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reeki8

Q: Emergency notification on watch

Hello all.  I had a online friend who fell in her home with no help.  She died in her house.  It would be nice if these watches/bands would put a monitor for emergencies!

 

May be even a new product category  ?????  She was not that old and not feeble.   This can happen to anyone!

Apple Watch

Posted on Apr 28, 2016 6:38 AM

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Q: Emergency notification on watch

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  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 28, 2016 6:40 AM in response to reeki8
    Level 7 (33,765 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 28, 2016 6:40 AM in response to reeki8

    Hi

     

    This is a user-based technical support community - you are not talking to Apple here.

     

    To send feedback and suggestions directly to Apple, you can submit the form here (all submissions are read):

     

    https://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 28, 2016 6:41 AM in response to reeki8
    Level 9 (57,922 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 28, 2016 6:41 AM in response to reeki8

    Feedback to Apple goes here http://www.apple.com/feedback and then click on the appropriate subject area.

     

    However, if the person had an Apple Watch, it does have the ability for the wearer to make a phone call from the watch, so long as it is paired with a phone. There is also a separate industry for emergency home monitors and home alarm systems that are constantly connected to monitoring services to summon help.

     

    I'm sorry for your loss.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 28, 2016 7:55 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 7 (33,765 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 28, 2016 7:55 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    ChrisJ4203 wrote:

     

    .. However, if the person had an Apple Watch, it does have the ability for the wearer to make a phone call from the watch, so long as it is paired with a phone. ..

     

    This is not necessarily correct.

     

    Given the serious nature of the subject, it is worth clarifying why (but, for the same reason, also see the disclaimer below).

     

    Once Apple Watch has been paired to an iPhone, it remains paired to that iPhone at all times (unless and until it is erased or unpaired). The watch remains paired, for example, even when that iPhone is turned off or out of Bluetooth range of the watch.

     

    Apple Watch does not presently have cellular capabilities of its own. When using the watch to make calls via the cellular network, it requires an active connection with the paired iPhone. That connection can be via Bluetooth or via Wi-Fi (Apple Watch can connect to certain 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks if the iPhone, whilst connected to the watch via Bluetooth, has connected to that network before).

     

    If the watch is not connected to the iPhone via either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (for example, because the iPhone has been turned off), all attempts to make calls via the cellular network will fail - even though the watch is still "paired" to the iPhone.

     

    Also, under certain circumstances, Apple Watch may still be able to make phone calls even if the paired iPhone is not available via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This can apply if the iPhone is on a carrier plan that includes Wi-Fi calling, subject to Wi-Fi calling having been enabled and the watch being connected to a Wi-Fi network.

     

    Note also that Apple advises: "You can use iPhone to make an emergency call in many locations, provided that cellular service is available, but you should not rely on it for emergencies".

     

    Disclaimer: I believe the above information to be accurate at the time of writing, but users should check Apple's published guidelines independently and not place any reliance on the contents of this post. Behaviours described above may also change over time, including under different hardware and/or software versions.

     

    More information:

    https://www.apple.com/support/

    About Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 28, 2016 7:58 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 9 (57,922 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 28, 2016 7:58 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    I agree. I guess my answer was rather simplistic, but given the circumstances I felt that was all that was necessary. I'm not sure if the OP was looking for a calling ability, or just the ability that some others have indicated in the past that certain motions of the watch would trigger an emergency notification. One post I remember in the past was looking for some type of sensor to indicate the shock of a fall, or an unusual orientation of the watch, such as with a fall. As always, thank you for the additional information that you have provided.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 28, 2016 8:46 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 7 (33,765 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 28, 2016 8:46 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    ChrisJ4203 wrote:

     

    I agree. I guess my answer was rather simplistic, but given the circumstances I felt that was all that was necessary.

     

    My purpose in replying was not to be critical. Rather, I was mindful that others who may visit this thread over time (based on the keywords it contained) might otherwise inadvertently place undue reliance on the statement (eg when researching and putting in place communication arrangements for loved ones).

     

    ChrisJ4203 wrote:

     

    As always, thank you for the additional information that you have provided.

     

    You're welcome!

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 28, 2016 10:35 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 9 (57,922 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 28, 2016 10:35 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    I wasn't taking it as critical, I guess I tend to be a little vague at times with responses, since OPs can be the same, and as you know, many times they are not as up front with their question details. Despite all, we tend to compliment each other's posts with each providing competent information for users.

  • by Briansyddall,

    Briansyddall Briansyddall Apr 29, 2016 12:45 AM in response to reeki8
    Level 6 (8,551 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 29, 2016 12:45 AM in response to reeki8

    Hi

    Look in the apps store at panic guard for iphone not sure if it works on watch .

    Cheers

    Brian

  • by léonie,

    léonie léonie Apr 29, 2016 7:11 PM in response to Briansyddall
    Level 10 (106,821 points)
    iLife
    Apr 29, 2016 7:11 PM in response to Briansyddall

    I found these apps, Brian, when I searched for "panic guard".

    Screen Shot 2016-04-30 at 04.08.44MESZ.png

    SmartWatcher claims to be working with the Apple Watch, but requires a subscription.