How to create an "OK Google, I'm being arrested" shortcut on Android

Due to the numerous anti-racist protests that are taking place in the United States and their subsequent altercations with the forces of order, an iPhone user has developed an automatic device for iOS that allows record with the mobile all our interaction with thepoliceman, upload the video to the cloud and inform a trusted contact.

This automation is not something new, since it was created in 2018, but it is now that it has become really popular. To configure it, it is necessary to install the “Shortcuts” app for devices with iOS 12.0 later, and make the pertinent adjustments. Now, is there such a thing for Android?

How to create an "OK Google, I'm being arrested" routine on Android

In the case of the Google operating system, we can create advanced automation with applications such as IFTTT or Tasker, although just a few days ago a Reddit user from the Android community created a routine for Google Home which may well fulfill the same objective: record a video of our possible arrest, upload it to Google Photos and notify one of our contacts by means of a text message.

Its configuration is really simple and is done as follows:

  • Open the Google Home app (if you don't have it installed yet, you can download it from the Google Play Store).
  • Click on the button "Routines -> Manage routines -> Add a routine”.

  • In the countryside "When", We select"Add commands"And we write the text"They are arresting me”. This will be the command that will activate the routine. If we prefer we can use any other phrase, such as "They are going to stop me”, “The police have stopped me”Or similar.
  • Press "To accept”.

  • In the countryside "The assistent", Choose "Add action”.
  • From the tab "Check popular stocks", Under the section"Communication"Check the box"Send a text message”And click on the gear icon that you will see right next to it.
  • In this new window, indicate the phone number you want to send the message to and add the desired text, such as “The police just stopped me and I'm recording it with my mobile, please log into my Google Photos account to watch the video".
  • Press "To accept”.

  • From the same tab "Check popular stocks", Under the section"Your devices"Check the box"Put the phone on silence”.
  • Then also check the box "Adjust media volume”And click on the gear icon to reduce the volume to zero.

  • In the next step, in the upper area of ​​the screen, next to "Add action", click on the "Add”. Under the "The Wizard" field, select "Add action", Enter the command"Set the screen brightness to 0”And click on“Add”.

Finally, we will add 2 new actions: activate the "do not disturb" mode and record the video in question.

  • Under the field "The Assistant" click again on "Add action”And enter the command“Activate do not disturb”. Give to "Add”.
  • Then repeat the same process: click on "Add action" and this time type the command "Record selfie video”. Give to "Add”.
  • Finally, click on the button "Keep”So that the routine is registered in the Google Home app and can be invoked through the Google Assistant.

From here, the routine will be configured and ready to use. When we need it, we just have to launch the voice command "OK Google, I'm being arrested" and the assistant will send the default text message to the selected contact, lower the volume to zero and put the phone on silence. It will then reduce the brightness of the screen to a minimum, activate the "Do not disturb" mode and start the video recording from the front camera of the phone.

Things to keep in mind

For this routine to work correctly make sure that both the Google app and the Google Home app they have all the necessary permissions (access to the camera, contacts, etc.). You can manage the permissions of these applications by opening the Android settings and entering the "Applications" menu, selecting the app and accessing the "Permissions" section.

In addition, make sure to give access to Google Photos to your trusted contact (if not, they will not be able to see the video you just uploaded). It is also recommended that we configure Google Photos to synchronize also using the data connection (otherwise the video will only be uploaded when we are hooked to a Wi-Fi).

Regarding the recording itself, in some countries it is not allowed to record the police, in others it is but they must inform or obtain their consent, etc. That is why in the routine that we have just elaborated, the recording is done with the front camera for selfies, not with the rear camera, in such a way that we only record ourselves. In any case, it is important to review what the law allows in these types of situations. In Spain, for example, as explained by Legálitas, recording one's own conversation does not violate the right to confidentiality of communications, although they recommend being prudent and not misusing said recordings.

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