iOS 5 has earthquake warnings for Japan

According to a 9to5Mac tipster, iOS 5 in Japan will include notifications from Japan's earthquake early warning system. It ties into iOS 5's Notification Center, and can be enabled and disabled just like any Notification Center section in Settings. Because it stays connected to Japan's nationwide online monitoring network, it will most likely lower battery life slightly, but given the importance of the system, that's likely a tradeoff anyone enabling it will be more than willing to make.

No word yet on whether any other earthquake-prone, or natural disaster-prone areas with early warning systems of their own will be able to likewise tie into Notification Center, though App Store apps can fill that gap where and as needed.

[9to5Mac]

Rene Ritchie
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Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.