Google to Use Text-to-Speech Technology for Emergency Calls on Pixels

The new feature is set to roll out to Pixel phones in the United States in the coming months, with "select Android devices" set to get it, too.

Google is adding an automated text-to-speech feature to the Phone app on Pixel devices, enabling a one-tap system to relay location information to medical, fire, or police responders without the need for speech, reports the Verge .

The system is simple: when on an emergency call, the Phone app will now offer three additional buttons, labeled "Medical," "Fire," or "Police." Tapping the button will activate a text-to-speech feature that will read out a message informing the operator that the caller is using an automated service, describing the kind of help the caller needs and the caller's current location. Google says that the new feature is designed for situations in which someone needs emergency services but cannot verbally communicate with an emergency call operator due to injuries, a dangerous situation, or a speech disability.