Satellite connectivity has proven to be a game-changer when it comes to accessing emergency help in areas without cellular service. With Apple’s iPhone 14 series already offering Emergency SOS via Satellite, Huawei adding satellite support to its flagships, and Samsung considering its inclusion in the upcoming Galaxy S24 line, it’s evident that this feature is gaining traction in the mobile world. Now, according to a tweet from #TeamPixel, Android 14 is set to offer SMS via satellite as a native feature, and Pixel and Galaxy phones will be among the first Android models to support it.
Satellite Connectivity: A Lifeline in Emergency Situations
The ability to connect to an orbiting satellite during an emergency in areas without cellular signal has proven to be life-saving. Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite allows users to report an emergency situation, and the Apple replay center notifies an emergency services provider to dispatch immediate help. This feature has already played a crucial role in rescuing individuals stranded in remote locations.
Huawei, with its Mate 50, Mate 50 Pro, and P60 series, also joined the satellite connectivity bandwagon last year, enabling users to send short texts via satellite in areas lacking cellular signals. And now, Android 14 is stepping up its game, with SMS via satellite being offered natively to supported handsets.
Android 14 and the Upcoming Pixel 8 Series
#TeamPixel’s tweet hints at Google’s plans to include satellite connectivity in Android 14, targeting Pixel and Galaxy phones as early adopters. While #TeamPixel is a Pixel fan club and not affiliated with Google, the possibility of Google offering this feature without the necessary hardware on the upcoming Pixel 8 series seems unlikely. Therefore, it is highly anticipated that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, expected to be unveiled in October, will support SMS via satellite.
SMS Satellite will be added to Android, and requires appropriate hardware, it's up to the manufacturer then
Pixel and Galaxy will be among the first to have it
— Pixel #TeamPixel (@GooglePixelFC) July 20, 2023
With Android 14’s final stable version just weeks away from release, it is possible that some information about satellite connectivity will be disclosed at that time. The integration of satellite connectivity in Android 14 and the forthcoming Pixel 8 series could revolutionize how users access emergency help in challenging situations.
Conclusion
Satellite connectivity is proving to be a life-saving feature in emergency situations, enabling individuals to seek help even in areas without cellular service. With Apple, Huawei, and now Google embracing this technology, it’s evident that satellite connectivity is becoming an essential aspect of mobile devices. As the release of Android 14 and the Pixel 8 series approaches, users can look forward to a safer and more reliable means of accessing emergency assistance, potentially making the difference between life and death in critical situations.
