A very interesting feature on iPhones is the satellite SOS, capable of making calls or sending text messages — such as SMSs — if the is in an area where there is no internet coverage, either Wi-Fi or mobile. The device connects with satellites to make this connection and emergency services when necessary. But now this very useful tool is no longer exclusive to Apple, as the Qualcomm announced that it will launch new processors with this technology, allowing Android devices to also carry out SOS actions via satellite. Check out! 3v4o35
Satellite SOS for Android 424f5f
A Qualcomm announced that its modems and processors will give phones the ability to communicate with the satellite network iridium, allowing s to send and receive messages even in areas that don't have good mobile network coverage. The resource is called Snapdragon Satellite and will already be available on smartphones that have the processor Snapdragon 8 Gen2, also from Qualcomm, as well as the X70 Modem system, all with the addition of some radios.
According to a press release sent by the company, the devices that could rely on this technology should be launched in specific regions, starting in the second half of 2023. sco Grilli, a spokesman for Qualcomm who was at the forefront of a meeting for journalists, said that there are still several manufacturers that are working on projects about the novelty.
The feature will possibly only be available on flagship phones that rely on the Android operating system, as the Qualcomm includes only this technology in its devices. Grilli goes on to say that companies looking to include the chip in their smartphones will work directly with Qualcomm to find compatible hardware and software, but they shouldn't have to build new devices that have a relationship with Qualcomm. iridium. In relation to satellites, phones with this technology will look like any other device that has availability for connection to Iridium.
The cost of satellite messaging and dependent services will depend on OEMs and service providers and how they choose to offer the service.
sco Grilli, spokesman for Qualcomm on who will be responsible for the cost of satellite SOS messages
The new service Snapdragon Satellite will be offered on a limited basis for use in emergency situations, as it is only able to function when the is in a remote area without cell service.
Response coordinators immediately view the customer's Latitude/Longitude in their proprietary response mapping and coordination software to determine the appropriate agency to coordinate the rescue.
Commands that happen when sending an SOS via satellite
A Qualcomm he also stated that at some point for “ messages” will be offered, which will possibly have an extra cost and will still have to be implemented by the cellular operators themselves or other similar service providers. Despite being a pioneer in the subject, so far this is not something that Apple offers — sending texts via satellite using the SOS feature, exclusively.
How much will the service cost? 3h194k
Even though Qualcomm says the emergency service will be something very cheap or even free, it has not yet provided more information on the cost of the service in the case of s who just want to send text messages to their friends who are in remote areas such as a hiking trail or even on a boat sailing across the ocean.
Once this service is actually up and running, Qualcomm says you'll be able to use it with your regular phone number. sco Grilli even said that this feature was too much work and possibly it is, because a messenger via satellite from Garmin, which also uses the Iridium network and charges a monthly service fee of almost US$ 12, cannot offer all of this.
With the explanations of Grilli it is understood that the will be able to configure a list of people who can send text messages when he is not connected, which is something very useful, but there is a chance that some operator plans will end up charging for the messages that are sent and/or received. Thinking about it some people probably wouldn't want to spend money to receive a spam text, for example, or having to receive messages that weren't actually all that urgent.
Despite everything that has already been revealed, there is still not much information about how the sending and receiving of messages by satellite SOS, it seems that this offer will be something similar to what Apple already does, such as the fact that s have to follow instructions displayed on the device's screen to point it at a satellite and finally make the connection.
But the spokesperson for Qualcomm already informs that it will not be necessary, necessarily, to hold the phone up to obtain a signal, even if it may still be necessary in more specific situations. Once the satellite is finally located, it will take about 3 to 10 seconds to receive or send messages.
As someone with satellite messaging experience, this is impressive. I waited minutes for my Garmin InReach to send messages, though that usually only happens under cover of trees; we'll have to see how Qualcomm's technology performs in similar situations.
The Verge on their experience waiting for satellite SOS to work
See also:
Google brings new Android Auto, greater integration with Spotify and more on CES 2023.
Pig iron: The Verge.
