To be able to collect and send messages where there is no mobile network. This is the new battlefield of telephony. Despite its prowess, 5G is not accessible everywhere and satellites can provide support in certain desert or bare areas. But this comes at a significant cost, making even the slightest communication unaffordable.
Apple’s iPhone 14 allows you to send emergency messages by satellite when you no longer have a connection to notify help and this has already saved lives, as recently during the fires in hawaii. Qualcomm has announced the incorporation of satellite connection in its processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which will allow Android smartphones, connected watches or even cars to exchange messages via satellite. And it looks like it’s on the right track.
A function for Android 14
An X user (ex-Twitter) detected the arrival of the satellite connection function in the code lines of Google Messages, the messaging system for Android devices. The user interface thus begins to show places reserved for emergency messages that can be sent by satellite.
As explained by the specialized Android Authority site, Google has never hidden from working on adding this function to Android 14 that will be deployed at the start of the school year. Google Messages is enabled on millions of mobile phones and is the default messaging for many. Support for satellite connection would facilitate its intuitive use by default in emergency situations.
Limited number of users
In order for the satellite connection to be activated on a phone, an integrated compatible modem is also needed and this is certainly where Qualcomm comes in with its Snapdragon 8 gen 2. However, this processor is usually equipped with premium smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23, Xiaomi 13 , the Honor Magic 5 Pro or the Asus ROG 7 and Motorola Edge 40 while Apple has only equipped its latest iPhone 14 and probably the next iPhone 15 expected in September.
Therefore, we will have to wait for smartphones that switch to Android 14 to have a compatible modem and activate the satellite function through an update. Another major processor vendor, MediaTek, announced support for a satellite connection in its new chips earlier this year. Mid-range specialist, the foundry has already equipped the CAT S75, but has not deployed its processor in more affordable devices.
Source: BFM TV
