NewsChannel 5:
The Emergency SOS feature on the Apple Watch automatically calls the local emergency number, but if you’re not careful it can happen by mistake.
The button is on the right side of the smartwatch. It is sensitive and can call 911 while changing out the wristband or working out, for example.
This actually happened to me as well. Luckily, I noticed it before the call actually went through.
I saw this feature domed in a product announcement and made sure to turn it off after I upgraded the OS. I used to take so many accidental screenshots of my watch. The last thing I wanted was to make even more calls to 911.
I saw the same demo and decided to live dangerously, but still turned it off the first time I accidentally triggered the ear-piercing alert and countdown. Fantastic idea but that side button’s just so easy to hit.
Even with the shortcut off, at least it’s still easy to get to (when you actually want to) from the swipe menu.
I’m not totally thrilled with these being the two options, though. If my other arm is pinned I’m not going to be able to activate it either way. If I can’t see very well, I’m not going to be able to slide the slider.
I don’t know what a better option would be, though.