Android alerts, Apple relief pledge follow Venezuela quakes (opens in new tab)

Many Venezuelans reported receiving Android smartphone alerts moments before two powerful earthquakes struck on Wednesday evening, as Google’s earthquake system uses phone accelerometers to detect early seismic waves and send warnings before stronger shaking arrives. Apple CEO Tim Cook said Friday that Apple would donate to relief efforts on the ground, without disclosing an amount. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes hit northern Venezuela less than a minute apart and caused widespread dam...