phone. Google emphasizes that other emergency tools like Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Safety Check remain available, but will now require cellular connectivity. The change impacts users who relied on Safety Signal for phone-free emergency calls and texts without subscription fees.
While the feature's removal is disappointing, Google assures that core safety functions are still accessible, albeit with added connectivity requirements.
Source: Android Central · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing